Page 34 of Of Masks and Fury

I suppressed the laugh bubbling up my throat. The sound would come out too close to hysteria.

“Princess?” Lord Alfred leaned closer, a strawberry pinched between his fingers. “You look flushed. Perhaps you need refreshment. Open wide.”

He thrust the fruit toward my mouth.

“I’m quite capable of feeding myself, thank you.” I kept my voice pleasant and nudged the strawberry away.

“But I insist.” He moved closer, and I caught the scent of his cologne, something overpowering that made my eyes water. “Let me care for you.”

“The princess said no.” Trew’s voice cut across the room.

Everyone froze.

My heart stopped.

Every guard turned to look at him. My father’s eyes narrowed to slits.

“I beg your pardon?” Lord Alfred’s voice went cold, though he didn’t bother to look Trew’s way.

“The princess declined the fruit.” Trew’s voice returned to the flat, professional tone of a bodyguard. “I merely noted it for the record. My apologies if I spoke out of turn, but I am here to protect her.” A muscle in his jaw jumped.

My father studied him for a long moment before turning back to the table. “Your guard seems a touch too invested in your safety, daughter.”

“He takes his duties seriously,” I said, my throat tight. “I appreciate his diligence.”

“Hmm.” My father’s gaze lingered on Trew for another beat before shifting back to me. “He needs to remember his place.”

Or else. The threat hung in the air.

Lord Alfred set down the strawberry, his expression sullen. “I was merely being courteous.”

“Of course you were.” I reached for my wine and took a long drink. “I’m afraid I’m not fond of strawberries. Otherwise, I would’ve gladly taken a bite.”

He eased back in his chair, shooting a look of triumph to the other men.

The temperature in the room rose. A bead of sweat formed on Crestin’s temple and trickled down to his jaw.

Trew’s magic was bleeding through his control, and if I didn’t get control of my own, this charade would collapse.

“Father,” I said. “These gentlemen have been lovely company, but perhaps you and the lords would prefer to adjourn to your study for drinks? I find I’m quite full and would like to retire to my rooms.”

“Nonsense. Our guests came all this way to visit with you. We mustn’t be rude.”

We?As if I had any choice in this.

Servants appeared with yet another plate, this one bearing a chocolate confection decorated with gold leaf.

Lord Crestin leaned forward again, his voice pitched for my ears alone. “You take after your poor, departed mother.”

The mention of her sent ice through my veins. I remembered her body at the base of the stairs, crumpled and still, the day I lost her forever.

“You knew her?”

“Briefly, when I was much younger.” His eyes gleamed. “She had your spirit. Your fire. It’s what killed her in the end.”

“My mother died from a fall down the stairs,” I said carefully. “It was an accident.”

“Did she?” His smile was much too knowing. “How interesting. I thought I’d heard…”