Page 132 of The Darkness Within Us

By the time we walk into the parlor together, it would seem that my sister and the king have already made themselves comfortable. Kyros stands behind them at the sofa. Argus and Dyson have their arms crossed as they lean against the wall. A number of the king’s guards stand vigilant around the room, and I suspect they are there at my sister’s request.

There is a sharp awkwardness in the air, as Eryx and I take a seat on the sofa opposite the king and queen.

“The estate is quite lovely,” Alessandra says. “I thoroughly enjoyed my walk over here.”

“Thank you,” I say.

More silence.

The king leans forward, making eye contact with me. “Explain,” he says.

I look to my sister. “Did she not tell—”

“She told me. I want to hear it from you.”

I sit up taller, and Eryx’s hand snakes into mine, offering strength.

“I love this man. I have for a while. I was just too blind to see it. Please don’t kill him. He has no political aspirations. No wish to be anyone of importance. He’s already given up the ruling of the dukedom to me. Eryx only wants a quiet life in the country, as do I.”

Eryx’s hand tightens in mine. “I will accept whatever punishment you deem necessary, my king. But please allow the duchess to resume control of—”

Kallias puts up a hand to halt Eryx. His face gives away nothing.

Alessandra leans over and whispers something into his ear that I don’t catch. Eryx must hear it, for he relaxes ever so slightly.

Kallias looks at her with heat in his eyes, but he turns his attention to us once more. “You forged a will. You have brought undue stress upon the duchess. And you attacked your king.”

Dread crawls down my spine. “Please, Kallias. He was only trying to protect me. I—I can keep him under control.”

The king turns his gaze to me. “Don’t even get me started on your crimes.”

I swallow.

Alessandra’s grin grows, and I cannot tell whose side she’s on. Until she says, “I pardon them.”

Kallias fights a smile as he turns to his wife. “You pardon the man who tried to kill your husband?”

“He didn’t succeed. No one in the estate saw anything. No one knows anything except those present in the room. Besides, I think I like my sister and want to spend more time with her. You wouldn’t have me do that from a prison cell, would you?”

Kallias rubs a hand over his chin, and I realize that the two of them are toying with us, just as they’re toying with each other.

“I suppose your sister would hardly wish to see you if we killed her lover, and I can’t have my queen stepping foot in a prison.”

What is happening?

Alessandra rises before looking between me and Eryx. “You have one week. Then I expect you both to come visit us at the castle.”

I blink. One week… to spend time with my new lover before she expects us to be in polite company. Gods, did they hear us earlier?

“By then, I expect Eryx to have a tighter leash on his protective instincts,” she continues.

I nod, because what else can I possibly do or say?

Kallias holds out a gloved hand to Eryx, and he takes it. “Don’t mistake this for tolerance. If you cross any lines or get out of control, I will hold her responsible.” He points to me. “Since she claims to be able to control your actions.”

A low growl comes out of Eryx, and I smack him.

“Of course, Your Majesty,” I say for him.

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