Page 79 of Shadows and Roses

She closed her eyes and let his not-at-all inexperienced fingers wander, first relaxing both feet, then slowly, firmly rubbing and brushing the sensitive skin of her calves. After a few minutes of enjoying his work, she spoke idly. "It occurs to me that the Night Courts could hire their own guards. There’s a veritable legion of my troops at your doors—it must be oppressive. I should recall them—they would be more useful in the war games with Nadraken."

He replied with ease, "An unnecessary burden on both our coffers, my Queen. We have always greatly appreciated the military and crown's support. And I cannot speak for the other Houses."

That was a lie—the others followed where Shadows led. Though she wondered how much of that was Castien’s influence. She let it go.

"If I remember correctly, Castien’s stipend is available for his use today?" An impressive amount, even by her nobles’ standards.

Iberius’ fingers continued without pause. "Yes, my Queen. Is he available to sign for the transfer of funds?"

"I’ll take care of it."

His massage hesitated for a heartbeat. "Of course, my Queen."

The Master knew of Castien’s kidnap. It wasn’t a secret; all the nobles were aware.

She contemplated him. "Is that the second or third time you’ve lied to me today?"

Iberius met her eyes. "My Queen? I would never lie to you."

"What do you want, Iberius?" she snapped, her voice crackling with ice. "Why are you here, asking questions ofmyEscort?"

The Master’s calm exterior was betrayed by the slight tension of two fingers on his left hand. He quickly disguised the reaction, ruminating silently as he massaged her feet for a few breaths. But he responded as though he had already thought this over. "When you made him an Escort, I knew he was lost to us. So the only question remains is his life. If he is dead, his stipend is forfeit. You believe he is still alive. If he lives, then Nadraken has been holding him for two moons. He will need extensive healing."

Facts that she did not need to be reminded of. She waited.

He inhaled slowly, his hands falling as he met her gaze.

"Does he still live?" he asked softly. That look in his eyes…

She didn’t need to hide her surprise. "You care for this courtesan."

"My Queen. I raised him from childhood."

Her surprise smoothed into casual disdain—the Queen’s for weakness, hers for his twistedlove. He cared, but not enough to remove Castien from a life of servitude, where rape was the punishment for disobedience.

"By last report, yes. He lives."

"Will he… I apologize, but I must ask. Will he return to Drantar?"

A Master of the Night Courts had no business asking the Queen about court problems.

She gave him the same answer as her council. "I do not allow my property to be stolen. My Escorts always return to my side, Master Iberius. I suggest you unburden yourself of any lingering… fondness you may have for this courtesan."

Iberius bowed. "Yes, my Queen. My apologies for overstepping. Thank you for seeing me."

The Dark Queen wouldn’t let him go so easily. She shouldn’t.

"Good night, Master Iberius."

If only the other Queens had a drop of empathy.

Chapter 21

Anais

Thakris stood tall with her hands clasped behind her back, the perfect image of a soldier at attention. The Escort only took this particular stance at court or when she was being obstinate.

They were not at court.

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