Page 23 of Baking With A Ghost

She was digging, I realized, feeling a mix of annoyance and reluctant admiration. The lady in question had been quite happy with my attentions after the fight, and upset when I dropped her, having obtained the scrolls I’d wanted.

Was she jealous?

I forced a laugh, the sound hollow even to my own ears. "Ah, yes. A little disagreement between friends. Nothing to worry about."

Luna raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying my deflection. "If you say so," she said, her tone laced with skepticism. "But I do hope you're not planning on starting any fights tonight. It would be a shame to ruin such a lovely party."

I gritted my teeth, my patience wearing thin. "I assure you, my vixen, I have no intention of causing a scene."

At least, not the kind you’re thinking about.

Luna studied me for a moment. I met her stare unflinchingly. Finally, she nodded, seemingly satisfied with what she found.

"Well then," she said brightly, looping her arm through mine, "shall we join the festivities? I'm sure our absence has been noted by now."

I allowed her to lead me into the room, my mind still churning with the implications of Lorenzo's warning. My mother was probably systematically removing the other branches of the emperor's bloodline.And her opposition would be coming for me and mine.

The words echoed in my head again, a grim reminder of the danger that lurked in the shadows.

As we neared the dining room, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses grew louder. I straightened my shoulders, preparing to step into the role of the brooding, menacing nobleman. But even as I donned my mask, I feared the real threat was far closer than anyone realized. And with Luna by my side, the stakes had just gotten even higher.

Luna smiled at me.

"You've adapted quickly," I said. "Almost as if you were born for this life."

Luna gave a soft laugh, her gaze meeting mine. "I could point out I was born to this life,husband. I've lived with your family since I was fourteen. My blood's as good as yours, as they measure it. Even if I wasn't trained when I was young, adapt or die, isn't that what they say? I learned that lesson a long time ago."

She was a survivor. A pang of something that might almost be respect filled me. But that didn't mean I trusted her. Though trust had nothing to do with sex, either.

Was she plotting with Vala? Though she’d been open and explicit about what she wanted from me.

"Shall we, my lady?" I offered her my arm.

Luna raised an eyebrow, clearly recognizing the performative gesture. "You're quite the actor, Benedetto."

I smirked down at her, my eyes cold. "You have no idea."

We swept into the dining room, a picture of marital harmony. The long table was laden with delicacies, the scent of roastedmeats and spiced wines filling the air. Guests milled about, their jewels glittering in the candlelight, their laughter ringing out over the gentle strains of music.

After getting drink for both of us, I led Luna to a seat by the wall, pulling out her chair with a gentlemanly air. She settled into it, arranging her skirts with a practiced hand. I took my place beside her, nodding greetings to those nearby.

Play your part. I lifted my glass in a toast to the room at large.Frown, brood, snarl. Let them see only what you want them to see.

Even as I slipped into the familiar rhythm of polite conversation and political maneuvering, my mind was elsewhere.

Fourth in line for the throne. How many of them would like to see me dead before I get any closer?

With Luna by my side, I had to be more careful than ever.

I trusted no one. Not even my own wife. Especially not my own wife.

My mother was one for hard lessons, and I’d been an apt pupil. My brother’s fate had been my graduation.

To cure him I needed to survive. I met Luna's gaze beside me.Survive, take your revenge. Free Francesco. Nothing else matters.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

BENEDETTO