House of Lies and Sorrow (Fae of Rewyth #1)(14)

He whispered something to Adeline, most likely about the King of Paseocan they had mentioned, and her eyes glanced over me once before she stood from the table and lost herself in the sea of guests.

“Something wrong?” I asked, hiding my nerves with strong words.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” he said. Spoken like a true asshole, assuming I am too dumb to know anything of value.

But I bit my tongue.

Malachi moved to whisper in my ear, coming so close that his lips nearly brushed my skin. “What did I tell you about my brothers?” he asked.

I didn’t back away as I turned my head slightly and replied, “I don’t take orders from you, prince.” If Malachi were to move an inch, his forehead would be touching mine. But he stilled where he was, challenging me with the darkness in his eyes, before finally leaning back in his chair once more.

This action alone drew dozens of eyes our direction, including a few looks of jealousy from a couple different women around the room.

Impressive.

I didn’t miss the way he interacted with the beautiful blonde fae as he was walking around the room earlier. But Malachi was the most powerful prince in Rewyth. Surely, he had women throwing themselves at him for any chance at power.

And surely, he had taken them up on their offers from time to time.

I kept my gaze anywhere other than Malachi’s brothers, especially Lucien, but I knew they could sense how nervous I was. I was sure they could hear every heartbeat. I was sure they could smell the sweat that glistened on my brow.

I was sure Malachi could, as well.

But my efforts of ignoring the brothers didn’t last long.

“Care for a dance, sister,” one of the princes said, rising from his chair and extending a pale hand in my direction.

I hesitated. After Malachi’s warning, this was bold. But he didn’t say a word, and everyone at the table locked their gaze onto me. It was a test, I was sure of it. The stupid human girl would be too terrified to dance with fae. Let alone a fae prince.

But like I said. I wasn’t going to be that human. And my husband wasn’t going to boss me around like I was his property.

“I must warn you,” I said as I rose from my chair and took his hand. I could have sworn I heard Malachi growl once more, or maybe I had just imagined it. “I’m an awful dancer.”

The rest of the brothers wore their shock on their faces. Even Lucien had a wicked grin of satisfaction from where he sat at the table. They were not expecting me to say yes.

“Then we must teach you the ways of the fae,” the prince said mischievously before leading me to the dance floor.

Tessa and I had learned to dance together, each of us taking turns on who was the boy and who was the girl. It had never come in handy for me, not until this moment. I was hoping, however, that Tessa could use the skills to seduce herself into a rich husband and get out of the burning pit that was our home.

She was always better than I was, I had to admit. But the fae prince–not my husband–tugged my body to his and led me into a long, graceful waltz.

“My name is Adonis, by the way,” he whispered, each word tumbling off of his perfectly rounded lips. He was just as handsome as Malachi, each feature crafted with perfection. And he knew it.

“It’s nice to officially meet you, Adonis,” I replied. He turned us around the ballroom, and his grip tightened on my hip when I nearly lost my footing.

“Relax,” he said. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

I tensed in his grip. “What makes you think I am afraid of you?”

He smirked. “I am sure you have heard the rumors by now. Are you not curious as to who your enemies are in this very room?”

I looked over his shoulder, stealing a few glances at the wandering eyes that were practically gawking at us on the dance floor.

Gawking at me.

“I suppose I have been curious, yes. Although I haven’t yet crossed any of you off the list.”

“Smart girl,” he purred.

Looks aside, he was nothing like Malachi. Lucien hadn’t been, either. That much was obvious. All the princes had an annoying arrogance to them, but Adonis had something beneath his eyes that made my skin crawl. I was very aware of his cold skin touching my bare back.

I was also very aware of the knife that rested at my thigh.

“Why waste such a beautiful party if I am just going to be killed tonight, then?” I asked Adonis quietly.

He laughed under his breath. “My dear brother doesn’t plan on his wives being killed, Lady Farrow. Besides, I think you might be his favorite,” he said with a wink.

I scoffed. “Surely an entire ballroom full of capable, powerful fae would know who has assassinated not one, but three newlywed princesses.” My words were bold but my nerves had finally settled. I was desperate for answers now.

I needed a plan.

The music changed, and Adonis pulled me closer to his chest as he transitioned into the next dance. I was close enough to feel his breath on my face, but I wasn’t going to back away. They wanted me to be afraid. They wanted me to back down.

That sure as saints wasn’t going to happen.

I lifted my chin to face him, finding nothing but amusement strung across his face.

“Am I wrong?” I urged.

“Careful, Lady Farrow,” he whispered in my ear. “You’re in a room full of men who won’t like what you’re implying.”