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But I am a dark elf. We are allowed to make ruckuses, I remind myself. “And for good reason,” I quip back. “Do you have a sister?”
“I killed mine,” she says, raising a perfect eyebrow. “But she craved power over family and set out on her own to make a name for herself. I simply couldn’t abide.”
The heartlessness is staggering, but I keep my composure. “I am sorry for your loss.”
“Don’t be. She has already been forgotten.”
“So has mine,” I nod, setting my jaw. “But not by choice. She was the best of us, and the most loyal to the family. She sacrificed everything to create an alliance between our House and Lord Everan, but he would not have it.”
The dark elf’s countenance is hard, softening only slightly.
If she cherishes family, I will play on her weakness or find myself ousted by her graceful hand. Several dark elves I’ve already spoken to tip their glasses in my direction. She is not the only one with allies tonight.
The matron notices, her lips forming a thin line. “Careful, young one. You may be used to the courts of Orthani, but Rach might as well be in another world entirely. We do not play high-court games here, Lady Elluin.”
I nod in understanding and take a drink of wine before speaking. “I had no intention of causing a ‘ruckus,’ as you so crudely put it. I am simply here to find justice.”
“So I’ve heard.”
It takes me only a moment to realize she is not one of the young fools of court, but a monarch of many years and many more adversaries. I am simply here to debase Lord Everan. She has the look of one who’s ripped the hearts out of countless victims. If she could kill her own sister, what care would she have for mine?
Her mouth turns down. “You wish to disrupt Lord Everan’s alliances.” She reads me like an open book, and I can’t help but gape a little, even as she issues a blooming smile. “Then you have come to the right party.”
I issue a little laugh.
“Enough about this dead sister of yours, though. If you want to strike at his heart, why not play into your strengths? You are a beautiful woman. In my many years, I’ve learned it is far more satisfying to twist the knife yourself.”
My own smile broadens. “Then we understand each other.”
“He will duel with that pest Dirnyn at dawn, but there are many moments between now and tomorrow morning. You have already bent his court to your whim. Who could blame you, if you were simply defending yourself?”
I like the way she thinks.
But it is not part of the plan, unfortunately. “I cannot take action against Lord Everan. With the fate of my sister, I would be implicated without due process and my family’s name would be tarnished,” I disagree.
“What happens in Rach,” she whispers. “Stays in Rach.”
My laugh comes bright and easy. It catches the attention of stray partygoers, and she laughs with me.
“You are right. I am not used to your ways, matron.”
“You should visit more often then. We have ample entertainment, what with the Dark Market so close. And the House of Morsatra would host you. After the excitement has died down, of course.”
I squeeze her hand like a long-lost friend. “You are too kind.”
“Nonsense. It is the least we could do since we seem to have a common enemy.” She doesn’t need to say more. It appears Lord Everan never had as many allies as he thought. And I am in the perfect position to use it against him.
“Lady Morsatra, I am honored.”
She pats my hand in a parting gesture. “Remember that you have friends in high places, Lady Elluin. Call on me next time you’re in Rach.”
“I will,” I say, my head spinning from the excitement of it all.
I am impatient to be back in Zyranth’s arms, to tell him everything that has transpired and how we’ve secured our lead over Lord Everan. But even as discontent spreads like wildfire through the crowd, I excuse myself from the party to find Dirnyn first.
The disguise has been useful.
But Lady Elluin’s time is up.
