Page 5 of Shadows and Roses

He froze. She was right. His guard should be stopping this. Where was his guard?

This was embarrassing. A smart courtesan was observant. He was acting like an idiot. Castien glanced at the nearby lords and ladies, who did nothing, said nothing. A few watched idly, most didn't even notice him. Every courtier wore their own whips, either coiled around their wrists or leashing companions that massaged them, fed them, sat on their laps. Normal. They behaved as though all of this wasperfectly normal. So should he.

Should.

The whip around his wrist scraped at his pride, and he hardly cared that her claws pressed indents into his chest. She wouldn’t dare hurt him.

His chin lifted. His calm eyes were as polite as his tone. "Iammore than a whore, whereas you're simply another sparkle in a sea of gems. Pretty, but no one would miss you. Lady."

Her eyes widened, nostrils flaring, mouth opening in a silent gape. "You dare—!"

"Castien FitzUmbra?"

A low, soft voice interrupted them: a man in simple yet elegant off-white silk. Around one of his wrists was a frayed leather cuff. He didn't appear to have a whip.

The woman glared at the newcomer. "Marlow. Your newest is in need of a thorough whipping. Make sure he learns his place."

Her hand fell and her whip reluctantly released its hold.

Marlow bowed deeply before turning to Castien. "Apologize to Lady Marissa," he commanded as his hand fell to a knife at his waist. No whip, but a weapon. The lady also had a blade belted to her side, though she didn't make a move toward it.

It wasn't the threat that convinced Castien. This man's tense shoulders and stiff, straight back weren’t due to anger. His raised eyebrows weren't tilted in surprise, but within his widened eyes was a plea. The command in his voice was clear yet his blade's grip glistened with sweat.

The lady’s glare made no notice Marlow's discomfort.

"My deepest apologies, lady." Castien softened his voice in contrition, eyes lowered, head bowed.

"Hmph." A few moments longer and she breezed past him, her sweet, cloying scent swirling away.

The fear gradually faded from Marlow's posture. His eyes ran over Castien's body. With a quiet sigh, the man spoke again. "Come with me. You need to be assigned a room and schedule. Bring the food."

They exited the dining halls, meandering through confusing turns and several stairs. Marlow nodded to servants and lowered his eyes to the guards. "Eat. I'm sure you're starving. You'd normally have some time before I found you, but it's later than usual. The guards like to waste time with you Night Court beauties. There's always a noble to rush things, but you came alone. Very unusual, that."

Castien half-listened to the man rambling about a few previous Night Court guests. None from his House, so it was unlikely that he'd recognize them. Eating on this brisk walk was a bit of a task, but he was hungry enough. The stone halls passed in a blur with paintings and tapestries little more than splashes of color in the background.

When Marlow paused for a breath, Castien interrupted, "You were afraid of that lady."

The man stopped walking. "As you should be. I've heard about yourrules. There is only one rule here, Castien." The man's tongue glided over his name like he was tasting it. "The nobles do anything they want."

A flicker of something—fear or panic?—crossed his eyes and he started walking again.

"Anything? There must be limits," Castien said.

"Must there? How quaint. You’ll learn soon enough."

The Night Courts’ rules may not apply to anyone else, but Castien still belonged to his House. They wouldn’t allow their property to be damaged.

The man stopped and turned abruptly at the end of the hall. His eyes wandered over Castien's body again before stopping between his legs. "Did the guards have you removeyour clothing?"

Castien frowned. "Yes."

"Did they do anything to you?"

"No…?"

The man's gaze snapped up and he suddenly moved forward, a hand touching Castien's furrowed brow.

"Don't mar that lovely face with a frown," he whispered, now watching Castien's full lips. After a few moments, he sighed, stepped back, and cleared his expression. "The Queen will summon you. Tell her if anyone makes use of you before then. This does not mean you may act a fool—punishment for disrespect is not prohibited."

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