Page 17 of Shadows and Roses

Niko raised a brow. "Politics, of course. If the Queen complains to you about one of the councilors, someone will pay for that information. Rumors are basically our only leverage. Don’t you do the same for your House?"

"Yes, but…" It was only the Masters they reported to. Selling secrets between clients would only stir up trouble, and Castien had never liked that uncouth part of his trade. Rumors were so unreliable. Although, investigating the Queen’s new toy made sense. He wondered how many of the other nobles had already done the same.

"Oh, it's a game here. Everything is." Niko paused, picking at his bread roll. "But a word of warning: don'teverspy on Count Vern. You should really steer clear of the Escorts altogether." He shuddered.

Castien thought it might be best not to play any of the court's games—if he could avoid them. He took to walking the long way around through the servant’s side halls, hoping to dodge both the barrage of inquisitive nobles along with their harsher interests. It was the best route to the kitchens and a small piece of quiet with his meals, besides. He’d stay here longer if his absence wouldn’t be noted.

Today, the hall to the kitchens was emptier than usual. Only a few servants passed him, eyeing his wrists before nodding brusquely and continuing on their way. Castien wondered if nobles ever traversed these halls. If so, only for their own amusements. His expression darkened.

Someone bumped his arm. A tray clattered to the ground, silverware scattering.

Castien stopped, bent to help. "My apologies, I wasn’t looking—"

The servant shook his head slightly. His gaze darted about before he said quietly, "The movement sent me. If you need—"

Castien’s hand hesitated with a fork. "Who sent you? Give me a name."

The man scowled. "We can’t talk long." His voice lowered even further, "Damon. I can pass on a message if you need it."

Castien picked up a spoon, dropped it on the tray. "Tell him I’m fine." For now. "I need more time."

"Signal me if you need anything. Leave a mark by the kitchen door—there. Good luck."

Castien nodded, a small smile on his lips as he entered the kitchens. His friend had found him and was offering a way out. That tiny light in this endless dark was enough.

Chapter 5

Three weeks into his new, dread-inducing life, he sat in the gardens with a lovely girl from the House of Light. ‘Lovely’ was too plain a word to describe her: young, lithe, as beautiful as the sunrise. Her skin was honey-gold, her long hair a lustrous bronze. She strummed a golden harp with delicate fingers, the sound drifting gently over a circle of chattering nobles.

Even Castien admired her—professionally, of course. Of the three High Houses in the Night Courts, he found those of the House of Light most soothing. Innocence and beauty were their specialty; Lily was a fine example. They had almost purchased his bond, but decided his disposition, even at a young age, fit better with Shadows. The last House, Twilight, was primarily for those who wanted to share their experiences; they’d spoken with him, flattered him, and found him inexplicably unsuitable. He was never offered to the lower Houses.

Lily was the latest of several House courtesans paraded through the palace since his arrival. A guard hovered near her. Much safer that way. He expected to resent her for the protection, but he was glad. No one should suffer the court’s insanity.

The nobles actually complained to him of his fellow courtesans’ high fees, how their guards never left them alone, and how constraining the unnecessary rules were. The House rules were just fine while within the Houses, but in the palace? Apparently, it offended their delicate sensibilities to relinquish control.

The nobles’ restraint was fraying, and it showed.

Castien sat nearby, accompanying her on a lyre. It was a simple, light instrument that he’d mastered easily. He’d been keeping an eye on the now-drunk lordling who had dropped Lily at the harp earlier in the evening. The man had been emphasizing his words with a small knife for hours and was beginning to glance at the girl.

The noble caught the girl’s eye and gestured. "Come here, Lily. I want to see how you look with short hair." His blade waved unsteadily in the air.

Lily obliged but spoke softly as she bent to kneel before him. "My lord. You asked to be reminded of additional expenses. Damaging or cutting my hair is a hundred gold, my lord."

Flushing a dark red, he hissed, "Shut your mouth, whore!" He slapped her, his knife slicing across her face.

Lily’s guard lunged, deftly grabbing the noble and restraining his knife-hand. The lord grunted and struggled. "Get your hands off of me! Do you know who I am, you useless tinhead!"

The guard didn’t move. "Please drop the knife, my lord."

"I will do what I want! Release me!"

"Her blood fee is a thousand gold. The House of Light thanks you for your donation. Your contract does not permit you to harm her further. Drop the knife, my lord."

Death would be fifty times that, at least. A small fortune for her life, but far from the highest price. His own death fee was five hundred thousand, but he was an exception in the House of Shadows. Most of the higher fees were claimed by the House of Light. Beauty and youth were not things that could be trained.

Lily remained silent and still as a thin trickle of blood oozed from the cut. It appeared shallow and should heal without a mark. Scarring a face likehers was almost as expensive as death. Castien’s cheek was healed, but he wondered if anyone had attempted to collect a blood fee from the Queen.

The noble scowled as he stopped struggling. He eyed the girl, squinting and blinking. "Fine, fine. Just let me go."

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