Page 25 of The Darkness Within Us

“But you’re the master of this house.”

“Exactly, Nico.”

“He looks nothing like you. He’s not a very good impostor. Shall I be a lion today and gobble him up?”

I finally look away from the doorway Eryx disappeared into. “No, I think today we should gobble up sweets from the kitchen. What do you say to us seeing what Cook is up to?”

Nico squirms out of his father’s arms and starts dashing toward the servants’ entrance to the side of the house. “Race you!” he calls over his shoulder.

I follow after him, eager to fortify myself with sugar.

ITRY NOT TO GRITmy teeth as I watch my things moved back to the duchess suite the very next day. Thankfully, I’ve also refurbished this room since Pholios’s death, though I did it in a light blue, thinking perhaps one day I would have a lover move in. I pictured a man lounging in dark silks ready to pleasure me whenever I want, day or night. I was preparing to ask Sandros if he’d like to move in and leave Zanita’s, though after what happened to him the night Eryx Demos showed up, I doubt he’ll want to come around anymore. The doctor said he’d be fine in the long run, but a nasty bruise was forming when I ordered a couple footmen to return him to Zanita’s. I’ve given themadam a name and full description of Eryx, should she wish to press charges.

I expect to see the servants moving the fake duke’s belongings into the master suite next door, but I find no one coming or going as I rearrange my things in my new room. Odd, but I have much more important things to occupy my mind.

Like how I’m to be rid of Eryx Demos.

I can think of plenty of things I’d like to do. Poison his supper. Push him out of a moving carriage. Set a couple of starving wolves loose in his rooms. Those are quick solutions, but they are not smart ones. The duke cannot perish under any strange circumstances. Everyone will look to me as the primary suspect, especially as my new reputation and character become widespread.

That means I’ll have to try legal tactics first.

“Kyros,” I say, finding the footman in the hallway.

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“I have something that I need done… quietly.”

“Your business is your business, Your Grace. I don’t see why the duke need hear of it.”

I smile at him. “I’m in need of a private investigator. Could you go into town and find me one with a great reputation and send for them? They are to use discretion when coming to the manor.”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

“Thank you.”

I would go and do it myself, but I have a solicitor to deal with. A promise is a promise.

Vander thought me an easy mark. He thought he could just hand over all my property to some stranger and I wouldn’t put up a fuss. I’ve acted too well for too long.

But he wasn’t the only one I had fooled. I walk into my parlor and pull out a pen and paper from the desk.

Dear Father,

Such unexpected news has reached me. Mr. Vander, the solicitor whom we share, has informed me that the late Duke of Pholios has a grandson. An Eryx Demos has taken up residence in the manor.

It’s so strange, considering the duke never mentioned having so much as a child. Not to mention the newcomer looks nothing like the duke. He also has no hints of an aristocratic upbringing. One would think he was a member of the working class with the way he dresses and carries himself. He does frighten me at times.

Mr. Vander tells me the duke changed his will sometime during the two months of our marriage so that this estranged grandson inherited everything. So curious, since I never saw the solicitor or any of his employees come by the estate. You know I was by the duke’s side every hour of the day, but I must have simply forgotten the meeting.

I was initially writing to tell you that I wanted to gift you a monthly sum of money, but then I remembered the new duke is in charge of the money now. I am unable to help with your earldom’s finances. I shall do my utmost to remain in the new duke’s good graces and be the best lady of the house I can be, as is my duty.

All my love,

Chrysantha

I give the letter to Doran with instructions for the footman to deliver it immediately and straight into my father’s hands. I’ve no doubt that I dropped enough hints without being entirely obvious. Father lived with me for years and never once suspected I was acting the entire time.

By midday, I peek my head into the master suite, only to find that it is unchanged. No clothes in the wardrobe. No chests or trunks containing personal items. Not even a book on the nightstand.

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