Page 28 of Song of the Shadow Prince
The gravity of his words hung in the air. I leaned forward, my curiosity piqued. “What kind of disturbance?”
Thorne took a deep breath, his piercing gaze never leaving mine. “On the surface, it doesn’t look like much; just a bunchof court officials conspiring with one another. But when you dig deeper, it has all the markings of a cleverly orchestrated rebellion. A group has been forming, gathering support from officials, including those of the vampires and fae. They’re planning something significant, and if they succeed, it could throw Elaria into chaos.”
“Are we talking about the emperor’s officials?” I rubbed my chin in contemplation.
Thorne nodded. “Our father’s officials. They’re supposed to be helping him make decisions when it comes to the laws and regulations here in Elaria, but it appears they’re trying to undermine his rule, instead.”
I frowned as the weight of his revelation sank in. “Who’s behind it?”
“I’m still trying to figure that out,” Thorne admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. “All I know for sure is that they’re well-organized and well-funded. We need to be prepared for whatever comes next.”
I nodded, understanding the urgency. “What do you need from me?”
“I need to know how they’re earning their money,” Thorne said, his tone dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Whoever is behind this is paying off the council and ministers, controlling the court and essentially controlling our father. It doesn’t look good, Damien.” He glanced at the two women, well aware they often earned extra money by selling secrets, and pitched his voice lower so they wouldn’t hear. “If we’re not careful, this could throw Elaria into another war.”
“You meanyourfather,” I said snidely. Turning away, I took a long drink of the spicy wine.
Thorne rolled his eyes. “Don’t be petty, Damien. He is your father as well.”
“He’s all but disowned me!” I whipped my gaze in his direction. “I’m no son of his.”
Thorne sighed as he poured a glass of wine and took a drink. “I know you don’t like to get involved in court politics,” he said, changing the subject, “but you’re gifted at hiding in the shadows, Damien. You can go places without being seen and collect information that even my best spies are unable to gather. And best of all, no one recognizes you. I could use your help.”
I pursed my lips together and my attention drifted to the dancing girl who intently watched me. Her eyes were a mesmerizing shade of blue that glittered in the dim light like sapphires. She moved with an effortless grace, every step calculated to draw the eye. The sheer fabric of her garments clung to her body, accentuating her curves as she twirled and swayed.
Our eyes met and she flashed a playful smile, her lips curling into a teasing grin. She took a step closer, her hips swaying provocatively as she danced. I couldn’t help but admire the way she moved, her body telling a story that was both seductive and enigmatic. She bent over to offer a tantalizing view of her cleavage, her hair cascading over her shoulders like a silken waterfall.
I leaned back in my chair with a smirk tugging the corners of my mouth as I watched her. She took my reaction as encouragement, dancing even more boldly. The lute’s melody grew softer, more intimate, as if weaving a spell around us. The dancer twirled again, this time lightly trailing her fingers over my shoulder as she passed. A shiver ran down my spine at her touch and I felt a surge of attraction. She was close enough that I could feel the warmth of her body and smell the faint, intoxicating perfume she wore.
The girl leaned in, her breath brushing against the shell of my ear. “Enjoying the show, my lord?” she whispered, her voice a sultry purr.
I chuckled softly, tilting my head to meet her gaze. “It’s certainly a welcome distraction fromothersI’d prefer not to see,” I replied, my tone equally playful.
Thorne rolled his eyes and groaned. “Damnit, Damien. You’ve been on that island too long if you’re seeking company in a brothel,” he deadpanned. “What happened to that… Lady Gianna?”
I glared at him for his not-so-friendly reminder of my failed plan for freedom. “Forget about Lady Gianna,” I grumbled and turned back to the dancer. “What’s your name?” I asked, my voice low.
Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “Lysandra. And you, my lord?”
I brushed my thumb over her knuckles. “Damien. Tell me, Lysandra, do you always captivate your audience so thoroughly?”
She laughed, a light, musical sound that sent a thrill through me. “Only when the audience is worth captivating.”
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “And am I worth captivating?”
Lysandra leaned in again, her lips hovering near my ear. “That depends,” she murmured. “Are you worth my time?”
I laughed, genuinely amused. “I suppose that’s for you to decide.”
Our flirtation was interrupted by Thorne clearing his throat, his expression a mix of exasperated amusement. “Damien, focus,” he said, though there was a hint of a smile on his lips.
I reluctantly released Lysandra’s hand and gave her a wink. “Perhaps we’ll continue this conversation later.”
She stepped back gracefully with a knowing smile. “I’ll be here, my lord.”
As she returned to her dance, her eyes occasionally flicking toward me, I turned my attention back to my brother. “Alright,” I said, my tone more serious. “Tell me what you need.”
Thorne’s eyes brightened. “If all you needed was some female attention to sway you to my cause, I would have bought you a dozen women!” he said, happy now that I’d agreed to help.
