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Chapter 40 – Talia
My car pulled intothe line of chauffeured vehicles dropping their owners at the private entrance to the Grantham Opera House in LA. Tonight was the long-anticipated concert. It was prearranged before I married Drakos that I would meet my father here, and his latest correspondence reminded me again in no uncertain terms that I was expected to be present. This was also one of Constantine’s ideas to end his enemy. But he’d held reservations about making the kill in such a public place. We were supposed to discuss it more.
My husband was so methodical when he contemplated the demise of his enemy. It must be the smuggler in him, talking about death in such a stone-cold way. I wasn’t missing this chance to meet with my father, even though there was no plan in place to end this feud tonight, and I knew better than to try and take on the task by myself. I would be patient and wait to strike another day—with my ally. But I still needed to meet with my father, if for no other reason than to pacify him. Perhaps to set another meeting in a few weeks’ time where we could lure him into a position to be taken out. But it had been beyond difficult to let my watch dog allow me to go. It wasn’t until Iryna came into the hall to see her brother that Adrian had relented.
“It would be best if you were out of town for a bit,” he’d said, looking between Iryna and me.
As the attendant opened my door, I pulled my heavy skirts out of the way and slid out of the vehicle. I didn’t want to be here. Especially without Constantine. Leaving Philip to watch the car, a guard from the house emerged and dogged my footsteps. I swallowed hard, dreading the confrontation. The guard would ensure I wasn’t hurt, but that didn’t mean my father wouldn’t be furious.
There would be no avoiding my father’s ire. He expected a result. And so far, I hadn’t delivered. I needed to offer something to Gustave—give him a bone. My plan was to tell him my husband was mortally wounded. It would lull him long enough to see where I stood.
My husband had discovered my original motive, or perhaps he’d known all along. And even knowing, Constantine had still offered me a future.
The distance between us made me feel heavy and hurt. I’d not spoken with Drakos all week. His relatives were guarding him worse than a dragon from a fairytale protecting its hoard. We couldn’t act on the plan to end my father’s reign, a plot that would no doubt leave me parentless. Surprisingly, that thought didn’t bother me.
Once inside the opera house, my designated attendant approached and introduced himself, then led me to the box reserved for the Drakos family. My guard trailed at a respectful distance. With a sweeping gesture, my attendant gestured for me to enter. I squeezed my clutch tightly as I stood on the threshold.
“Will there be anything else, ma’am?” he asked.
“Not right now,” I said with a forced smile.
He gave a nod and gestured at the wall. “Just push the call button if I may be of assistance.” With that, the attendant left.
My guard took up his station by the door, and I pulled the thick curtain closed. Alone in the box, I let out a long sigh, tossing my small handbag onto the empty seat that was meant for Constantine. Despite everything, I planned to enjoy the opera. The view was phenomenal. The musicians were warming their instruments, and the strains of otherworldly music permeated the hall. Folding into my seat, I wondered if my husband would have liked this. He’d agreed to come when I’d brought it up in the days following Greece. And given his love of classical things, it stood to reason he would enjoy this. I sure as hell was going to enjoy listening to live music. Being in public was rare before I’d married Constantine.
By the time the lights signaled everyone to their seats, I was eager for the opening aria. As the first plaintive notes echoed over the hall, the curtain rose. A troop of vocalists came out, singing about their plight. Righteous, masculine notes warred with the steady feminine cries for freedom. I bit my lip, eyes glued on the stage. Their queen was going to kill another suitor, and they cautioned all to risk her terrible challenge. The prize, however, was the most beautiful woman in marriage.
I was caught off guard when a heavy hand fell on my shoulder. I spun, only to find it was a familiar figure.
“Talia.”
“Father,” I breathed, realizing he’d entered past my guard. “I didn’t hear you.”
“We need to speak. Privately.” He scanned the crowd, fingers tightening into my flesh.
My skin chilled. “It is private here, père.”
The hard look I received was a warning. Resistance would make this worse.Play the game, Talia.A perfectly good opening act was now ruined by this unavoidable confrontation. Adrenaline spiking, I rose, snatched my clutch, and stepped around my plush chair to follow my father out. The tight hold I had of my skirts hid the trembling of my fingers.
My guard furrowed his brows as I passed, but I signaled for him to stay. “My father is escorting me to the ladies’ room,” I said, offering him a warm smile.
The guard narrowed his eyes. “I’ll follow behind.”
Constantine would no doubt hear of our meeting, which was fine as it wasn’t something I wanted hidden. But with the family guarding their prince, I wouldn’t get to tell him my side of the story. I just hoped Constantine still believed my allegiances lay with him, even though I’d been exiled from his room.
