Page 75 of The Artist and the Dragon

Griffith beamed at her, seemingly reassured. To Malik, he said, “I hear we are sharing a box this evening.”

“Indeed.”

“Well, I suppose we shall see you there. Were you waiting on someone?” he asked, cocking his head, seeming to realize that the prince had been standing alone in the entrance hall.

“I await Lady Siân.”

Thatbrightened him up considerably. “Ah, very good, I shall look forward to her company.”

But not his. Malik fought back a laugh.

“Shall we go to our seats?” Bronwyn suggested, steering Lord Griffith that way and shooting Malik a pointed gaze that might as well have been a swat on the wrist and an order to behave all in one.

For far too long, he watched her go, then gave himself a hard shake. There would be plenty of time to romance her later, but only if they were successful. The thought of disappointing Bronwyn, of failing to save her sister when they finally had hope, tore him up within.

A few minutes later, precariously close to the start of the show, Lady Siân arrived, her brother in tow as always. She shouldn’t need a chaperone in such a public setting, but Mr. Yarwood still seemed determined to escort her everywhere, which worked to Malik’s advantage in many ways.

Malik made a grand show of welcoming her, even kissing her hand as he’d done Bronwyn’s, though the act left him numb more than anything. Siân was a beauty, wittier and kinder than many of her peers, but there was no space in his heart for anyone else. Wynni had been right. As long as Bronwyn walked this plane, he would have only her.

“My apologies for being so late,” Lady Siân said.

“My sister was quite determined to make her appearance worthy of the Goddess herself tonight.”

“Rees!”

Malik employed his false charm. “And she has done wonderfully.” He kissed her hand once more, earning a soft sigh and the rapid batting of her eyelashes.

“It’s too bad, though, I do like to enjoy the lounge before a show,” Mr. Yarwood said as they ascended the curved staircase toward the balcony boxes. “Which we can’t do if we’re so late,” he added pointedly.

Lady Siân ignored him. But the young lord had Malik’s attention.

A trip to the lounge would be the perfect cover for slipping off elsewhere … perhaps to finalize some spells.

Chapter 32

Bronwyn

Bronwynfannedherselfasshe stared over the balcony railing, toward the crimson curtains that presently blocked much of the stage from view. A pre-show comedian dressed as a clown walked in front of the curtains and entertained the crowd as they waited for the show to begin.

It was a cool night for the season, but between the amount of people inside and all the lamps lighting the place, the heat was stifling. Sweat clung to the back of Bronwyn’s neck and slid down her cleavage. Phillip had ordered a bottle of champagne, but she couldn’t see that helping her, especially not with her anxiety over what would transpire that evening. In fact, she probably needed to abstain altogether to keep her wits straight.

After all, she wouldn’t be simply watching and enjoying the show, she’d be looking for anything amiss, any sign of someone trying to trigger the spells they’d lain, particularly as they closed in on the scenes with the castle set pieces.

Malik, on the other hand, would slip away shortly after the opera began. Drystan had taught him some spells to pull the shadows and hide among them—perfect for sneaking around backstage and catching someone up to no good.

Bronwyn sighed. If only she could do something so useful. She should be back there, too. Even without the benefit of magical shadows, surely, she would be more help there than stuck in the balcony.

“Are you quite all right?” Phillip asked, leaning over from his seat at her side.

“Yes, I’m fine. Just anxious for the show to begin. Besides, it’s quite warm in here, don’t you think?” Damn it if her voice didn’t crack a little at the end.

He frowned, unconvinced. “If you’re feeling unwell again, I could see you home. I wouldn’t mind.”

“And miss the premiere?” She tried to swat at him playfully and nearly cringed at the way her hand flopped around. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Besides, as I said, I really am quite all right.”

“Hmm.” Phillip settled back in his seat and reached into his pocket. When his hand returned to his lap, he held something small in his closed fist. He looked back over at her, a little dimple forming as he smiled. “I do have something that may cheer you up.”

A sinking feeling started in her chest and tumbled down her body like a boulder gaining speed as it rolled. Phillip said something else, but she barely heard him over her pounding pulse. Just past him, she spied Charlotte a few boxes away, her little opera glasses up and pointed directly at them. Did she know what was about to happen? Probably. She’d come over briefly when they’d first taken their seats, and she’d seemed almost too eager to leave Bronwyn and Phillip alone.

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