Page 8 of Happily Ever After
The thought sent a chill down my spine, but also ignited a fire in my blood. If there was a traitor in our midst, I would root them out. And they would learn the ruthlessness that lay beneath the golden mask.
“Increase surveillance on all the nobles,” I ordered, my voice cold and commanding. “Especially those with ties to Elenthar. And Lennox…”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
I turned back to Ilyana, watching a frown crease her brow in her troubled sleep. “Keep a close eye on Lady Ilyana and increase her protection. She might not have been the target but I don’t want to take any risk, especially with her. When she wakes, I want to know everything she does, everywhere she goes.”
“Do you suspect her?” Lennox asked, surprise evident in his voice.
I shook my head, my golden curls catching the late afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows. “No,” I admitted. “Butshe knows more than she’s letting on. I need to know what she’s hiding. And I intend to find out what. "
A soft groan from the bed had us both freezing. Ilyana’s brow furrowed, her head tossing restlessly on the pillow. In an instant, I was at her side, Lennox forgotten.
“Ilyana?” I murmured, reaching for her hand. Her skin was clammy, but warmer than before. “Can you hear me?”
Her eyelids fluttered, a hint of green visible beneath dark lashes. My heart thundered in my chest as I leaned closer, hardly daring to breathe.
“An…deric?” she rasped, her voice barely audible. “Where…?”
Before I could respond, her eyes rolled back and she went limp once more. I cursed, frustration and concern warring within me. So close, yet still so far.
I straightened, meeting Lennox’s knowing gaze. He raised an eyebrow, silently questioning my attachment to this woman. I glared, daring him to voice his thoughts.
“Not a word,” I warned, my tone brooking no argument.
Lennox wisely remained silent, but I could feel the weight of his judgment. Let him think what he wanted. I had more pressing concerns.
Instead I stretched my muscles, stiff from hours of inactivity and said, “It’s time I paid a visit to the dungeon myself. Now that Ilyana’s out of danger, it’s time to get some answers.”
Lennox muttered something which sounded suspiciously like, “Finally. I thought he’d become a statue, sitting here like a guard dog.”
I narrowed my eyes at him.
“So you’re going to tortur-” he coughed, “interrogate her yourself?”
A cold smile spread across my face. “Oh yes. It’s about time I let my mask slip a little. Show our guest what happens when someone dares to threaten those under my protection.”
I moved to my washbasin, splashing cold water on my face. As I reached for my razor, I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were hard, a predatory glint sharpening my features.
“But first,” I said, running the blade along my jaw, “I need to look the part again.”
* * *
As I emerged from the bathroom, steam billowing around me, I was accosted by an rather unexpected sight. A lady stood in my chambers, her maid hovering nervously beside her. I tightened the sash of my robe, muscles tensing instinctively. In normal circumstances, finding a beautiful woman waiting in my room wouldn’t be unwelcome. But these were far from normal times. I was itching for violence but I still tried not to show it.
My hair was still damp, curling slightly at the nape of my neck. I crossed my arms, feeling the fabric of the robe strain against my torso. The maid’s eyes darted to the floor, but the lady before me held my gaze unflinchingly. Bold. I raised an eyebrow, my irritation simmering just beneath the surface.
“Your Highness,” she said, dipping into a graceful curtsy with practiced ease. “I am Lady Seraphina Ashbourne.”
Ashbourne. The name tickled at the edges of my memory. Someone connected to the Duke of Thornvale, no doubt. His daughter maybe? Could she be one of the traitor? My eyes narrowed.
“We’ve met quite a few times as you remember.” She said, not seeing the desired emotion in my eyes. I’m sure she was used to getting attention from everyone around her. I didn’t remember her, which meant that she wasn’t that important.
I gave a curt nod anyway, not bothering to speak.
“I hope you’ll forgive my intrusion,” Lady Seraphina continued, her voice as smooth as honey. “I’ve been terribly worried about you, caring for Lady Ilyana as you have. I thought perhaps you might appreciate some nourishment.”
She gestured to a covered tray on the nearby table. The scent of rich broth wafted through the air, but it did nothing to temper my mood. I remained silent, watching as a flush crept up her neck.
