Page 53 of The Dark Lord's Guide to Dating

I kept my expression cold. “Does that warning come freely?”

“Call it a gesture of our continued friendship.” She slipped on her riding gloves. “Despite recent changes.”

I inclined my head, not bothering to hide a smirk. “Your goodwill is noted.”

She walked back outside. The villagers watched with an odd mix of awe and suspicion, their loyalties drifting inexorablytoward me. Morana felt it too, that subtle shift in the crowd. She mounted her horse and forced a smile for their sake.

“Thornwick!” she called out. “Know that Lord Blackrose and I will ensure your protection.”

They nodded, but it was clear who had already saved them. Morana and her retinue galloped off, and that was the end of their halfhearted performance.

I exhaled a quiet breath, half irritated, half amused. Morana was growing more resentful. Or jealous. She’d never been one for genuine attachment, but apparently the idea of me standing beside someone else—claiming real power through a marriage bond—gnawed at her. She’d be trouble in the future. I’d need to decide precisely how to handle her, soon.

“Orders, my lord?” Thorne asked.

“Leave six men to guard the village. Make sure the locals know they’re under my protection.”

In the late afternoon, we traveled to a hidden clearing where my enchanters activated a portal. A translucent shimmer expanded, turning into a swirling gateway.

On the other side, I emerged atop Portal Isle—my citadel’s primary nexus to different corners of my domain. Guards straightened at attention. and Vex appeared from the gloom, silver hair reflecting the portal’s glow.

“Back in one piece, I see,” she observed. “The bandits?”

“Neutralized,” I said flatly.

“And Viscountess Morana?” Her voice held just enough curiosity to imply she suspected our reunion could have sparked more than conversation.

“Alive,” I said drily. “For now.”

We crossed into the inner courtyard, moving away from the scattered courtiers trying to catch my attention. Rumors of my marriage and the potential power shift had them all scrambling.

“And how’s my wife?” I asked, trying to sound indifferent.

“She trained alone this morning,” Vex answered. “Then kept to her chambers. Also, your commission for her is complete.”

“Good,” I said, stripping off my bloodstained cloak and handing it to a startled attendant. “Send word for dinner in the private hall. Inform Lady Blackrose she’ll be joining us this evening.”

With that, I marched onward, half-focused on Arabella’s inevitable scowl when I presented her with what I’d had made. Not that Icaredabout winning her approval, of course. It was strictly professional curiosity about whether she’d appreciate my gift or try to strangle me with it.

Marriage, it turned out, was an annoyingly complicated arrangement.

24

SEDUCE HER WITH GIFTS (AND BROKEN MACHINERY)

KAZIMIR

An hour later, I paused outside Arabella’s chambers with the midnight-blue leather training gear—supple, enchanted, and ruinously expensive—draped over my arm. I was a man of many hobbies, but surprising my reluctant bride had rapidly become an unexpected favorite.

I was, however, still the Dark Lord, not some shy errand boy. Knocking was for peasants and heroes. So I opened the door and stepped inside without the courtesy of a warning.

Arabella’s room had changed since her arrival. Once stark and impersonal, it now felt almost cozy: a book lay open on its spine atop a chaise, wildflowers tussled gently in a porcelain vase, and the ever-present black roses infused the air with that alluring, dangerous scent. Standing by the tall window, Arabella turned at the soft click of the latch, her hair catching the twilight in shimmering waves.

“Lady Blackrose,” I greeted, moving closer than necessary. “I trust your solo training went well, since the fortress is still intact.”

She gave me a quick once-over, like she was checking if I was still in one piece. Then her face returned to its usual combative set. “What do you want, Lord Blackrose?”

I lifted the folded leather gear. “I come bearing a gift. Before I escort you to dinner.”

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