Page 44 of The Shadows Between Us
Once he composes himself, he pulls me into the dance number among other couples on the floor. “Think what you will of me and my methods,” he says after one turn around the ballroom, “but my plan is working splendidly. I’ve already secured some invitations of my own. I shouldn’t need you to get me into any other events.”
“In that case, you don’t need me anymore.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. My connection to you is what is giving me the needed credibility. We will continue to associate regularly.”
“Credibility?”
“Yes, I’m looking for men to invest in my new business venture—Ow!”
I accidentally step on Myron’s foot, so caught off guard by the words. “You’re using me to get nobles toinvest in a business venture?”
Myron takes me through the next set of turns in the dance, acting as though we’re not having any sort of argument. “Of course. If you will recall, I’m in quite a lot of debt. I need to get out of it. I’m looking to buy some sailing vessels to open up a trading line with the Kingdom of Estetia.”
I’m speechless for a moment. “You.You—the man who spends all his money on cards and dice—are convincing courtiers to give you their money so you can open up trade with a kingdom our Shadow King is planning toinvade.”
Myron glares down at me. “I’m good at getting others to give me money. I’ve raised quite a lot already. Besides, it’s not like Estetia knows the king is planning to conquer them.”
My hair should catch fire, such heat emanates from my body. “You are going to sully my good name when you steal all this money to pay off your debts.”
“No. I’m not using it to pay off my debts. I’m going to buy trading ships. With the profits of my new business, I will then begin to pay off my debts.”
Our second dance together ends, and the orchestra strikes up a third song, but I walk away from Myron.
“Alessandra, I didn’t say you could cease dancing with me.”
“No, we can’t be seen dancing three songs in a row.”
He grins. “I own you. You will do whatever I say.”
“If we dance another dance, then you might as well tell the wholeworld my secret, because rumors about me will abound and the king will end our courtship. Three dances in a row is all but an announcement of an engagement. Then you will have nothing to gain from me.” The words are desperate, but Myron must see reason.
He sighs. “Oh, very well. I shall go find another partner, but don’t you dare go disappear from the party.” And blessedly, he leaves me.
I take the rest of the song to compose myself. I am courting the king. I will be rid of Myron very soon. Everything will go according to plan. No one makes a fool of me.
After a few more steadying breaths, I determine to salvage what I can of the evening and enjoy the party.
I stand by the wall, thinking to catch the eye of some man to encourage him to ask me to dance. I find one, a tall stranger with hair a deep red shade, his complexion sun-kissed, and his muscled body practically straining through the well-fitted formal attire. He gives me a polite nod and walks on.
Though somewhat irritated by the rejection, I remain undaunted and try to catch another’s gaze. I find a broad-shouldered blond with a handsome mustache and give him a coy smile. He returns the greeting enthusiastically and turns away from me.
What the hell?
“No man here will ask you to dance,” a feminine voice says from behind me.
I turn and find the owner, Lady Zervas, her gray-streaked hair falling over her shoulders in perfect ringlets. She hides her mouth behind a cream-colored fan, and her eyes reveal nothing of her expression.
“You are being courted by the king,” she says by way of explanation. “No one else would dare to approach you, save your… friend.”
Orrin also dared, but I suppose he doesn’t have a sense of self-preservation. He’s too busy saving kittens from drowning.
“If you will permit me to give you some advice,” Lady Zervas says,but she doesn’t ask it like a question. She plows straight ahead. “Deny the king your favors. You will only be unhappy if you resume this courtship. At best, he will hold you at arm’s length always, afraid to touch you.”
“And at worst?” I ask.
“That depends on what you fear more. Either he will die and leave you behind in this world, or he will wed another, and you’ll be forced to watch him happy with someone else.”
“Such bleak options.”
