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Well, damn, he was going to tattle on me to his master. I crossed my arms over my chest and popped one hip to the side.
Samuel’s eyes flickered between us, just the smallest of lines appearing on his forehead. “In his library.”
Henry nodded, disappearing down the hall. “Keep a close eye on her. She’s up to something.” His voice floated back. He didn't even try to keep his disdain from me.
“Oh, Lily, what have you been doing?” Samuel turned his gaze to meet mine, his voice soft.
I shrugged, slipping off the window seat and walking into my bedroom to get ready for the day. Nothing I said would matter. They would believe what they wanted. I was sure I would hear from Apollo soon, so I might as well get prepared.
I dressed in my armor: tight black leggings and a long-sleeve pink flowered T-shirt dress. I pulled a wide belt that matched my pants around my waist before yanking on a short, dark leather vest. Strolling into the bathroom, I brushed my hair until it shone like a silver coin in the morning sunlight. Pulling two hunks of the front sides up on top of my head, I braided the strands until they fell among the rest to the middle of my back.
I didn't use makeup often, but today I did. Thick strokes of ebony eyeliner outlined my eyes, followed by smoky eye shadow above my eyelids. The dramatic makeup caused the lavender of my irises to darken to purple.
Running a clear lip gloss over my lips, I stood back and studied myself.
At home, I could have added blush and lipstick, but this would do for now. I hadn’t worn any makeup since I arrived here, so none of them had seen me like this.
Slipping my feet into my pitch-black boots—fuck his rule about no shoes in the house—I strode into the sitting room, finding Thea putting my breakfast down on the table. Samuel was inside the door, his watchful gaze on her.
They both turned as my heels clicked on the gleaming wooden floor planks. And they stared.
For the first time, I looked my age. Not that I was old, but I was an adult and had been acting like one for some time. It was easy to appear to be a teen to be underestimated, but today, I didn’t think that tactic would work. So here I was.
I ignored them, pouring myself a cup of a deep amber tea, adding in cream and a touch of sugar. I grabbed a hard-boiled egg, already peeled for my convenience, and an apple. Placing them on a plate, I carried them to the window seat and sat down, my long legs crossing as I sliced the egg first and then the apple.
“Salt, please, Thea,” I requested, my tone a mixture of command and good manners.
The woman had an immediate reaction to my words, picking up the shaker and bringing it over to me. She said nothing, but her eyes were wide, almost with fear.
I took it from her. “Thank you.” It was an obvious dismissal, and she left, returning to the table.
Samuel narrowed his eyes. “What are you up to, Lilianne?” He whispered his question, but it could be heard throughout the room.
I ignored him, devouring my food. I followed it with a sip of tea, turning to gaze out the window towards the gardens.
Apollo’s landscaping often changed, based on his moods. I wasn't sure if he understood I had figured that out. Then again, he probably didn't care I had. Still, it gave me important information.
Today, they were not wild like when he was emotional, or structured like when he was feeling analytical or logical. No, they were a mixture of both, with paths that ended in thick hedges and flowers with barbs.
Roses. So many roses. They were beautiful, with petals of every color under the sun, and dangerous, with huge black thorns.
I narrowed my eyes, studying them.
He was preparing for battle as well. My smile was grim. Well, let the battles begin.
Standing, I strolled over to Samuel, running a hand down my shirt to brush any crumbs from my clothes. His eyes followed the path of my hand, the man not indifferent to my charms.
I stopped in front of him for a moment.
“Well, I guess we should go see the big guy.” I took a step to his side to move around him and walked out the door.
I heard Thea gasp as the guard spun to catch up with me, his steps quick behind me.
“What are you up to today, Lily? I have to tell you, Apollo is in no mood to play silly games,” he growled. Passing me, he attempted to appear as if he was leading the way, even though I was sure I knew where his master was hiding.
“Indeed. Neither am I.” Even to me, the words sounded clipped, as if I was at the end of my patience. Which I was.
Henry had pushed me to this. He was too much.
