Page 93 of Bonds of Pain
“The royal household staffing arrangements aren’t a topic for public discussion,” Countess Vivienne interjects smoothly, saving me from having to respond. “Perhaps we should return to our agenda.”
Charlotte looks momentarily disappointed but quickly recovers. “Of course. Though I’m simply curious about my daughter’s new life. After all, I always knew she’d wear a crown someday.”
The smug satisfaction in her voice makes my stomach turn. She had nothing to do with my current situation, yet she’s eager to claim credit.
Saffron clears her throat delicately. “Speaking of preparations, the royal games will be quite the spectacle this year. All the princes will be in attendance.”
“Including those from the outer provinces,” Duchess Elara adds with a meaningful look. “I hear some are particularly…motivated to make an impression.”
My attention sharpens. “In what way?”
“Well,” Elara continues, leaning forward conspiratorially, “with Logan named heir, the other princes aren’t exactly celebrating. Especially those who believed themselves more deserving.”
“They’ll challenge him,” Countess Vivienne states matter-of-factly. “It’s tradition. The games provide the perfect opportunity for the princes to test each other’s mettle.”
“Test?” My mother asks, again revealing her ignorance.
There is a round of throat-clearing and sideways glances as silence momentarily falls.
Saffron casts me a sympathetic look before finally answering Charlotte’s question. “Challenge. Fight. Sometimes to the death, though that’s become less common in recent years.”
“I’ve heard talk that the training fields have been in near constant use for the last few days,” Elara continues. “The games should be interesting to watch, no matter what happens.”
I realize with a start that they’re discussing the death of my supposed mate like it’s just good gossip.
“I’ve heard at least three formal challenges have been made,” Vivienne adds.
I absorb this information silently, my mind racing. The other princes will be actively working to undermine Logan, possibly even attempting to kill him during these challenges.
And if they succeed...
“How fascinating,” I say carefully. “It seems Logan will have his hands full managing all of this.”
“Indeed,” Elara replies. “The other princes will look for any weakness, any scandal they can exploit. Their spies are everywhere, watching for the slightest misstep.”
The seeds of a plan are already planted in my mind. If the other princes are already expected to sabotage Logan, any actions I take to undermine him would naturally be attributed to them. I could strike at Logan, or any of the other members of his pack, without suspicion falling on me.
“You look thoughtful, darling,” Charlotte interrupts, seeming to realize for the first time that it’s my tenuous future they are all so casually discussing. “Worried about your Alpha?”
“Not at all,” I reply smoothly. “Logan is more than capable of handling himself.”
And I’m more than capable of handling my revenge. With the other princes providing perfect cover, I can work from within to destroy Logan’s world piece by piece. Each crack I create in hispack will be blamed on external enemies, never on the Omega sleeping in his bed.
As the meeting continues, I smile politely and participate as little in the conversation as I can get away with.
My infuriating mother might have the social graces of a yapping chihuahua, but she just handed me the perfect weapon without even realizing it.
When the tedious—and seemingly pointless—meeting finally ends, I rush to the door where Poe is waiting for me. I don’t realize I’ve been followed until a gratingly sweet voice purrs from behind me.
“Commander Poe, what a delightful surprise.”
Countess Vivienne glides toward us, her silver-streaked hair elegantly styled, her perfectly manicured hand extended. Her eyes, though fixed on Poe, flick briefly to me with cold assessment.
“Countess,” Poe acknowledges stiffly, but doesn’t move away when she places her hand on his forearm.
“It’s been ages since we’ve had the opportunity to speak,” she purrs, leaning close enough that her scent—expensive perfume masking an aging Omega—envelops him. “I miss how often you used to attend to me before your promotion to Logan’s pack.”
I realize with a sort of dawning horror that is she is openly flirting with him right in front of me.
