Page 104 of The Shadows Between Us
I tuck the thought away as I note the extra guards by every exit of the room. Good. Kallias still has his shadows cloaked about him, however, so whoever touched him at Dawson’s isn’t in the room with us now.
I turn my back, spot all five council members there. Kallias meets my gaze as I swivel back around.
Yes, not them, that looks says.
But it could have been that they ordered someone to touch him. A whore or other member of the nobility not stationed at court. Someone who would never be suspect, because they’re not involved. Until now. Until someone in Kallias’s court offered them something they couldn’t resist. Something to risk treason. Or perhaps they don’t even know. Kallias was in disguise. They could have been paid simply to run into him. To touch him. They’d think it an odd request. But given enough money, people won’t ask questions.
“Where’s Hestia?” I ask as food is placed before me.
“Don’t you spot her?” Rhoda inclines her head farther down the table.
My eyes widen. I’d been looking for someone wearing purple, as that is what I’d worn yesterday. But Hestia is wearing a cream-colored gown that suits her skin tone nicely. She’s seated next to Lord Paulos.
“That must be going well, then.”
“I daresay it is. She looks happy. Now you both have your beaus, and I’ll be alone at the table forevermore.”
“Nonsense,” I say as I bring a spoon of broth up to my lips. “You will find your love match, Rhoda. It’s only a matter of time. What about Rhouben?”
“He was engaged to Melita not long ago.”
“So? He’s not anymore.”
“Doesn’t matter. I don’t think he’s right for me. Didn’t you see the way he would nag at Melita? I don’t put up with that sort of thing.”
“But he wouldn’t nagyou,” I protest. “He’ll adore you!”
“No. I don’t think we’re suited for each other.”
“What about Petros? It is well known he likes ladies as well as lords.”
“Courtiers are too drawn to him. I’d get jealous.”
“But he’d never betray your trust, physically or otherwise.”
“I would still get jealous.”
“Then what of Leandros?” I ask.
She quirks a brow. “Are you just going through the names of everyone you know at court? Besides, I thought you might have something with Leandros—something on the side for when the king upsets you.”
As if he can sense we’re talking about him, Leandros looks up from farther down the table. He sees me watching him and smiles warmly.
“I take that back,” Rhoda says. “I don’t want anyone who is already smitten with you.”
I grin, realizing she’s left me the perfect opening. “What you need is to start paying attention to someone who is already smitten withyou.”
Rhoda looks around the room meaningfully. “Who?”
“He’s not sitting at the tables. He’s against the wall.”
Her eyes zero in on the man instantly. “You meanGalen?”
“He is in love with you, Rhoda. You spend most of your time with him; surely you’ve noticed?”
She purses her lips in thought, as though replaying in her mind every moment she’s ever shared with him. “He’s my servant. Acommoner.”
So very true, and if it were me, that would mean the man is far beneath my notice. But this is Rhoda, and she isn’t like me at all.
