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“Over my dead body,” I hiss, caressing the hilt of Mizéria.
With a haughty laugh, Marian retorts, “That can be arranged. Just say the words.”
Losing whatever semblance of calm I’ve managed to fake, I stand up and slam the tip of my knife between my aunt’s ring and middle fingers, making her jump and shriek in surprise. “Are you challenging me, Marian?” I ask, my voice deceptively calm. “Or are you threatening me? It’s been so long since we’ve spent quality time together without you hiding behind others, so you’ll forgive me for needing you to clarify.”
“Of course she’s not challenging you,” my dad scoffs. He’s completely ignoring my second question, instead giving me a disapproving look.
Much to my dismay, I feel like a scolded girl. Even all these years later, he’s still capable of correcting me with a single look. How is that fair?
“Didn’t think so,” I mumble as I sit back down, childishly needing to get the last word.
As soon as I’m seated again, Liam and Gus waste no time getting their hands on me. While one squeezes my knee, the other strokes my thigh. It makes me miss Kai, I want his hands on me as well. However, since he isn’t part of our family, there isn’t really a good reason for him to insist on crashing these hallowed rites.
Besides, I don’t know if my dad is a friend or foe yet, so I want to play things extra carefully around him. That means not letting Marian know that Kai’s now my husband. Which basically means there’s also no good reason for him to be present for the distribution of Nikolaos’ assets.
Personally, I couldn’t care less about the earthly belongings my uncle has left behind, I just don’t want Marian to get anything. The way I see it, Gus should inherit everything. Too bad I’m not in charge.
I square my shoulders as I mentally think back on the day. When Gus, Liam, and I arrived at the Necromanteion, Marian was already there—but my dad wasn’t. He arrived less than five minutes later, and my aunt wasn’t surprised to see him. The two of them exchanged pleasantries and even did a cheek-kiss greeting.
How have I not thought about that until now?
Christ, how could I be so stupid? Being preoccupied with Nikolaos’ funeral is no excuse to lower my guards, to not make sure I observe everything around me. My uncle would be so disappointed if he could see me now.
If he was still alive, he’d shake me and say something like, “Never take your eyes off the prize.” Or, “Dear niece, you’re a Drákon. Never let your guard down. You should only allow your feelings to take over when you’re in a place you’re safe.”
He isn’t here, though. That’s the damn problem, and the reason I never questioned Marian’s reaction, or lack thereof, to my dad’s presence. When someone that’s been presumed dead suddenly shows up, all logic dictates you don’t just kiss their cheek and move on with your day.
“I am his wife.” Too lost in my thoughts, I barely register Marian’s whiny gripe. “As his life partner, I’m entitled to half of his estate. Why are we even wasting time debating this, Alexander?” Her voice softens as she says my dad’s name. Then she leans in and gently touches his forearm, making goosebumps spread across my skin.
What is going on here?
“Actually,” Gus says, his voice steadfast as he demands our attention. “The mansion belongs to me.”
I swallow the urge to smile as Marian literally clutches her pearls. “Augustus?” The high-pitched sound of her voice is giving me a headache, and I groan in frustration. “Got something to say, Acacia?” my aunt adds, her eyes flashing with anger, making the blue so dark the color almost blends with the black of her pupils.
“It all belongs to me. According to the laws of the Kronos Society, nothing can be passed to a spouse unless stated in the will. Dad’s will doesn’t mention you, except that he releases you from the Drákon name. So, it falls to the offspring.” My cousin pauses and gestures at himself. “Which would be me.”
“I think you’re forgetting something,” my dad calmly says, lacing his fingers together on the table in front of him. “That rule only counts if the Leader passes, and since I’m the rightful Leader…”
I take great pleasure in knowing I can back my cousin up and thwart whatever my dad and aunt are up to. “Except you weren’t the Leader when Nikolaos died,” I state. “Your brother took the seat as the Leader when you faked your own death and hid from whatever. And since you hadn’t made an official play or claim for the title, Nikolaos was our Leader. Gus is right, it’s all his. Every. Single. Asset.” I grin so widely my teeth are showing.
“Surely that can’t be right, I—”
Having had enough of Marian, I interrupt her. “Oh, but it is. Are you openly going against the laws of the Kronos Society? Are you disputing the rules?” I ask, picking my knife back up and clutching the hilt as hard as possible.
“Shut up, Acacia. You have no stake in any of this, so why don’t you just sit back like a good girl, keep your legs crossed, and your mouth closed for once.” Marian looks smug, like she just delivered an insult I’m meant to recoil from.
“Careful, aunt,” I say, still smiling, showing her my canines. “If you keep talking to me, I have to assume you want my attention. Is that really what you want? Because if I were you, I’d want to stay as far away from me as possible. Our score isn’t settled, but it will be before we part ways today.” My tone is even and low as I subtly remind her of our unfinished business.
Marian looks from my dad to her son, a perfectly shaped brow raised so high it disappears beneath the loose tendrils of hair that are framing her face. “Are you just going to sit back and let her talk to me that way?”
“Shouldn’t have poked the dragon,” Liam chuckles.
I reach for my phone and tap away, barely paying attention to my aunt insulting my consort while I scroll through my emails. Luckily, it doesn’t take me long to find what I’m looking for, and I forward the email to her.
“One more word against my consort, and I will challenge you,” I hiss. “Now, be a good girl and check your email.” I wait as Marian fishes her phone out and opens my email.
I laugh as her face pales and her breath falters. “What am I looking at?” she asks, false haughtiness and bravado palpable in her voice.
