Page 77 of Madness of Her Mages

He shook his head.They didn’t say where she went.

Nikkos dragged his hands through his long, loose hair.I hope she didn’t go to Fachnan’s court.

I gritted my teeth, every muscle in my body tensing.I refuse to believe she’d align with Fachnan.At least I prayed she hadn’t aligned with him.

If it’s true,Drae warned, his features darkening,your aunt will be in a foul mood.

Damn.

Drae looked me over with a frown.Maybe you should have worn the wig and makeup.

I bristled at the suggestion.Maybe you should stop second-guessing the way I handle Malvolia.

Hurt flashed in his eyes before he squeezed my arm.I’m sorry if it seems that way, but I’m trying to protect you.

I pulled out of his grasp, pretending to smooth wrinkles in my stiff gown. Are you still afraid she’ll kill me?

He released a slow breath while sharing a look with his brothers.Malvolia’s moods can be unpredictable.

I gave him a questioning look.So you no longer think she’s your perfect queen?

He frowned.I never did.

Hm. That hadn’t been my impression when we’d first met. He’d seemed to idolize her. Or maybe I was letting jealousy rulemy judgment. I gave each of my mates a hard look.I know Thorin tricked her, but she still has a lot to be accountable for.

Drae laced his arm through mine again, a plea in his eyes.And that time will come, but for now can we focus on staying alive?

MALVOLIA’S COURT WASgathered in her throne room, which was strange that they weren’t seated yet, because I thought we were later to supper than yesterday. To say the atmosphere at court was subdued would’ve been an understatement. The courtiers were downright terrified, hanging back in the shadows, tucked away behind curtains or potted plants. I spied my aunt at the end of the great hall, sitting atop her throne, her three young lovers from earlier today as well as her current season’s lovers hovering around her like flies swarming a carcass. They were apparently the only Fae bold enough to go near her as they puffed up their chests like roosters competing for the same hen, arguing over who got to refill her wine and rub her feet.

What was more appalling than their pathetic behavior was that she appeared to encourage it, coyly smiling at her new lovers while blatantly turning up her nose at the others. I realized I was witnessing the changing of the guard, the new lovers replacing the old. I supposed the old lovers would only be ignored for so long before they tucked their tails between their legs and skulked away. I wondered if she’d offer her old lovers anything for their service, like a new sword or a title. Or was the honor of sleeping with her reward enough?

We had just entered the throne room when a gloved hand pulled me into the shadows. I looked into Veronica’s glassy eyes. She smelled of wine and her bronze lipstick was smeared halfway across her cheek.

“Avoid Lords Monte and Furori,” she whispered. “They’re in a particularly bad mood.”

Drae pulled me to his side, squeezing my ribs with a little too much force. “We can handle them.”

“But they were Malvolia’s winter lovers.” She flipped open a lacy fan, waving it across her big, feathered bosom. “She has a special fondness for them.”

“I’m sure she has a fondness for all her lovers.” Drae refused to look into her eyes, his tone one of boredom.

I appreciated his grand show of disinterest, but I had a feeling it was more for me than for Veronica.

“She does. As do I.” She giggled, playfully swatting his chest with her fan. “You do not want to force her to choose,” she said to me, her eyes sharpening as a look of understanding passed between us, “especially not tonight after the news she’s received.”

Drae and Nikkos grumbled behind me, but I had a hard time being angry with Veronica when she pursed her lips, acting like some playful courtesan, because I had a feeling it was all a façade.

“What news?” I asked, feigning ignorance.

“You will find out soon enough. Do not give her any reason to question your loyalty.” She plastered on a smile while nodding to something behind me.

Fear and dread iced over my veins. I had a feeling my aunt was staring holes through our heads.

“Thank you,” I whispered back before looking up at Drae.

I’d already learned today that Veronica wasn’t some dumb, incompetent witch. I wanted to ask her why she’d help us, but she’d confirmed my suspicions—she still had feelings for Drae. ‘As do I,’ she’d said. I should’ve been angry, but instead I was grateful she was helping us.

Maybe we should go,Nikkos projected to us.

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