Page 40 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Milord,” they replied with a courtesy. They then glanced at Sylvana with malice filled scowls and quietly shut the door behind them.

Kieran looked down at Sylvana. “Shall we?”

“Yes,” she replied, with a forced smile.

“I’d like to show you something.”

“What is it?”

“Do you like art?”

Art? I certainly didn’t expect to see an art collection.“Yes. And you?”

“Yes. And why is it unexpected?”

“I don’t know? And I am going to put a stop to you reading my thoughts,” she smiled.

“Do your best,” he replied with a wink.

They walked down a long hallway and up another set of winding stairs; on their way up, Kieran moved a large oil painting, so it was slightly askew.

“Why did you do that?” Sylvana asked.

“Just fucking with Riordan. How’s your family?”

“They’re well. My sister Calista is at home and I’m sure you know of Mira’s whereabouts.”

“Nicolai told me what happened. Enatta is a malicious imposter. She’s always scheming.”

“My mother used to tell us stories about her. What will you do if Cadell is titled?”

“Enatta will find herself on the other side of the threshold.” He chuckled.

“Good to know,” Sylvana said as she chuckled along with him.

He opened a door, and they walked into an extensive library; the walls were lined with tall, dark shelves, and black chandeliers filled with candles hung from the ceiling and lit the room with a warm, ambient light which cast shadows across various, sized, oil paintings hanging on every wall and in-between the shelves.

It smells like old wood and aged paper;she thought as she scanned the titles.I can only imagine the stories waiting to be read that are written across their pages in black scroll ink.

She languidly strolled around the room and ran her hand across a green velvet, chaise lounge and looked at Kieran. “I’m impressed.” She did her best to focus on her surroundings rather than Kieran’s impressive physique.

Kieran walked across the room, opened two stained glass doors and stepped onto the half-round balcony. Sylvana stared at the thick, reddish scar running down his back as she followed behind. She stood next to him, placed her palms on the marble railing, and looked down into the courtyard. “I have never seen anything so beautiful.”

“Neither have I,” he said, only he was looking at Sylvana, not the courtyard.

She felt the warmth radiate across cheeks from the unexpected compliment; she smiled and turned her face to hide the rosy color of her cheeks.

Kieran lifted her chin with his fingers. “The way you’re dressed tonight does you justice. You’re stunning.”

Her stomach lurched, and her pulsed raced, fearing he was about to do more than compliment her. “Thank you.” She stepped back, walked across the balcony, and looked at the rolling, black clouds slowly consuming the glowing moon.

Kieran smirked. “Do not be nervous, Sylvana. It’s a compliment, not an invitation.” He then held out his hand. “Come, I have something else to show you.”

She took his hand in hers, and they walked back into the room. Kieran released his grip and pulled two large shelves opened which revealed a smaller room decorated similar to the library however, the walls were covered with writing, maps and sketches of warriors, animals and demonic looking creatures, as if someone had sketched them with charcoal. At the end of the large room were two tall, gray, stone statues; a male and a female, both of whom were wearing a hooded cloak.

This looks like one hell of a story,she thought as she walked in a slow circle.

Kieran pulled the cork out of a green, glass decanter, poured the amber liquid into two matching cups and handed one to Sylvana; he then draped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her tightly into his body.

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