Page 50 of Her Dark Reflection

‘I won’t be selling your secrets,’ I said, annoyed at his slowed pace when I was eager to be gone.

He halted altogether, forcing me to stop and frown at him. ‘In an effort to protect the populace against unsanctioned magic use, we are very serious about those who spread such secrets.No oneis above these laws.’

We eyed each other steadily. ‘I grew up in this city, Grand Weaver,’ I said, my voice quiet and even. ‘I don’t need reminding about the lengths you’ll go to protect your magic.’

That seemed to satisfy him, and he handed me into the carriage. ‘I am glad we understand each other.’

As I settled onto the bench, I had an idea. ‘I expect your desire to increase your recruitment capacity will require significant funding,’ I said casually, pretending to focus on arranging my skirts.

‘Of course.’

I looked up at him from beneath my lashes. ‘I’m sure you can understand that providing a better life for the less fortunate is a cause that I’m drawn to.’

I hated needing to reference my low birth, but he surprised me with a genuine smile. ‘I can understand that more than you’d think.’

Well, that was something to unpack later. ‘I’m interested in your scholarships. My current situation leaves me with little ability to help,’ I continued, ‘but if I happen to find myself a situation where funding scholarships is within my power, you can expect me to do so.’

He considered me for a few moments. ‘I appreciate your interest, Your Grace. I will have to hope you will one day find yourself in such a position.’

‘If your hope is as powerful as your magic, I’ll be grateful for it,’ I purred, before flicking my hand to indicate that I was ready to leave. The driver closed the door of the carriage as Dovegni stepped back, his expression pensive.

As the carriage pulled away, I plucked the gloves from my hands and threw them onto the floor before folding my arms tight across my chest and glaring out the window. The whole visit had left me feeling slimy. Having to seek favour from Dovegni was revolting, but if I was honest with myself, it wasn’t just the company I’d kept that was unsettling me.

When I returned to the palace, I was surprised to find the king waiting for me, pacing the hall by my door.

‘Linus? Is everything alright?’ I asked warily. There was something off, something in his posture and his expression that I didn’t like one bit.

He scanned me from head to toe as a scowl sunk into his face. ‘I know where you’ve been.’

The tone immediately set me on edge, but I tried not to react. ‘I’ve been touring Misarnee Keep.’

‘I was told all about it, how you were dressed like you’re going to a ball, and now I can see it was true.’

I almost asked him to repeat himself. Surely, that deranged look in his eyes, the twitching jaw, and clenched fists, couldn’t bejealousy? OverDovegni?

‘I don’t know what to say to that,’ I replied, trying to keep my voice even. ‘You suggested I tour the keep, so I did. I dressed like this because I wanted to appear worthy to be your queen.’

With a jab of his hand, he reached out and seized a hold of my necklace, pulling the chain tight against my skin. I gasped in shock and grabbed his wrist, but he held on tight.

‘No number of fine jewels will ever hide what you are,’ he snarled.

Shock struck me dumb. Then the rage set in. ‘Unhand me,’ I hissed.

For a moment, it seemed as though he wouldn’t. Then that feverish energy left his eyes and the anger parted to reveal confusion. He released me and I jerked away from him. He stood before me and stared as though he suddenly didn’t know who I was, his hands flexing open and shut. Then the anger slammed back down over his face again.

He jabbed a finger at me. ‘You’re not going to leave the palace again. You stay here. I want to know where you are at all times.’

‘You can’t do that to me! You can’t trap me here. I’m not your prisoner.’

‘No. You’re my wife. That gives me even more right.’

He spoke with undeniable authority, and I realised that he absolutely could do that to me. He was the king. ‘You repugnant old fool,’ I spat. ‘Just try and keep me locked up. I’ll go where I want to, and if I want to spend an entire week at Misarnee Keep, I will.’

He raised his hand and I flinched away, bracing myself for a blow. But it didn’t come. He slowly lowered his hand and rubbed at his forehead.

‘You’ll stay in the palace,’ he repeated, his voice a notch calmer, but still as firm and cold as the stone beneath our feet. ‘You’ll not be passing off any bastards as children of mine.’

What a fine note to leave on. I was so taken aback that I didn’t even scream abuse as he strode down the hall away from me, still opening and closing his hands. I felt shaken, unsteady. The encounter was like nothing I’d seen of him before. He’d always been full of pride, and he liked me best when I was simpering and obedient, but I’d never clocked him as the sort of man who would hit a woman. Had my judgement been so off?

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