Page 27 of The Fae Queen's Revenge

Inclining his head, Ber softened his expression through sheer force of will. “Ah, forgive me. My heart has been heavy after overhearing some of the gossip. There is much speculation over my summons and change of rooms. I cannot bear the thought of you thinking as poorly of me as rumor suggests.”

The king’s eyes flashed. “Loose tongues in my court? I will have this investigated at once.”

“Thank you, Father,” Ber said, his mouth burning from the now-hated title. His true father had been worth a thousand of Ryenil. “If it will make you feel better, I’ll stick to the closest paths and remain in sight of the guards at all times. I should have considered your concern after losing one child to a surprise attack.”

“I’ll have one of my personal guards trail you, too,” the king said, ignoring any mention of Tes. “Do remain aware of your surroundings.”

Ryenil left him, then, but there was little relief in the departure. In his gut, Ber felt certain now that the king suspected him of wrongdoing, though his words implied otherwise. But was it merely a concern that Ber had entered into an affair with an unfavorable noble? Or something deeper? That was the most crucial question to answer.

Ber took the path opposite the king’s choice. He’d lost sight of the dignitary he’d hoped to trail, but it was probably—and sadly—for the best. He didn’t dare interfere while under suspicion, when even an innocent encounter could spark the king’s ire. Shame and helpless anger settled inside him like clay, a messy ball hardening rapidly into stone. Gods, he hoped Tes agreed to work with him. There was too much depravity he was unable to stop.

As he paused to watch a mage swirl colored snowflakes into the sky, his least favorite depravity eased up beside him. “A word, my prince?”

Ber hoped his gritted teeth weren’t too evident in his smile. “Of course, Duke Aony. Unless you require privacy. I promised Father I would stay visible in case our honored guests from Vorwen need a word.”

No one would believe theduke’slips formed a smile, though it was a reasonable approximation. “I would prefer a private meeting, but we need only step away from the crowd to accomplish it. I wouldn’t wish to cause an inconvenience.”

There were only a few things Aony would wish to discuss with such urgency, and Ber had a feeling he needed to hear about any or all of them. Besides, it wasn’t as though there was an actual assassin. So long as he remained in sight, he could honor his promise to the king and discover what the duke had to say.

“Very well,” Ber said. He gestured toward an empty garden bed across from one of the guards. “But only for a moment.”

As they walked in silence toward the chosen spot, tension thrummed in Ber’s blood like one of the musician’s strings. Was it a note of warning or of expectation? Either way, he was determined to proceed. He had a feeling he would learn a great deal during this “casual” conversation over a quiet flower bed.

For good or for ill.

Chapter 14

A Question of Trust

There was little time to delay, though Ber had no liking for the conversation to come. They wouldn’t have long before someone interrupted their moonlight conference. So after a quick glance around, Ber leaned closer. “Speak, Aony,” he commanded.

Though the man’s nostrils flared, he nodded. “By now, it’s obvious that I no longer trust your intentions. From the moment you first suggested our initial…alliance, I questioned your sincerity, and your actions since the princess’s loss have only confirmed those fears. I believe you’ve always wanted the Centoi throne.”

“Is that so?” Ber lifted a brow. He could almost believe that the duke held true concern for the kingdom. “Yet who do we have to blame for Princess Lora’s death?”

Aony’s answering smile was grim. “We’re both aware that your brother wouldn’t have killed her. You know, it’s curious that Llyalia’s new queen had a cousin appear not long after my visit. A lady already with child.”

At those ominous words, a chill ran down Ber’s spine. How much had the duke guessed? “I’m afraid you’ve lost me.”

“No, I haven’t.” Aony’s voice lowered to a near whisper. “Considering the lady in question… Well, I can surmise with relative ease who my servant heard you fucking last night. It’s to all our misfortune that she didn’t kill you when she had the chance. Sentimental females.”

“I was attacked. The healer can confirm my injuries,” Ber countered.

“I didn’t say she hadn’t struck a blow,” the duke said, glaring. “She has always been too good for you. I was happy enough to see her clear.”

So now, Aony wanted to claim that he’d expected Tes to survive his treachery? It went directly counter to what he’d said upon his return to Centoi with the lookalike’s body. But why? There had to be a reason why the man was contradicting himself when it came to Tes’s so-called death.

Speculation for later. Ruthlessly, Ber tamped down on his racing thoughts. “AndIfind it curious that your story has changed. Next, you’ll tell me that her bodyguard didn’t die, after all.”

“Let me be blunt.” Aony’s gaze swept the area before he continued. “I revealed my knowledge for one reason. I want to make a deal.”

“Your nonsense—”

“Save it. I know you won’t confirm anything, and I don’t care.”

The intensity in the duke’s eyes stopped Ber’s protest more than his words. What would make such a powerful man suggest a barter?

“Your acceptance or denial will come with your actions,” Aony continued. “Ensure that my sister is removed from your little wife list, and leave her alone. Let her make her debut free of this nastiness. In return, I’ll stay out of your way, and I’ll keepquiet aboutallthat I know. More importantly, I won’t speak of my latest speculations.”

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