Page 3 of The Shadows Between Us
“So touching, Father, but I’ve got my sights set on another man.”
“And just whom would that be?”
I stand, pulling the sheet up with me, before tucking it under my arms. “The Shadow King, of course.”
Father guffaws. “I think not. With your reputation, it’ll be a miracle if I can get any nobleman’s son to have you.”
“My reputation is known by none, save those whom it directly concerns.”
“Men do not keep the exploits of the bedroom to themselves.”
I smile. “They do when it’s me.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I’m not stupid, Father. I have something on every man who has seen the inside of this room. Myron has an unfortunate gambling problem. He lost a family heirloom in a game of cards. Blamed the missing pendant on a servant and got him whipped and fired. His father wouldn’t be happy to hear of it. And Damon? I happen to know he’s part of a group of smugglers importing illegal weapons into the city. He’d be sent to prison if anyone knew the truth. And let’s not forget Nestor, who’s quite fond of the opium dens. I could go on naming all my lovers, but I think you get the idea.”
Though his face doesn’t change, Father’s shoulders lose some of their tension. “Such winning gentlemen you keep around, darling.”
“The point is, Father, I know what I’m doing. And I’m going to keep doing whatever I wish, because I am the master of myself. And you? You’re going to send me to the palace with the next wave of women to see the king, because if there’s anything I’m good at, it’s getting men to propose to me.” I flash the diamond on my finger in his direction.
Father’s eyes narrow. “How long have you been planning this?”
“Years.”
“You said nothing when I sent Chrysantha to the palace.”
“Father, Chrysantha couldn’t catch the attention of a rabid dog. Besides, beauty isn’t enough to catch the eye of the Shadow King. He has beauties paraded in front of him all year long.
“Send me. I will get us all a palace,” I finish.
The room is quiet for a full minute.
“You’ll need new dresses,” Father says at last, “and I won’t get your sister’s bride-price for weeks yet. That won’t be enough time.”
I pull the ring from my finger and stare down at it lovingly. Why does he think I’ve taken so many lovers? They’re fun, to be sure, but most important, they’re going to finance my stay at the palace.
I hold up the ring where my father can see it. “There’s plenty more where this came from.”
SEWING HAS ALWAYS BEENa hobby of mine, but it is impossible for me to make all the new clothing required for my upcoming plans in such a short amount of time. Working with my favorite seamstress, I design and commission ten new day outfits, five evening gowns, and three appropriately indecent nightgowns (although those I make myself—Eudora doesn’t need to know how I intend to spend my nights).
Father takes no part in the planning, as he is much too busy with his accountant, worrying over the estate. He’s bankrupt and desperately trying to hide it. It’s not his fault. Father’s quite competent, but the land just isn’t producing as it once was. Disease swept through a few years ago and killed most of the livestock. Every year, the crops grow thinner. A well has already gone dry, and more and more tenants are leaving.
The Masis estate is dying, and Father needs to acquire decent bride-prices for my sister and me in order to keep his lands running.
Though I’m aware of the situation, I haven’t bothered to worry about it. My lovers all feel the need to give me nice things. Very expensive things. It’s been a fun game. Learning their secrets. Seducing them. Getting them to shower me with gifts.
But to be honest?
I’m bored with it.
I have a new game in mind.
I’m going to woo the king.
I suspect it won’t be longer than a month before he’s helplessly in love with me. And when he proposes, I will say yes for the first time.
For once the marriage is official and consummated?
