Page 86 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Milord, I am very sorry. I—I tripped. I will help her clean up.” She reached over as if she was going to grab Sylvana’s hand.

A low rumble rose from Nicolai’s chest, and he stepped forward, gripped Elsa’s shoulder, and pulled her back. “I would spill your fucking blood for what you have done. However, I don’t want to get it in my mouth,” he said as he side-eyed Sylvana.

The corner of Sylvana’s mouth turnt up with a modest smile, knowing what he was alluding to. “There are other ways to kill,” she said.

The tears streamed down Elsa’s face. “Milords, it was an accident—”

“It was a grievous error in judgement,” Kieran interjected.

Riordan wrapped his fists around her wrists and yanked her toward him. “Let’s make sure you never spill another.”

“Yes, milord. It will never happen again.”

Riordan looked at the guard standing behind her. “Take her fucking hands,” he stated calmly.

“What? Noo! I beg of you!”

“Yes, milord.” He grabbed the back of Elsa’s neck and drug her out.

Riordan then turned his attention to her friends. “Sylvana will take your places at court, and you will spend the rest of your days tending to my fucking fields with the Helots.” He flicked his hand and the guards drug them away. Riordan then turned to Sylvana. “Sângele Nostru, I believe you have soiled your dress.”

“It appears so.” She chuckled and ran her hands down the material, and then subtly shook them.

Riordan stepped back, waved his hand over her body, and everything dissipated as if nothing had happened.

Tobias and Lenora walked over and she pulled Sylvana into a tight embrace. “I am so sorry. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, really. Just embarrassed,” Sylvana replied.

A look of amusement crossed Tobias’s face, and he cocked his head. “I have never witnessed a lady of court land such an impeccable blow.”

“I’m not a lady of court,” Sylvana replied.

“No, no, you aren’t, but based on the amulet around your neck, the court will soonbelongto you,” he replied, along with a wink.

“Holy shit, Sylvie.” Lenora said. “That was one hell of a punch. Did you see the blood splatter?”

“I believe you broke the skýla’s nose,” Klyn laughed.

Lenora wrapped her arm in Sylvana’s. “Let us put this behind you and go inside. My mate has promised me a dance.”

Sylvana smiled as she watched the guests moved seamlessly around the floor, each step in sync with the harmony of the music.

“Shall we?” Nicolai asked as he and Kieran bent over, placed one arm behind their backs, and held their hands out.

“We shall, milords.” Sylvana curtsied, and they spun her around between them, and melted into the crowd and easily fell into step with one another. A smile spread across Sylvana’s face as they glided together, drifting serenely across the floor in unison with the rest of the crowd.

“The way you handled yourself with Elsa was impressive,” Kieran said as he twirled her body around his.

“It was embarrassing. I shouldn’t have lost my temper during such an important event.”

“You stood up for yourself. There is nothing to be embarrassed about,” Nicolai replied.

“I can’t recall the last time I heard Riordan laugh so hard.” Kieran smiled.

When the music faded, Nicolai dipped Sylvana in his arms, and admired how her mouth parted in laughter and the way her emerald-green eyes sparkled. He raised her up, slid his hand over her thigh, held it against his hip, and took her mouth to his.

Riordan placed his hand on Nicolai’s shoulder. “Not to interrupt, but I believe the next dance is mine.”

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