A Kiss of Shadow (Court of Starlight and Darkness #2)(16)

“Are you Lore’s ex?” I asked. “That was a pretty intense conversation you were having earlier today.”

“His ex?” She laughed. “What a human term. And the fact that you’re interested. Jealous, even. How quaint.”

“Oh, I’m not jealous.” I smiled. “I was thinking if you wanted him, you could have him in the evenings. It’s more of a business arrangement for us.” I’d chosen the most shocking thing I could think of to throw her off guard, and it worked.

She laughed. “Aren’t you a surprise.”

“Just here to please.” I sipped the wine. The direct approach seemed best. It was obvious from the keen look in her eyes that she was too cunning for me to talk circles around. “Seriously, though. Why did you slap him? Do I have to worry about you coming after me?”

She sighed and tilted her head as she studied me. “No, actually. I won’t be telling you what that slap was about, only that he deserved it. But I won’t be coming after you. And I have no interest in expanding my kingdom as some speculate.” She looked around the room, clearly searching for someone. “I’ve got other prey in mind.”

“Oooh, now that’s some gossip.”

“Gossip that I won’t be sharing. Yet.” She smiled. “But it was nice to meet you. I wanted to take the measure of the new Queen of the Court of Starlight and Darkness, and I must say I’m not disappointed.”

I curtsied, giving her an ironic smile. “Glad to be of service.”

“Oh, you serve only yourself, I am sure.” She said it like it was a compliment.

“And my court.”

Her brows rose. “But not the king.”

“No. Definitely not.”

She nodded. “I like you.”

“Then give me a heads-up. Who here might not like me?”

She looked around, her lips pursing. “Any number of people, to be honest. Tomorrow, the Irish Court will arrive. I’d keep an eye on them.”

I could sense the truth in her words—perhaps part of my magic? No matter what it was, I believed her. “Thanks.”

“Good luck.” She turned and disappeared through the crowd.

We had misinterpreted the ice queen earlier today because she wasn’t a threat to me. Whoever she was looking for, though…

They weren’t going to be as lucky.

Eve whistled low. “That didn’t go the way I expected.”

“No, but she’s as fabulous as she looks, that’s for sure,” Meria said. “I think you might have an ally, Sia.”

“Good. Because I’m going to need one.”

“Shall we keep hunting?” Eve asked.

Meria nodded. “I’ve got my eye on someone who looks like they might have loose lips. I’ll see you guys later.”

Eve and Meria split off, and I leaned against the bar, sipping my wine as I looked through the crowd.

Who should I talk to next?

There was a quiet woman sitting near the window on the far wall. She sipped a glass of red wine as she watched the crowd. I recognized myself in her—someone who stuck to the edges. A wallflower.

Perfect.

That kind of person always knew things. It was easy to see what people were hiding when they didn’t notice you.

I started toward her, weaving my way through the crowd. As I neared her, I began to feel a bit fuzzy headed.

Whoa.

I hadn’t had that much to drink, had I?

The spinning increased, and it took everything I had to stay on my feet.

Shit.

I wasn’t drunk.

I’d been poisoned.





7





Sia



* * *



My heart raced as I searched for help. My movements were sticky slow, and it felt like I could barely move my head as I looked for members of my court.

The only people I saw were unfamiliar. Meria and Eve had disappeared into the crowd. I thought Lore might still be at his table, but it was all the way on the other side of the room. I wouldn’t make it that far. Not if I had to weave my way through the packed crowd. And I didn’t want people seeing that I was inebriated. It was a sign of weakness I didn’t want to show.

Merebeth, the healer.

She was probably still reading in the sitting room in our private car. I was closest to the exit that led to our quarters. All I had to do was get through the empty dining car.

I could do it.

I drew in a shuddery breath, stumbling toward the door. I was pretty sure I looked normal, even though it felt like a slow, rumbling earthquake was going off inside me.

I breathed slowly, making my way through the doors and into the dining car. It was quiet inside, the air still. I was halfway through the car when I realized it was empty.

Shouldn’t there at least be a staff member or something?

Shit. Maybe I shouldn’t have chosen this route.

Nerves tugged at me. I might have misjudged this.

I sucked in a deep breath, hoping the oxygen would help keep me conscious as I staggered toward the end of the dining car. Our private car was through the other door. Almost there.

When the figure appeared to my right, I was almost unsurprised.

I turned, readying myself to attack.

The man wore a cloak that concealed his face. He gripped my biceps with a strong arm and yanked me forward.