Page 108 of The Musician and the Monster

“But I do,” his cousin responded.

Drystan gaped.

Malik’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “My mother was quite proficient. She made sure I memorized that one long before her death.”

That poor woman had deserved so much more, as had his own parents. Perhaps she’d realized the true nature of her husband and took steps many years ago to protect her only son from his father’s ministrations.

“If we get him in the right area, we might be able to get him to reveal what happened to the king and queen in front of an audience,” Ceridwen supplied. “That, combined with my song, would surely sway some minds.”

“I have a few nobles on my side already,” Drystan confessed.

Malik raised his brows, appraising him in a new light. “So quickly?”

Drystan nodded. “I had to work fast, but those loyal to my parents remain. Maybe, if we’re—”

A heavy knock sounded at the door. “Ceridwen,” Wynni called through the door. “You have a guest to see you.”

Everyone’s attention snapped to Drystan. No one knew of his presence there outside those in the room.

He ran for the mirror, slipping into the passage with inhuman speed. No matter who lingered outside that door, it was best they didn’t see him.

“Yes, who is it?” Ceridwen called.

Drystan stared through the mirror at the man who entered, squinting and blinking several times to try to make him out through the cloudy glass, but Bronwyn cleared his confusion in a moment.

“Adair?” she asked, rising from the settee. “What in the name of the Goddess are you doing here?”

What in the name of the Goddess indeed…

“Nice to see you too, sis,” he replied as Wynni shut the door behind him.

Adair crossed to his sisters, ignoring Malik completely. The young man really was a fool not to pay attention to the people in his midst.

“My regiment has been stationed here for the rest of the season. Training rotation.” He shrugged.

“Yes, we know that,” Ceridwen said. “But why are youhere?”

“Why are you here, dear sisters?” he retorted. “I could barely believe it when I saw my youngest sister on a poster. I thought it must be some girl with the same name, but then I asked around, and well, I decided to come check it out for myself. I didn’t expect to actually find you here. Either of you. Or you for that matter,” Adair said, finally addressing Malik. “What happened to the other one?” he asked Ceridwen. “Lord Winterbourne? Or are you off him now?”

Drystan barely held in a growl, his monster pacing under his skin. If thisboyruined all that they worked for…

“Go home, Adair. We’re fine,” Ceridwen said. “I’ll explain later. You should leave.”

He scratched the back of his neck. “I know I made a mess of things last time—”

“And the time before,” Bronwyn interjected.

“Then too,” he said. “But I intend to make up for it. Just…tell me why you’re in the capital playing in an opera house?”

“For the money.” Ceridwen crossed her arms, staring her brother down with such confidence a trained actress couldn’t have done it better.

Adair laughed. “And they what? Heard you play once and decided to give you a major role? I doubt it.”

Drystan tightened his hands into fists. He leaned against the ruined frame, ready to spring free.

Malik rose to his feet before he could and said, “Want me to kick him out?”

“Please,” Bronwyn snapped.

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