Page 87 of Of Shadows and Blood

“As I have expressed before, I am indebted for your help that day in saving Elivienne.”

“You mean Liv,” Sawyer says back.

Cedric ignores him. “This has nothing to do with vengeance, which I do have plenty to use against you – it has everything to do with roles. This is yours. Do you decline?”

Silence.

Cedric continues. “Since Mother and Father passed, you have wreaked havoc in all areas of your life. Drinking all day, buying women and fine items. Our coffers are well-off, thankfully, but it will go on no longer. Let me also mention your betrayal. For years – years – you visited my mate in her dream state and convinced her of a life she has never lived.”

“So, you are jealous,” Sawyer cooly responds.

“Jealous? No, brother,” he laughs. “No, jealous does not touch the surface on what I feel. Betrayed? Disrespected? Disgraced? Probably. You will never speak to her again without my presence. Your duplicity will be the bane of your existence, Sawyer. Be sure to watch yourself. And show gratitude for my lenience.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Do you understand me?” He ignores Sawyer’s question.

“Is that a—”

“DO. YOU. UNDERSTAND. ME?” Cedric bellows enough to shake the door. I step away quickly, looking over my shoulder for guards. None, but I guess Cedric can handle himself.

After a few seconds, Sawyer replies. “You’ve done it. Really, I’m proud. The big, bad king you always wanted to be.” His hand lands on the doorknob and I skirt a few more steps down the hall into an alcove. “You have my word,” he calls over his shoulder and exits Cedric’s office.

I wait a few minutes and exit the alcove, bumping directly into Cedric.

“Oh!” I rock back from his hard physique. His hands steady me.

“Care to elaborate?” He pinches the tapestry between his fingers. “I really should tear all of these down. Too many places for my enemies to hide.”

“Enemies?” My eyes widen.

Cedric leans in. “Yes, blondes with a penchant for eavesdropping.”

“Hey.” I smack his arm. “Give me more credit. I could be a good spy. Besides, I only heard a fraction of your conversation. I apologize, though.” The lie flows freely.

He motions for me to follow him and offers his arm. We descend a set of stairs and turn onto the main hall that leads to our rooms at opposite ends. “Can I request a favor? If you’re not too busy with the cess.”

“I’m curious,” I defer.

We stop at my doors and he releases my hand. “Would you join me for dinner tonight?”

My eyebrow raises at the thought of dinner as a vampyr but I nod. “Delighted.”

“Seven. Sharp.” He points to his fangs and I shoo him away for his joke.

“At your request, Your Majesty.”

On time, the doors swing open and there he is, an image of male dominance. His dark hair curls around his eyes and temple. A little wild but still clean-cut.

The red gown Jett and Isadora squealed at fits my curves like I was born in it. The soft material carries down my arms, leaving my shoulders and collarbone exposed. Jett found a delicate diamond necklace that rests perfectly in the space beneath my throat. We curled my hair again but looser and painted my lips a deep red. A bold move for a bold invitation.

“Cedric,” I greet. He pushes from the wall and bows before me.

“Liv, you look radiant.”

I glance down at myself again, brushing my hands down the soft folds. “Thank you. My ladies surprised me with a new gown tonight. I’m now understanding why she insisted I wear it.”

“Pardon my abrupt invitation. You’re a hard woman to track down. I hope you enjoy yourself.”