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He tapped his lip and gestured to me. “Youare the Queen’s Huntsman.”
“Sahlyn Asher, the Queen’sroyalHuntsman, at your service.”
I was not fond of Count Myer Hastings. He lied and coerced to get into Amira’s good graces, and he was a weasel bastard.
I didn’t think I could dislike him more until his eyes raked over Autumn’s body like she was a broodmare for purchase. Granted, she was worthy of a long look in her trim, cream-colored breeches and fitted vest over a blue tunic. Her customary blue cape was slung over her shoulders and tied with a bright red ribbon.
I couldn’t help but think her hair would look pretty with a matching ribbon.
I shook myself from those thoughts and other ones I’d had of the girl that I wasn’t willing to admit.
You’re going to be murdering her! Stop thinking about her as a friend oranythingbut a target!
“You, I do not know, but I certainly wish to.”
Hastings sent Autumn a flirty smile that I wished to wipe off his face with my fist. His smile made me see that this man took things without asking, without consent, just like the queen—which was why they got along so well. I shouldn’t judge anyone. I killed innocents for the queen, but if it weren’t for the contract, that’s not who I would be, what I would do. Of course, I was tainted and had a place in the Underworld, but I still had some sliver of integrity.
I watched Autumn’s nostrils flare in disgust, but outwardly she smiled, and her lashes fluttered closed. She could play the game better than I had given her credit for.
“My Lord, I am Blanche White. I am delivering your completed weapons from Geva.”
My eyes swung to the Count, who looked surprised.
“Brigham mentioned his daughter would deliver the weapons, but I had assumed a caravan….” Hastings glanced around them. “And an entourage of guards.”
“I am only a delivery girl. Master Brigham's daughter has gone missing.”
“And I am the only guard the lady needs, Count Hastings, but she has more awaiting her in the city.” I didn’t mean for my words to come out growly, but I couldn’t help myself. If he thought Autumn was defenseless, I feared he might ask for things I knew she wouldn’t understand or be willing to give.
Court and royalty were deceiving and vile these days and continued to worsen. Amira enjoyed having conniving, wicked people around her. It amused her, and she slowly weeded out the honorable people so these cruel-edged, greedy individuals could take over. All they wanted was power and didn't care what was best for the citizens of Catalan.
The time for honor, justice, and good-hearted people was over. People like Autumn, Bereille, and my father. The people that sang to my soul—their time had passed. Perhaps it was delayed in the Kingdom of Feist because of Bereille and the late King’s family line, but the time would come when a new leader would come into power under Amira’s thumb, and they would be equally corrupt.
“Well, let’s not dawdle. Follow me into the parlor, and we’ll take a look.”
The majesty of Brigham Snow’s weapons was phenomenal. I hadn’t inspected them that night at the inn, too consumed by the night’s events, but my eyes took in their fill now. They were stunning, innovative designs of gleaming silver and iron.
To say they impressedme was an understatement. I didn’t even try to hide it, but the Count did.
“These are nice. Worthy of a decent battle, but they lack something.”
Autumn raised a dark brow. I saw in her eyes the hurt from that statement, and I wondered—not for the first time—how much involvement she had in her family business.
“How so, sir?” Her tone did not reveal the anger I saw in her jaw set or the hardened grip on the fine sword she held.
Yes, she was far better than I had ever given her credit for when dealing with royals, but she still had an air of innocence that was apparent to the count and me. I didn’t think she could reasonably handle everything to do with the darkness of these courts if she were immersed in them further. I sure as fuck wouldn’t be letting her stay here for the night.
But why did I care? Inwardly I scolded myself, but I did care. I couldn’t see her used by the royals… or anyone.Fuck.
“Well, for one, the gemstone the Queen gifted me is unpolished.”
I had left Autumn polishing the weapons that morning while I got breakfast, so we all knew that was complete bullshit.
“I can re-polish them, my lord, if that is what you require.”
“Hmm.” He tapped his lips, and his eyes slunk over Autumn’s body. Autumn poised for action, and the supple lines of her body were well-displayed. She needed to wear a shapeless potato sack to hide her curves in the future—especially when dealing with nobles.
“I think I’d like to see that done, Lady Blanche.”
