Page 154 of Revels on an Angel’s Grave

Emmeline’s mouth opened, but no words came out. From behind, Myrella squeezed her hand, a silent inquiry if she wanted intervention, but if they were going to pull off their plan today, Emmeline couldn’t call extra attention to herself. Rejecting one of the competitors she was meant to mingle with could cause a stir.

She smiled politely, casting a glance over her shoulder. “I’ll find you all in a bit.” Stick to our plan, she begged with her eyes, turning back to Devinli. “Yes, I’d love to.”

Graves took a step to follow Emmeline as she took Devinli’s arm, but she raised a hand. “Remain with Myrella, please.”

“No.”

“Graves,” Emmeline warned.

The guard narrowed his eyes, but Emmeline didn’t bow beneath the punishing stare. Myrella was clearly hurting, and Emmeline didn’t want her to be alone.

“Fine.”

Myrella looked about to argue, but Emmeline didn’t give her a chance, turning away with the competitor.

“It’s a bit crowded in here,” Devinli said sheepishly as they crossed toward the tent’s entrance. “There’s a well on the southern edge of the grapevines surrounded by a natural garden. I thought we could walk there?”

The hope in his voice rang through Emmeline’s chest. She’d been so preoccupied trying to save Roremar, she’d forgotten many of the other men who had entered this competition were innocent. And likely to die.

“It’s awfully loud,” she whispered, leaning closer and squeezing his arm. “I could use a break from the attention.”

Devinli led her out of the tent. Shouts and music mingled together over the vineyard. “There’s a lot of fanfare with this tournament.”

“Not a fan of fanfare, I’m guessing?” Emmeline asked.

“Not really.” The tips of his ears burned red.

“Can I ask why you entered, then?”

“Didn’t have much of a choice,” he mumbled. He reminded her fiercely of an avoidant student, so Emmeline remained quiet and attentive as they walked. Finally, he elaborated, “I have four older brothers and three sisters, and all have made something of themselves. My parents have never been very impressed with me.”

“And that bothers you?”

“Should it not?”

Emmeline’s heart ached at how defeated he sounded. “Only if they’ve earned that respect.”

His brows drew together, making him appear so young. Longing for her students speared through Emmeline.

“For what it’s worth, I’m very impressed with you already.” She placed a friendly kiss to his lightly freckled cheek, and Devinli’s ears turned deeper scarlet.

He cleared his throat, gesturing with his wine glass down the row of grapes. “It’s up ahead.”

Emmeline craned her neck, the aged stone well peeking around the corner at the end of the path. A riot of flowers bloomed around the space. It was entirely isolated, and much more peaceful than the competitors’ tent.

Before they reached it, a voice smooth as silk called from behind them. “Devinli.” He and Emmeline spun as another contestant strode toward them, his hands tucked into his pockets, black hair swaying on a breeze. “I see you’ve found our darling.”

Emmeline bit her tongue at the reference, but Devinli’s cheeks turned red. “We were only walking. Is that against the rules of the tournament, Khasson?”

Khasson. Emmeline mentally placed him in the rankings. He was in the middle, she believed. Kept to himself, but performed admirably in each task, friends with Perry.

With only thirteen of them left after the disastrous poison trial, she was familiar with all the men, but she hadn’t had much more than passing conversations with Khasson. He was one of the few competitors who wasn’t breathing down her neck, and that made her respect him more.

“I don’t believe there are many rules in this game,” Khasson responded in that same silky tone. “That’s what makes it so fun.”

His smoky eyes dripped over Emmeline. She could feel him on every inch of her skin. Awareness prickled her scalp, familiarity drawing her in.

As if he felt that instinct, Khasson smirked and prowled forward, a deep cherry scent wafting on the breeze. But instead of holding out a hand for Emmeline as she expected, he drooped an arm around Devinli’s shoulder. Cleverly, he lifted Emmeline’s wine glass from her hand and took a long sip.