Page 30 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals
Tay might love me like a sister, but he fears me.
What’s one more secret?
“My head is just killing me.” I rub my temples. “Cullymade me a brew, so it’s finally helping.”
He grins. “Gods, I love that man.”
Regardless of how my stomach rolls with the secrets I’m keeping, I smile at his affection for his intended. Gods, I would love to find someone and love them as much as Tay and Cully love each other.
Hejerks a thumb at the closet, my remaining dresses hanging inside. “Get dressed. We’re already late.”
Flipping him off, I groan, gathering a glittery dress that looks like an artist painted the night sky on to its skirt. It’s a wide ballgown, with a high neck to cover my scar, and it makes me feel like a princess. But it’s a pain to button.
Coming out, I gesture to my back, smiling sheepishly. “Help me out.”
He rolls his eyes, fingers quickly finishing the dress. One finger taps my shoulder blade. “You should see if I can heal old scars. My magic is growing.”
My hand covers the spot, feeling the glassy skin of an healed burn. It’s from the debris falling from my village—I assume.
“Maybe another time.” It’s the only piece I have left of a memory I can’t recall. I don’t want to lose another piece of myself.
Facing the mirror, Tay helps me gather my dark locks into a knot on top of my head, a few strands drifting down my back. If not for the sunken eyes or the blinding red of my lips, I’d be almost pretty.
But I know what I am—whoI am.
The Coven called me a monster. Returning to the ballroom, seeing everyone dancing, pretending to be one of them with blood on my hands, I feel every bit of their claims.
Quickly, we head toward the back tables, away from the large ornate fireplace. Before we can sit, a Human mother and daughter intercept, blocking our path.
I bite back a curse as I stumble, Tay bowing like a gentleman.
“LordTaylay,” the mother begins and I fight back a snort. No one calls Tay that at home. “Would you give us the honor of a dance with my darling daughter,Eloise?”
Tay’s pained smile makes me giggle. “I would be honored, ma’am.”
“She’s heard all about your Coven,” the mother continues sweetly and I can’t stop the snort from slipping past my lips.She’s laying the compliments on thick. “You’ve got magic, is that right? A healer among your people?”
“He is, indeed,” I say enthusiastically, patting his arm. “Very skilled. Very powerful. The only one in the Coven to possess magic.”
The mother’s eyes turn hungry.Ah.This mother is hoping for a court match and Taylay’s magic makes him a valuable catch. Add in his status in the Coven, and the vultures will circle.
Unfortunately, Taylay is engaged to Cully, his Heartbond.
“Would you mind?—”
“Excuse me,”Taycuts off, steering me, a bit harshly to the side. I chuckle at his annoyance. “We need to speak to a few sisters on Coven matters. I will find you later for that dance, Eloise.”
Once we sidestep the pair, he drops my elbow, glaring. “You’re enjoying this too much.”
“Very. But it’s not my fault that the court mamas see you as a potential match for their daughters.” I stride with confidence to the square table, surrounded by fellow sisters wearing their best gowns. “Magic is a big draw.”
“Too bad she’s not my type.”
Shrugging, I plop into my chair, making sure my collar stays high. “They don’t know that. Maybe promising fake engagements will secure more allies?”
Shaking his head,Tayflips me off. “Such diplomacy, Max. Promise love and steal their resources? You’d make a great leader.”
“Good thing I’m not,” I say, winking. “Can you imagine?”
