Page 35 of Of Masks and Fury

“Heard what?”

“Oh…nothing.”

Before I could say anything further, Finley grabbed my hand, bringing it to his lips. But he didn’t just kiss it. He traced his tongue across my skin.

“I look forward to knowing you better, Princess,” he said.

I wrenched my hand away, and my magic exploded. Every candle in the room snuffed out at once, plunging us into darkness broken only by moonlight cutting through the windows.

Gasps echoed around the table. China rattled.

My father’s voice bit through the darkness. “Servants. The candles. Now.”

Footsteps scrambled, and one by one, the candles flickered back to life.

My father’s eyes had locked on me.

“Perhaps the princessistired,” he said, his voice deceptively mild. “Such a long day, and she’s still recovering from her travels.” He rose from his chair, and everyone else scrambled to stand as protocol demanded. “Gentlemen, I think we should let her retire. She’s only recently returned from the cluster. I’m sure she’ll have much to consider after tonight’s lovely conversation.”

In other words, start preparing your offers.

He glared my way. “We’ll discuss your impressions first thing in the morning, daughter.”

In other words, you’ll choose one of them at that time.

I stood and turned toward the door, my throat closing off. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Father.”

He lifted his hand toward Trew. “Blain, escort my daughter to her chambers. Ensure she’s comfortable but…”

I paused, not turning back, not daring to look my father in the eye.

“I understand you entered her suite earlier today,” my father said in the stern tone of an overprotective parent.

“She saw a mouse,” Trew said blandly. “I found it and removed it from the premises.”

“From now on, leave such tasks to her ladies. They’re more than capable. You will remain in the hall or near the door inside her sitting room but the latter only if her ladies are present.”

This was a test. He suspected something, and he was watching to see how Trew would react.

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Trew’s voice betrayed nothing.

I curtsied to my father and the lords and headed for the door on legs that wavered like water.

Trew fell into step behind me.

I could feel his rage in the heat against my back. Could sense the barely restrained violence coiled in his muscles. Could hear the careful control in his breathing, the measured cadence of his footsteps.

We were both about to shatter.

Pherin soared through an open window as we passed, landing on my shoulder.

Guards watch. Track,she said.Someone in shadows down hall. Also watch.

They were everywhere.

Finally, we reached my door.

Trew moved ahead, opening it with a hand that was perfectly steady despite the tremor I knew he must be suppressing. He stepped back, creating the proper distance.