Page 47 of The Shadows Between Us
“Because the head of the king’s council has sought me out. You practically threatened me during our last conversation.”
Vasco tilts his head to the side. “You and I remember that conversation very differently.”
I smile politely, but my teeth grind together behind my lips.
“No, I merely wanted to ask how your courtship with the king is coming along. Kallias is so private. The young king won’t say a word about it.”
“And neither will I.”
Vasco nods to himself, as though expecting this answer. “I wonder if that is perhaps because the courtship isn’t happening at all?”
I blink. “I beg your pardon?”
“He sends you gifts, and you enjoy each other’s company during mealtimes, but what else? To my knowledge, you spend no other time with each other. He does not accompany you to any events. Has he even kissed you yet?”
I round on the man. “That is none of your business. And you know perfectly well just how busy the king is. He doesn’t attend events with me because he’s in meetings with you and the council.”
“To be sure, I know exactly what Kallias spends his time doing. But he has a council to take care of things until he is of age. Now is the perfect opportunity to rely on us to run the kingdom for him while he spends his time with a beautiful young lady such as yourself.”
I can’t think of a single thing to say to the man in return.
“Unless of course the courtship isn’t real. In which case, the council will start arranging for more ladies to meet with the king, and we will have no use for you.”
And with that, Vasco leaves.
IHATE NOT HAVINGthe last word in a conversation. Absolutely loathe it. What’s worse, the council isn’t falling for our ruse. And if there’s no ruse, then Kallias has no need to keep me around. How am I to win him for real, then?
I let myself into my rooms, Vasco’s threats ripe within my mind.
“Alessandra.”
I jump a foot into the air. How the blazes do people keep getting into my rooms?
“Father.”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “I thought perhaps my letters to you were going astray, but it would appear you are receiving your mail just fine.” His eyes point toward the mountain of invitations I’ve already opened and read. Among them is Orrin’s love letter. Rhouben returned it to me, having no use for it after Petros made his forgery. I frown at it distastefully.
“I was getting around to writing you.”
“Undoubtedly,” he says with sarcasm. “You’ve gotten caught up in the palace. In the finery. In the attention. You’ve forgotten your entire purpose for being here.”
A headache pounds at my temples, and red tinges the corners of my vision. “I’ve been focusing on winning the king’s favor, which is why I haven’t had time to write you. Things are progressing perfectly. If there were something to tell you, I’d tell you.”
He paces back and forth in front of my wardrobe. “Perfectly, is it? Then perhaps you can tell me why word has reached me that the king never accompanies you to events outside the palace? In fact, I hear you’re in the company of that Calligaris boy constantly.”
I can’t focus on Father as my eye begins to twitch. “I assure you I have everything under control. There’s no need to fret. I have the king right where I want him. And Myron will no longer be an issue. In fact, once I have a chat with him, he’ll be leaving the palace. Permanently.”
Father’s face changes. At first, I cannot read it. Then it dawns on me with horror.Pity.
“Alessandra, darling, you tried your best. There comes a time when we must admit we’ve been defeated. You had a good run at the palace, but the king clearly doesn’t want you. But don’t you worry. We are not ruined. I’ve made plans.”
My fingers slowly curl into fists at my sides. “What did youdo?”
“I reached out to Lord Eliades. No, don’t give me that look. He’s rich, and he will give me a nice bride-price for your hand.”
“He’s an earl!”
“I’m an earl.”
