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The bronze winner, a man with long black hair and dark eyes shrugged. “If the future queen wants to throw a blade, I won’t be the one to stop her.” He pulled a knife from his belt and handed it to me. I made a mental note to get his name because I liked that he was the only one that listened. Obedience would be rewarded.
I spun around, testing the weight of it in my palm while staring at the target. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me. I hated how tight my dress was and accounted for how it restricted my arms. Murmurs floated across the stands. Victoria was glaring at me.
I stole a look at August, who had concern etched into his features. His arms were crossed over his chest, and I could practically feel his disapproval.
Then, my eyes fluttered to Lord Nathan’s suite, where Atticus was standing by the rail, watching me with his haunting eyes.
Little Monster, he mouthed.
His endearing pet name emboldened me.
Leo was at my side, silently encouraging me like the shadow he was.
I raised the blade. I let out a quick breath.
Calculating the distance and the weight of the blade, I focused on how hard I’d need to throw. When I needed to let go. How long it would take to sink into my target.
And just as I tossed the knife, sending it soaring through the air. My fierce, deadly eyes connected with Lord Nathan as it landed right in the middle of the target.
Perfect throw.
Perfect execution.
The crowd was stunned silent for a moment and then erupted in cheers. It was so loud I flinched from the severity of it. A smile broke out along my face, and I rolled my shoulders back.
I was no one’s property.
I would fight for myself.
Chapter Twenty-Four
CHRISTINE
“Our approval ratings are through the roof!” Victoria excitedly said while inspecting my dress for the engagement party. I’d been plucked and prodded all day for this event, and the royal publicist was riding the high of my demonstration at the Military Games. “People are calling you strong and the firm hand Augustus needs. Women everywhere are praising your independence. We have merch going live, and there is a waitlist!”
I smiled at her. The poor woman deserved some good news after everything this castle had put her through. “I’m glad,” I said, though I wasn’t feeling very glad. Truthfully, I was nervous. I shouldn’t have let Lord Nathan rile me up like that. Part of the plan was to be lethal in secret. By showing off just a fraction of my skills, I put a big target on my back.
People were supposed to think I was incapable of murder.
What would happen if they investigated Lord Geralt’s death more closely?
“Remember,” Victoria said. “Once you’re announced, you’ll meet Augustus in the middle of the dance floor and you’ll waltz.”
I nodded. Isabelle had forced us into dance lessons when we were both young, so I was well versed on it, even though we hadn’t had time to practice. August had always been clumsy on his feet when it came to dances, but he enjoyed spinning me around and making faces at our instructor.
“I understand. I can handle this, Victoria.”
She nodded and checked her iPad. “It’s almost time. Officer Winthrop will escort you. I need to visit with some ambassadors and get confirmation that they’ll attend the wedding.”
She fluttered out the door, barely saying goodbye before slamming it shut, leaving Leo and me alone in the waiting room before going out to the ball. I gave him a cautious glance. Things had been so damn busy, even though he was always there, watching, waiting, silently drinking me in with those sultry green eyes. We hadn’t really spoken.
“Will you be my shadow all night?” I asked.
He nodded once.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Are you going to speak to me?”
Leo seemed to debate how to answer, his muscles rigid with tension. “I’m not sure what you want me to say.”
