City of Thorns (The Demon Queen Trials #1)(50)

The king stood on the other side of the pool, martini in hand. Subtly, people swarmed around him like moths to a flame, eyes flitting to him, fingers reaching out to touch his arm. But his attention was locked on Lydia and one of the dukes.

When my eyes met Nama’s, my pulse started to race. She wore a long white gown that matched her wavy hair, plus earrings that looked like dripping icicles. But despite the delicate beauty of her outfit, her lip was curled, exposing her teeth like an animal about to attack. She pulled her gaze from mine, then smiled at Orion. When he didn’t seem to notice her, she stalked over to him. “Hello, my duke.” Her voice sounded shaky, angry.

Orion seemed to be looking right past her. “You again, is it?”

When a server crossed to us with a tray of cloudy purple cocktails, I plucked one off for myself and took a sip. This one was gin, lemon, and the faint hint of violets.

And as I surveyed the room again, trying to catch anyone’s eye, I was starting to get the impression that people were ignoring me on purpose. This was a demonic cold shoulder.

No one wanted a succubus duchess here. The demons had tried killing me in the woods, and when that didn’t work, they’d try a social freeze.

I pretended I wasn’t listening as Nama started talking to Orion again, but I absolutely was.

“Your new succubus friend reminds me of a mortal sometimes,” she said, as though I weren’t standing right there. “The way she moves. Her slowness.” Her jaw tightened. “You know the fear that mortals have, since they were our prey for so long? I sense that in her. She was wearing something strange in the woods, and she smelled like animal piss. What’s she so afraid of?”

Nama was a twat, but she was a perceptive twat.

Orion flashed her a taunting smile. “She’s afraid of me, I should think. And you should be, too.”

Nama pouted at him, then lifted her chin. “But we’re going to be great friends, you and I. We are alike. Do you believe in a soul bond?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have a soul, Nama,” said Orion. “I’m divine on the outside, I know. But I’m absolutely empty inside.”

I was starting to think this was the mask he wore—cold and uncaring, devoid of emotions. Underneath his sarcasm, under the sensual smile, was a well of buried pain.

Nama’s smile looked twisted and strained at his comments. “I don’t believe that for a moment. We’re fated to marry. You can pretend to deny it all you want, but I’ve foreseen it.” Only now did she shoot me a withering look to acknowledge my presence. “And if you’re not going to look into the truth about this one, then I will. She looks…fidgety. Anxious. Mortal.”

My stomach clenched. What if she started asking around about me in Osborne?

I couldn’t worry about that now while Nama was scrutinizing me for signs of anxiety, so I tried to summon my dark side—which, as it turned out, involved finishing the cocktail fast.

I closed my eyes as I drank it down.

I’m not Rowan. I am Mortana, succubus, seductress, devourer of souls. I will eat the weak for breakfast.

When I’d finished the drink, I had a nice little buzz. Despite my new anxieties, I had to keep up the seductive charade while I was here in front of the demon crowd. With a little smile on my face, I started walking toward the king, crossing alongside the pool. I imagined the trickles of water running down my body as I walked, my eyes locked on him. The warm lights of the room cast a flattering light over his masculine features and sharp jaw.

He slid me a curious look as I approached, and I could see Lydia tensing, her eyes going dark.

I wanted him alone. If I were going to learn his weakness, it would have to be away from the others.

When I was standing next to him, I leaned in to whisper, “There’s only one thing you could do to turn my attention from Orion to you.”

Then, with that catlike walk. I headed onto the balcony. Out there, the briny sea air rushed over me, and I stared out at the sparkling sea. I’d feel fairly stupid if I did all that and the king failed to join me, but I supposed I had to stand there with the confidence of my shadow-self.

And when I turned to look back, I found that the king was stalking outside to join me, a cocktail in hand. The salty air toyed with his blond hair. “As always,” he said quietly, “you intrigue me, Mortana.”

I leaned back with my elbows over the railing and smiled at him. I was tempted to look inside to see what Orion was doing, but that wasn’t my job here. Jealousy was a game I was playing with the king; it wasn’t for me to indulge in.

I sipped my drink. “You know, this city is even more beautiful than I remember. They say a king is tied to his land, so I’m sure you’ve only enhanced its appeal.”

“I think the City of Thorns has been missing its last Lilu. We can’t be whole without your kind. We’re a city of seven wards, seven gods. We made a promise to the mortals, and you are the single living exception.” He raised his glass. “Exactly how did you extract such a deal from my father?”

I shrugged and let the strap of my gown fall just a little. “I made him happy. You know, I always thought I should be queen.”

“So did I.” There was something fierce in his voice, a desperate edge to it. “Maybe I still do.”

“Well, it’s not too late.” I sipped my drink. “But if our relationship is going to progress, I need to know the real you.”