Page 79 of A Crown Without Mercy

Sylvana lifted the pendant and placed it on her palm. “Of course.”

“Where did you get this? It’s the same one the brothers wear.”

“Riordan gave it to me.”

“Sylvie, does this mean—are you mating them?”

Sylvana laughed aloud. “No.”

Venthana gently placed it against Sylvana’s chest. “Why didn’t you come to the games last night?”

“I was at my manor with Nicolai and Kieran.”

“They stayed at your place?”

“Yes, and they ended up introducing themselves to my family this morning.”

“Damn, how did they take it?”

“Not well.”

“You are the talk of court.”

“Great. What are they saying?”

“A lot.” Venthana chuckled. “The envy runs deep.”

“Just what I need,” Sylvana said. “I’m nervous enough as it is.”

“Don’t worry about it. Stefania and Aurelia will also be in attendance, and they are excited to see you.

Florin pulled up to the manor and hopped out of the carriage. “I’ll be back momentarily.”

Brienne smiled and nodded. “Take your time, my love.”

He walked into the parlor and Alaric was pacing back and forth with a drink.

“I hope the rest of the day was uneventful,” Florin said as he filled a cup with ale.

Alaric leaned against the table and crossed his legs. “I am afraid of how tonight is going to play out.”

“Alaric, it will be fine. Most of the Cynfadel clan, and other members of the Legion, will be there. Not to mention Cadell has your back.”

Alaric tipped his cup to him. “Not one of them carries enough power or influence to go toe to toe with the Acherons.”

“I don’t disagree, but I also think nothing is going to happen.”

Alaric reached behind him for the pitcher and filled his cup up again. “I want nothing more than to get through this night, and then I am going to kill Sylvana.”

Florin took Alaric’s cup from him and set it down. “Go easy tonight. The last thing I want is to see you say or do something you will regret.”

“Another one of my many concerns is Muriel has been hanging out with Sylvana. The last thing I need is to find out she has been involved in or has any knowledge of this.”

Florin laughed aloud. “The women in your life are going to be the death of you.”

“In the literal sense.” Alaric chuckled half-heartedly.

Laurent was standing behind the barn, waiting for Alaric to leave. Once the carriage was out of sight, he snuck through the back door, peered around the corner, and heard someone coming down the stairs. As Calista walked through the parlor, he stood with his back against the wall and held his breath. Once he heard the door close, he ran up the stairs, down the hallway, and knocked softly on Mira’s door.

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