Page 103 of The Shadows Between Us
Kallias’s eyes bore into me with all the force of a burning comet. “I wasn’t speaking of that game.” His eyes dart down to my lips briefly, before he turns on one heel and walks away.
WHEN MY EYES FLUTTERopen the next morning, the most delicious feeling of happiness wafts over me. Confused, I search through my memory. Thinking perhaps I’d had a pleasant dream.
Kallias’s face rises to the surface, and my whole body heats. Yes, I’d dreamed of him. We’d finally grown close physically. But as I try to remember the details—where exactly he touched me, where he kissed me, where his teeth had nipped at my skin—there is nothing. Only a haze. And frustration overcomes the feeling of happiness.
I throw my head back onto my pillow. What is happening to me?
I do notlikethe king. He is a means to an end. And while I will deeply enjoy consummating our marriage, there is nothing else Kallias is useful for.
I don’t care if he makes me laugh. Or if at times he seems to know me better than I do myself. And who the devils cares if he’s a perfect fifteen?
These thoughts won’t do at all.
My maid draws me a bath, and she blessedly doesn’t ask any questions as she washes the cigar smoke from my hair. Once I’m dressed and all done up, I’ve decided on the proper course of action for the day. I need to do something to remind myself of why I’m here.
The old crone who serves as the castle’s royal healer will have anumber of medicinal herbs within her storeroom, if I can find it. I will take the necessary ingredients with which to poison Kallias when it comes time.
SOMETIME LATERI’M ONmy way back to my rooms, my pocket holding a vial of distilled minalen, a plant native to Pegai. Might as well keep with the ruse used by the other assassin.
My mind eases as I feel much more resolute in my task.
As I pass by a window, a blur catches my attention. Outside, Kallias walks with a small troop of men surrounding him. His shadows rise about him in full force. Even from here, when I can’t see the details of his face, my heart skips a beat.
This man who gives me what I ask. Who makes time for me when he’s so dreadfully busy ruling six kingdoms. Who takes me with him on dangerous missions because he trusts me. A man who challenges me in wits, in scheming. Who values my opinion and implements my ideas for catching bandits and traitors.
A man who sets my blood to racing without even touching me. Who can warm my heart with a look.
Suddenly, the treasonous vial within my pocket feels heavier than a bag of rocks. I hurry along to my room, casting it into the deepest recesses of my wardrobe.
I don’t know what I’m doing anymore. But I do know one thing.
No one butmeis allowed to decide when Kallias Maheras, king of six realms and counting, is going to die.
IDON’T SIT BYKallias at lunch that day. Instead, I cram myself into the seat next to Rhoda before another lady can take it. The lady in question gives me an affronted look, but I ignore her. Just as I ignore the heaton the side of my face that is no doubt a result of the look Kallias must be giving me. He saw me stride with purpose into this seat. And he thankfully doesn’t demand I join him at the front. Perhaps he can tell I need a little space.
Maybe that space will set everything to rights.
“You’re not sitting with the king today?” Rhoda asks, eyeing the empty seat at Kallias’s right.
“I want to sit with my friend. Is that a crime?”
Rhoda looks at me doubtfully. “Are you and Kallias fighting?”
“No.” Before she can ask another question, I add, “I would rather not speak of it.”
“Very well.”
Rhoda’s manservant, Galen, trots over to her and places her napkin in her lap. He proceeds to do the same for me before another servant gets the chance.
“Thank you, Galen,” I say.
“Of course, my lady.”
Then he returns to stand by the wall, but I let my gaze linger on Galen a moment longer.
He’s staring at Rhoda. Not in the way an attentive servant would stare, waiting to be of some use. But in the way a man stares at a woman he wants.
I’ve noticed this before, and I still can’t quite believe how blind to it Rhoda seems.
