Page 92 of Song of the Shadow Prince
My resolve was unflinching. “I can and I will, if I have to.” It sounded bad, even to my own ears, but that was my desperation speaking. I knew deep down I had already started to care for Cat, and I wouldn’t hurt a single hair on her body.
Uncle Bai pursed his lips in disapproval and shook his head, closing his book with a snap and placing it on the side table. “Before you do anything drastic, let me see if I can figure something out. I will secure the emperor’s approval.”
“My father is sneaky, uncle. I’m sure he has some tricks up his sleeve. I don’t trust him,” I muttered as I bit my lip.
“Then trustme, Damien. I’ll secure Lady Arya’s hand for you therightway.”
I sighed. “Fine. But there’s another favor I need to ask of you.”
He nodded. “Of course, anything. Go ahead.”
I recounted everything Thorne had asked me to do for him, including what was happening in the palace with the ministers in court and how it tied in with the vampires. Then, I explained how my investigation led me to the underground fights of the Underclaw Market, which were run by the vampires. I told him about Arya’s involvement with the paintings and her theory about how it all tied together.
Uncle Bai listened carefully until I finished the whole story, though I could tell from his thunderous expression throughout my tale that he wasn’t thrilled by my association in the sordid affair.
“Damien, how many times have I told you not to get involved with the Crown Prince?” Uncle Bai demanded as he leaned back in his chair and stared at me. “Getting involved in politics will only bring you trouble.”
“You were the one who introduced me to him! I’m just helping my brother in return for a future favor.” I fought the slight flare of annoyance. Uncle Bai only introduced us because he wanted me to befriend Thorne so he would back me up in the future, especially once he assumed the throne. But I didn’t feel comfortable using my brother without helping him in return.
Uncle Bai sighed. “You never know what the future might hold, Damien. Whether friend or foe, it’s better not to get too close.”
“Youwantedme to get close to him!” I exploded.
“But not like this, Damien!” he shouted back just as hotly. “You’ve become his dog, doing the dirty work for him! Is that what you want to do for the rest of your life?”
I frowned. “That’s not what I am.”
“Yes it is, boy. Do you think that once you get what you want, the Crown Prince will truly let you go? You are the renowned Shadow Prince. Feared throughout Elaria and just as elusive, with few who have ever seen your face. Your value is better than gold to him,” Uncle Bai said. “You want to leave Elaria and start a new life elsewhere? You can forget about that once the Crown Prince takes the throne.”
“Thorne is not like that,” I argued confidently. Thorne was soft spoken and gentle. He was also noble at heart. He would never confine me.
“He is, Damien. Or at least hewillbe once he learns of that mark on your arm,” Uncle Bai warned. “You need to protect yourselfandLady Arya.”
The sound of her name made me snap my gaze to him. “He wouldn’t dare hurt her.”
“Let’s hope not,” he murmured. “Now what is this favor you need from me?”
I took a deep breath and leaned forward with my hands on my knees. “We want you to infiltrate the underground fighting ring. You’re royalty. They would accept your bets with no questions asked.” I plowed ahead. “It would give us a chance to confirm our painting theory, as well as discover the location of where the noblemen and royalty watch the fights and place their bets. Then we can cut off their money source.”
Uncle Bai narrowed his gaze and pursed his lips. “I still don’t like you getting involved.”
“You already mentioned that,” I grumbled.
He shook his head. “I’ll do it, Damien. Just this once,” he conceded. “I’ll have one of my servants go to the Underclaw with my token to request a bet.”
I sighed. “Thank you, uncle.”
“Don’t thank me just yet.”
22
CAT
After sending a message to Garrick letting him know to expect Damien later this evening, I counted down the minutes until I could escape to the beach house and see the third prince. I wanted to know whether Royal Prince Bai agreed to go undercover or not. I’d also be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see Damien. Whenever he was around, I felt a thrill of excitement consume me that I just couldn’t explain.
“My lady?” Maeve called out as I paced the bedroom. “Lord Zacharia requests an audience in the grand hall.”
I froze and looked over at where she stood by the door. “Me? Why?” Arya’s father tended to leave me alone, and I sort of liked it that way. Looking at him reminded me too much of my own father and it hurt because I missed my father and wanted to hug this stranger like he was my own, but I knew he wasn’t.
