You Are Mine (Mine #1)(85)
None. “How soon?”
“No idea. Most likely before the wedding.”
Before the wedding? That's only two days away. My stomach churns. “Maybe we can do something to stop it.”
“We can't.” He slams his gun down on a tree stump. “You've grown up with this life, you should know it better than me. Soon I'll be dead and you'll be back with your Father.”
“They didn't succeed before, maybe they won't succeed now.”
“Don't be stupid. They've set the price so high on my head, even those who already have a good sum of money will be after me.”
His brutal response makes me stumble back.
“I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I'm just so—” He picks his gun back up and shoots another spelled bird. Before dissolving like the others, it looks exactly like a dove except for the red light surrounding it. “There's nothing to be done about it.”
“There has to be something.” While trying to think of a solution, another thought comes to me. “If Father knows you're breaking the law, why isn't he taking it to the council?”
“He gets all my money and possessions if I'm dead. If he goes through legal channels, he'll only get some. And he cares a lot about his reputation. I've sullied it enough by being your owner, doubt he wants to add traitor to my bad qualities list.”
He releases another bird, this one even redder than before. The shot echoes through the air followed by silence.
“You don't have to worry about Katherine. She'll be taken care of.”
But what about him? Someone has to take care of him, too. I want to go to him and wrap my arms around him, but that's not the answer. Touching him won't save his life.
I remember Katherine once offering to help me escape. “We could run away.”
“They're watching too closely for that to work. It'll only bring my death sooner and yours along with it.”
He storms off in the direction of the house.
I grip my arms around myself. I've killed him and put myself back under Father's ownership. I should have quietly accepted the life I was given instead of striving for more. Because of my inability to be a good Chardonian woman, I've lost more than I ever thought I could.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Guests have been arriving all morning. The ball is in a few hours, our wedding tomorrow, and Zade's still alive. Not a single attempt has been made on his life. At least none that I know of. It's left me more on edge than if someone had tried. Without an attempt made yet, they must have a sure plan. One that can only end with their success and Zade's death.
I'm exhausted from greeting everyone and wishing life was back to the way it was before there were threats on Zade's life. Once those staying overnight arrive, they'll have time to get acquainted with their rooms, and ready. Everyone else will arrive later, in time for the ball.
Zade sends the latest guests off with a servant. The way he acts, it's impossible to tell he knows death is coming. My heart aches watching him. I want to do something more, but there's nothing I can do.
The front door opens yet again. The Grand Chancellor and his son are followed by two women, both with heavy face paint.
The footman announces them. “The Grand Chancellor with his wife and his son Nathaniel with his fiancee.”
The Grand Chancellor sweeps to a stop. “Thank you for the invitation. I'm sure it will prove an interesting occasion.”
The fiancee watches the interaction, cowering away from them. The wife grabs her arm and yanks her forward. The Grand Chancellor scowls and zaps a fuchsia spell at the girl. She bites her lips, but doesn't call out. I want to kick all but the fiancee out of the house. The way she's being treated makes me want to protect her. Of course that won't happen.
“We do hope you'll be pleased with everything we have planned.”
“We shall see,” the Grand Chancellor says.
Zade motions to the next servant. “We have a set of rooms for you on the bottom floor. I hope you'll find them to your liking.”
The Grand Chancellor raises his brows, but doesn't say a word as the servant leads them away. Once they are out of sight, it feels as if I can breathe again. My tension eases until Cynthia and Bethany join us.
“I thought we wouldn't be seeing you girls until it was time to dress.” Mostly, I want them away from the danger as much as possible.
“I saw Father and the carriage arrive,” Cynthia says. “We were hoping we could join you in greeting them.”
“Certainly,” Zade says.
Cynthia eagerly stands to the side. More sedately, Bethany also joins.
“Are you well?” I ask her.
“Fine. I'm anxious to see mother and hear how the little ones are doing.”
But not Father. How will it be back under his ownership? I suppose I won't stay long. He's sure to have someone like Thomas already waiting for me. I suppress a shiver and focus on Bethany. “You can stay by me. I'm sure mother will be happy to see you.”
She nods, but doesn't say anything. The door opens and the footman says, “Presenting Councilman Stephen.”
Zade puts his arm around me. The warmth of him envelops me. I'm grateful he's not as angry with me as he was yesterday, though perhaps he should be. Still, I take what comfort I can. I lean closer as Father enters, mother close behind.