Page 107 of The Shadows Between Us
“It’s not so bad being followed around everywhere I go. Honestly, it’s preferable to the isolation I’ve resigned myself to.”
I say nothing. I think perhaps he might need me to listen.
“In other news, I’ve sentenced Lord Eliades to life in prison. He’s been stripped of all his lands and his title. He won’t trouble us anymore. We’ve also located most of the gold coins he took and redistributed. All the peasants caught with them have also been imprisoned. They knew very well they were being given stolen goods.”
“You don’t seem terribly happy about all of this.”
He stares at the flames and downs the rest of his cup. “The roundup did not go well. Several peasants died in the process. They resisted the guards. And many of the merchants did not want to give up the coin they’d already received in exchange for their goods.”
I settle deeper into my chair. “And you blame me.”
His hand stills from where it is reaching for a decanter beside him to refill his glass. “Why would I blame you?”
“Because it was my idea to catch the bandit in this manner.”
“That’s not at all what I’m trying to say. My guards did a poor job of handling the matter. It is they who are to blame, not the plan. Besides, I couldn’t care less about a little public unrest.”
“Then what is the problem?” I ask.
“The council wishes to do something about the stir we’ve caused. They’re considering a royal parade through the streets of Naxos.”
I blink. “You can’t do that. That’s the perfect opportunity for our contact to assassinate you.”
He starts on another glass of wine. “I know, but I’m afraid the council has voted against me. I have no choice.”
My skin glows with the reflection of the flames, and I feel my body grow hot all over. And not in a good way. “One of them is in on it! They have to be. Why else would they make you do this?”
“It would generate some goodwill. Remind the people that I’m nota monster putting all his focus on foreign kingdoms. It humanizes me, apparently. Makes them more likely to pay their taxes or some nonsense.”
He finishes refilling his drink yet again. “Oh, and the Kingdom of Pegai is officially at peace once more.”
I finally turn in his direction. “I’m having a hard time reading you. Are you upset? Worried? Pleased?”Terrified?I don’t say aloud.
“I’m remarkably calm for someone who knows there will be another attempt on his life soon.”
“An attempt, perhaps, but nothing more. Your would-be killer will not succeed. They will be caught.”
He swallows the rest of his cup and finally sets the empty glass aside, letting his head fall back against the armchair as he does so. “Well, now that all the pleasant conversation is done with, shall we move on to whatever the reason is for you avoiding me all day?”
“That was the pleasant conversation?”
He stops petting Demodocus, and the dog slumps down to the floor, out as soon as his head falls atop his paws.
“What bothers you, Alessandra?”
“I don’t think you’ve had enough to drink for us to have this conversation.”
“Meaning?”
“I’d rather you not remember it.”
A small smile grazes his lips. “I could drink some more if you’d like.”
“No, you should be alert at all times. In case anything happens.”
He shakes his head once. “Quit stalling. The fact is that… you were—um—not treated well last night.” As if the words bother him, he reaches for his glass once more and refills it.
“I wasn’t?” I ask.
