Page 23 of The Dark Lord's Guide to Dating

My mind reeled at the utter nonsense. “Have they all been swapped with doppelgangers?”

Vex shook her head. “No enchantments are at play, at least none that I can detect. The only difference is that Sims announced a three-day holiday after the wedding.”

“I didn’t authorize that,” I said sharply.

“No, but he used your name anyway, citing some ‘traditional courtesy’ extended by gracious lords,” she said with a dry twist to her mouth. “They also believe Lady Blackrose negotiated improved conditions for them as part of your marriage contract.”

I stared at her. “She did no such thing.”

“Rumors can be stubborn. It’s elevating her status in their eyes. They see her as a benevolent influence.”

I huffed in annoyance. “Keep an eye on them. If anyone’s overindulging in these warm, fuzzy feelings, remind them whythey usually fear me.” I gave her a searching look. “Anything else?”

Vex hesitated. That alone told me the next topic was both delicate and urgent. “It’s about sleeping arrangements.”

“What about them?”

“In preparation for tonight,” Vex continued smoothly, “you had wine and other, er, amenities sent to your chambers. I assume that means Lady Blackrose will join you?”

My magic flared across my skin, shadows flickering in the corners of the room. “You overstep, Vex.”

She seemed nonplussed. “I merely wish to arrange every detail according to your preferences. Rose petals? Warmed chains by the fireplace? A curated selection of?—”

“Enough,” I snapped, voice echoing with dominion. “Yes, she’ll join me in my chambers. That’s the plan.”

She nodded, lips pressed into a careful line. “Does she know that’s the plan, or is this one of your… surprises?”

I glared. “Our marriage arrangements are not your concern.” The shadows responded to my anger, swirling thicker around my feet. “She’s quite aware of her role.”

“I see.” Vex regarded me with unreadable calm. “So you’ve changed your mind about the ‘no-consummation’ clause you mentioned before, or is this just a power play?”

Her words ignited a spark of heat in my chest at the memory of that maddening kiss. “That’s no concern of yours.”

For a moment, I almost said more. But the blood resonance information was too valuable to share for now, even with Vex. And the no-sex agreement? My followers needed to believe I took what I wanted, when I wanted it. The reality—that I’d agreed to Arabella’s terms because I needed her willing participation—would remain my private humiliation.

Vex saw right through me, but she held her tongue. I seized the opportunity to shift topics. “Make sure you have the easterntower set and prepared for tomorrow’s ritual. The Heirloom activation can’t be delayed.”

“Of course. We’ll have clean-up crews on standby, just in case.” Her gaze slid to the door. “The Syndicate’s daggers—shall I have Griffin run spells to confirm there aren’t any hidden curses?”

“Immediately,” I said evenly. “The last ‘gift’ they sent tried to devour my soul during a full moon. I’d rather not repeat that.”

She inclined her head but didn’t leave yet. “Lady Blackrose is already adapting to life here. Remarkably so, for someone who was kidnapped a day ago and forced into marriage.”

A hollow laugh escaped me. “She’s resourceful. And cunning. Qualities worth noting.”

Vex offered a mild smile. “I always analyze potential threats thoroughly, my lord.”

“She’s not a threat,” I replied automatically, then felt a flicker of annoyance at my defensive tone. “She’s an asset. A crucial piece in unleashing the Heirloom’s full power.”

Vex’s smile deepened. “Of course. Just a piece of equipment. A particularly attractive cog in your grand machine.”

I turned away, ending the conversation. “Return to the feast and make sure Viscountess Morana keeps her daggers where they belong.”

Vex obeyed with an elegant bow and slipped out. Alone, I exhaled slowly as my mind drifted, unbidden, to that kiss… The magic had caught me off guard, sharp and unsettling in a way I couldn’t explain.

I composed myself to rejoin my guests. Tomorrow, I would activate the Heirloom and secure dominion over entire realms.

So why wasn’t I nearly as interested in world domination as I was in finding out how Arabella would respond to the rest of the evening, and the order to sleep in my bed?

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