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A swirl of movement sends a small whoosh of air toward me, the sound of unsheathing metal dancing around me.
“I suggest, sir, that you move away from the captain if you’d like to leave here still breathing.” Liam and I turn in unison toward the voice.
Ari holds a raised dagger to the back of Liam’s head, another pushed up against his side just below the ribs. In all the flurry of Liam’s quick, unexpected approach, we missed the nearly invisible play by the woman beside me. Somehow, she not only grabbed her own dagger, but mine as well.
Liam lifts a brow, clearly not used to being the one taken by surprise. Carefully, he lowers his sword from my jugular. “And you are?” His head movement is limited, his gaze shifting sideways in an attempt to get a better look of the woman putting him in a rather precarious situation.
“I’m the one who will gladly slit your throat and watch you bleed out right here if you don’t lower your sword,” she retorts, giving him a menacing smile as she pushes the knife a little deeper into his side.
Liam gives a shaky laugh, mostly to cover his groan of pain. “However did you persuade this one into your company, Roan? She’s too lovely to be caught up with the likes of you.”
“I suggest you lower your sword, Mr. Santana, or you’ll get to see firsthand how lovely I can be,” Ari declares, her eyes honed in on his every flinch.
“I think I would like that,” Liam smiles, venturing a twist against the sharp blade in order to see her face. Both eyebrows raise and a short whistle escape him as he takes her in. “Good grief, Montgomery. I’m impressed. How did you land a vixen such as her? If she belonged to me, we’d never leave the house.” It would seem he’s taken a few lessons from Tess when it comes to flattering a mark.
A deep grunt rumbles through him as Ari kicks behind his leg, landing him to his knees against the stony ground. “I belong to no one,” she barks in his ear, moving the blade from his side and tossing it back to me before grabbing a fistful of his dark hair. She yanks back his head while moving her dagger to rest flesh against the now easy access to his neck—one swipe and he’ll be lying in a bloody heap on the roadside.
“Alright. That’s enough.” Tess announces. “Tell your warrior princess to stand down.” She waves flippantly toward the dicey scene playing out between her brother and the mysterious Turin woman. “You’re outnumbered, Roan.” She raises outstretched arms, reminding us of their advantage and prompting me to survey the Santana’s Guard in a wide, arcing circle. “You can follow us peacefully, or we will take you forcefully. Your choice.”
Otto stands with both arms folded, wholly disinterested in the repartee, and apparently unconvinced of any danger as he’s made no attempt to enter the fray of our shaky reunion. Aiden’s gaze follows Tess, but the boyish grin has finally fallen from his mouth.
Good.
I need all the players if we are going to win this game.
23
Ari
I’msittinginaroom unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
It stands looming over me— a steep ceiling, gold flourishes touching every inch of the space, grand windows with their adjoining thick, flowing drapes, and a bed that would easily fit six grown men. I don’t want to sit down, afraid I will muss the linens or the elegant, velvety upholsteries. My discomfort is as wide as the space before me, unused to such finery and enclosed spaciousness.
Out the windows is a vast, open courtyard filled with, at the moment, an array of people. Some look to be servants and workers of the estate, moving to and fro with their afternoon chores and duties, keeping the grounds and living quarters up to the prestige and status of the Santanas. It reminds me of Turin, only an orderly version that shows a devoted concern for the well-being of the employed people.
I desperately want to hate Tess and her condescending, over-reaching brother, Liam. I’ve yet to meet their father, Lord Santana, but already I feel a tiny smidge of respect for their family. What I see from my limited view is nothing short of inspiring. Everyone has a purpose and a place, something grander than their common upbringing to contribute toward and feel proud of.
It’s suddenly clear why Marg wanted the kidnapping of Princess Adalena kept between us— there are very capable families within the realm, skilled leaders that would meet very little resistance should they make a move for the Crown. Felshan’s monarchy is fragile, a strong wind able to turn the Chattan-Sinclair line to rubble and seat another more proficient and equal to the task of rebuilding our atrophied kingdom.
Part of me wants to slip the information to the Santanas, the thought of light and life brought back to the people of Turin urging me to move forward with the idea. Could I turn my back on the princess? On the three men I started on this venture with? On Marg?
The first two hold little sway, even if they seem up to the task of personally changing the future trajectory of our suffering city. But Marg— her image won’t leave me. After the prince died, her life’s mission became entwined with Felshan and its capital city of Turin.
Could I betray her work? Her dedication to Princess Adalena taking the throne? Marg has hindered my own gain, but also given me the ability to seek the vengeance I’ve wanted since my mother was dragged from our home. I may never find those who took her from me, who made her rot in a cell without any proof of her crime, but I know their kind. Satisfaction will be such a sweet reward as I slowly inflict their suffering. And because of Marg, I can. I will.
My resolve cements into place. I won’t forsake my teacher and her efforts.
Don’t fail me, Marg.My silent prayer dissipates within the spacious walls of my temporary room.
A knock at my door startles me away from my vantage point. “Come in,” I say, unused to having to carry my voice so far in order to be heard.
“We are to attend dinner with the Santanas tonight.” Captain Montgomery stands at the entrance to my room, his face pulling into an almost pitying look. “Tess sent… clothes for us to change into.” He steps out of the way, a rosy-cheeked woman moving in his place.
“Hello, my lady.” The older woman curtsies. “My name is Larisa. I’m here to prepare you for tonight’s dinner party.”
“Prepare me? Am I to be one of the courses?” Genuine confusion knits my brow.
“She’s here to help you become more… presentable.” The captain is doing his best to be diplomatic, but I frown at him anyway.
