Crown's Shield: The Aermian Feuds: Book Two

by Frost Kay

  “Don’t worry, you’re still their favorite. I think they had a drink with me only so they could interrogate me for your father.”

  Now that sounded like something her brothers would do. “And?”

  He shrugged. “The typical you-hurt-my-sister-and-I’ll-kill-you threats, and then they left.”

  Sage chuckled. “I love those men.”

  “Of course you would, they’re as bloodthirsty as you are.”

  “Very funny.”

  Tehl halted at the end of the song and bowed over her fingers. “Thank God it’s over,” he whispered against her skin.

  Sage winked. “You think that now. By the end of the night, you will wish you were still dancing with me.” His grimace made her chuckle as Sam sidled next to her.

  “May I have the next dance, my charming sister?”

  Sage avoided his gaze and scanned the group of women eyeing him. “You have a group ready and willing to be your partner.”

  “Yep, but I want to dance with you, sis.”

  “Why do you feel the need to subject me to your company?” she grumbled. In truth, she was still angry with him.

  “Because they’re empty-headed fools, and I prefer your company.”

  He wasn’t giving her much of a choice. She placed her hand in his and scrutinized her brother-in-law. He had said it without a single drop of irony. Sam pulled her into a slow glide, and they twisted between couples.

  “Truly?”

  He looked down at her, his face serious. “Yes.” He pursed his lips before continuing. “I am sorry for earlier.”

  The prisoner. Good. He should be.

  Turning away from Sam, she watched Tehl parade a star struck young brunette across the floor, who looked as if all her dreams had come true. At least someone was enjoying his grumpy company.

  “Sage. I’m sorry.”

  She peered up at the spymaster and noted true remorse in his eyes. He really was upset, it wasn’t a ploy or a joke.

  “I am angry that you didn’t tell me. Out of everyone, Sam, everyone, you know I would have been your best asset to retrieve information. We could have spared her some suffering.” Sage huffed out a breath while holding on the threads of her serene mask. “And much to my chagrin, I am also a little hurt you didn’t want to seek my help.” She dropped her eyes, staring now at his chin.

  Sam pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.

  “You’re never an asset. I learned much when dealing with you. That’s why I didn’t seek you out, I wanted you to feel at home here and not like a tool we married into the family to utilize whenever the need arose.”

  “Careful there,” Sage chastised, scanning the people watching them, “or people might think you have a heart.”

  “Take that back.”

  She smiled and glanced up into Sam’s face. “Never. I know others don’t see it, including your family sometimes, but I do. I can spot a mask a mile away, and you, my friend, are rarely genuine, but when you are, I see the good man you hide behind this rake persona.”

  His gaze sharpened for a brief moment as he scrutinized her face but it quickly faded back to his usual look of casual interest. “You, my dear sister, see far too much.”

  “And you, my dear brother, hide far too much.”

  “Touché.”

  When their dance ended, she was passed from one man to the next for much of the evening, and, as it wore on, each dance and conversation seemed more tedious than the next. Her only reprieve were the dances she took with those on the war council. They knew her and her situation so she didn’t have to be fake with them.

  Zachael was quick on his feet. Sage should have figured, he was a weapons master, after all. Her dance with William was full of stories and tales, and, by the time she finished dancing with Garreth, her belly hurt from laughing so hard.

  She was about to call it a night when a Sae tune began playing. Sage closed her eyes and swayed to the music. The Sae was a dance that was loosely based on myths of the Sirenidae. It was supposed to romanticize the lure and capture of her prey.

  “May I have this dance?” rumbled a deep voice she would know anywhere.

  Sage turned and stared into liquid golden eyes. That sneaky bastard, leave it to him to corner her before everyone so she couldn’t refuse. She bared her teeth at him in what could be called a smile but was actually a warning. “I would be delighted.”

  Slowly, Sage glided backward, swaying her hips and twisting her arms above her head, keeping her eyes on Rafe as he prowled toward her like the hunter, not the prey. He clasped his large hands around her wrists like shackles and spun her around so her back pressed against his chest. She gritted her teeth, irritated that of all the dances, she had to dance the Sae with Rafe, and that he was taking liberties he had no right to take.

  Everything about the Sae was meant to depict temptation without much actual physical contact, only the hands and wrists. Sage spun underneath his arm and slid around his back to his other side. His hand caught hers deftly and reeled her in, his arms crossed in front of her, holding her hostage.

  Sage looked across the sea of dancing people and locked eyes with Caeja, a manipulative but beautiful young woman who had no problem making it known she was open to being the crown prince’s mistress. The vile woman smiled smugly and draped herself against Tehl. So much for only the wrists and hands. She too seemed to take liberties.

  Tehl frowned and maneuvered her into a different position that made Sage smile, not because he moved her but because he must have been even more uncomfortable than she was at the moment.

  She slid her foot to the side and slipped to the floor, Rafe holding her hands above her head. He spun her once before yanking her to her feet, once again lifting her hands and drawing an arch with their limbs, leaving them face-to-face. “You look stunning, little one, like a true Sirenidae. You have never been more beautiful.”

  Her mood soured. He didn’t have the right to say those words to her. “Not another word,” she hissed while twisting side to side in front of him.

  “Am I not allowed to pay my mate a compliment?”

  Anger burned through her. Had he lost his mind?

  Sage forced her smile to stay firmly on her face. “I am not your mate! If anything, I’m Tehl’s mate,” she tossed over her shoulder while Rafe continued to spin her. The music crescendoed, signaling the end of the song where the male counterpart thought he had captured his woman. Relief cooled some of her anger. At least the song was almost over.

  Rafe pulled her close, their chests not quite touching, and swayed with her, his hands resting on her hips. Ever so carefully, Sage ran a finger across his chest and swooped under his arm to run her hand along his shoulder and then neck. The music stopped. All the men were considered dead. The Sirenidae captured their prey.

  The rebellion leader spun, eyes filled with something hot that she deliberately ignored. Sage curtsied to him and excused herself. Not the time to dawdle. Her neck prickled as she bustled out of the dining hall so she glanced over her shoulder, locking eyes with Rafe. She frowned as his lips tugged up into a smug grin.

  Arrogant man. Foolish man.

  What was going on with him? He was acting out of character. Sage brushed the thoughts aside for another time; she had to make her escape. A bath was in her immediate future.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Sage

  Sage took the servants hallways to avoid unwanted company, enjoying her solitude. Every so often, she stumbled upon couples in shadowy corners whereupon she would roll her eyes. It was surprising how many trysts she’d interrupted. You’d think they were more capable of finding seclusion.

  She swung around a corner and paused to scrutinize the couple in the shadows. She blinked. Stars above, really? Familiar blond curls and wide shoulders. Sam.

  She hesitated for a moment not knowing if she should startle them or backup and pretend she never came upon the embrace. After a moment, she backed into another alcove to watch. Who was Sam wit
h? Some kind of redhead.

  Sage cocked her head and watched with interest. Something wasn’t quite right. Her eyes narrowed. For all the world they looked to be lovers, but something was off. There wasn’t heat in the manner of his hold on the woman. And the redhead did not seem to behave in a passionate daze, rather her stance and expression demonstrated alertness and intelligence to the trained eye.

  Interesting.

  The woman leaned forward, whispering in his ear while scanning their surroundings. Sam slipped a hand up her side and plucked a small folded parchment from her skirts. It was naught but a little cream blur before it was gone, but she’d seen it. An idea took root in her head and she smiled. Could she be right? Time to test her theory.

  Purposely she stomped her feet and immediately Sam reacted by kissing the woman and pulling her flush against him. Sage burst around the corner and paused, as if she’d been surprised by their appearance. The woman’s eyes widened when she saw Sage, and she jerked back from Sam, seemingly scandalized. Sam peered over his shoulder and smiled at her lazily. “Sister, what a pleasure.”

  What a damn liar.

  She shook her head and moved forward while the woman smoothed her skirt, whispering something in Sam’s ear before dropping her head and brushing by Sage.

  “You have something,” Sage pointed to the pink smear on Sam’s face.

  He smiled and wiped at his face. “Did I get it?”

  “Mmmhmm…” Sage stared after the redhead who was now bustling down the hall. “She was lovely.”

  “Indeed. Her body,” Sam groaned, and then frowned playfully. “You scared her off you know. Now you owe me a date.”

  She snorted and turned back to the spymaster. “I’m sure you are more than capable of finding your own.”

  His grin turned rakish. “Many.”

  “Don’t be crass,” Sage chided. “Well, I am off to sleep. Are you off to find your bed as well?” she asked as she turned to walk away, leaving her trap open.

  “Indeed, but, hopefully, I won’t have to do so alone.”

  Sage smiled smugly. Trap set. “Somehow I think you will.”

  “Why would you say such a thing? You’re trying to curse my good luck.”

  “I don’t think luck has anything to do with it.”

  His voice trailed behind her. “Thank you. I too like to think my good looks have something to do with it.”

  “Now, now.” Sage tsked. “You’re getting ahead of yourself. You and I are alike. We don’t leave things to chance. We plan and plot.”

  “What does that have to do with anything?” Sam asked.

  “She was pretty, I’ll give her that, but next time, find a better actress.”

  Sage held her breath.

  Silence.

  Wait for it.

  Her smile widened when rapidly thudding boots started chasing her. He reached her side, but Sage kept her eyes ahead, ignoring his burning gaze. Sam cut in front of her and stopped. She halted, her skirts swishing around her feet. “Well?” she questioned.

  His deep blue eyes ran over her like he was trying to see her secrets, to figure out what she knew. “Blye is a companion of mine, we have a unique relationship.”

  “I can see that. What sort of relationship exactly?” she probed.

  “One too scandalous for your virgin ears.”

  “I’m not so innocent.”

  Sam scoffed. “I can spot them from far away. You have that sort of innocence written all over you.”

  “I’m not the only one.”

  The spymaster smirked. “I’m not sure what you mean, but if you need any lessons in seduction, I’ll be your teacher.”

  Sage grimaced. “That sounded creepy.”

  Sam wrinkled his nose. “Oh, God, no. Not like that.”

  She smiled and stepped up to her brother-in-law, tipping her face up to stare into his eyes. “The funny thing is, Sam.” She lifted her hand up and stroked his cheek tenderly. “Your words and action may be right, but it’s the eyes that tell the truth.” Sage lifted onto her toes and stared down the hall while whispering in his ear. “You’re a master, but your lady? She gave herself away. Maybe you should have instructed her better.”

  She stepped back and moved to depart when he caught her arm.

  “You are trouble.”

  “You already knew that.”

  “You see too much.”

  “You already knew that.”

  His eyes were hard as he studied her. “How?”

  “Anyone with eyes could see it.”

  He scoffed and glanced around. “Not true.”

  “Will you tell me the truth?”

  No response. A little disappointed, she pushed around him. “Goodnight, Sam.”

  A growl.

  “Not here.”

  Sam pulled on her arm, guiding her down the hallway and up a set of stairs she’d never seen before that seemed to head in the direction of the royal wing. Sage filed its location away. One could never have too many escape routes.

  He moved her to a shadowy alcove behind a tapestry and she gaped. How many times had she walked passed it and never guessed what was here? Sage shook her head and leaned against the wall, jerking slightly when part of her bare back touched the cold stone.

  The alcove was just big enough for Sam to pace. He would grumble, look at her, open his mouth, and then close it as he began to pace again.

  Sage yawned and waved her hand. “Are you going to start any time soon?”

  “Wait a damn minute, woman. I am trying to figure out how to start.”

  Sage pushed off the wall and placed a hand on his arm to stop the pacing. “Then let me begin.”

  He looked down at her and nodded before taking her space against the wall.

  “Your spies are women.” Sage watched as he tensed, looked around, and reluctantly nodded. A laugh burst out of her at the uncomfortable look he wore. “It’s brilliant, Sam. No one would suspect a table wench, a baker’s wife, a washerwoman, or a lady of court was dealing in secrets.”

  “How?” he asked, the muscle in his jaw ticking.

  “She wasn’t that good of an actress. There was too much awareness in her eyes for it to be a tryst.”

  Sam cursed and ran a hand through his tangled locks before stabbing a finger at her. “You, you are a troublesome wench.”

  She grinned. “If you had trained your woman better than she wouldn’t have given you away. Most people wouldn’t have noticed but anyone with extensive training or experience would have known her as a fake.”

  “No one in years has ever guessed—” He broke off, swallowing hard.

  Sage stepped closer and squeezed his hand. When his eyes met hers, she gave him a genuine smile. “I don’t know how your brother and cousin haven’t seen through your womanizing disguise but I understand the weight that secrets can have on a person. When you wear the persona so long you’re not sure what’s really you and what’s the mask.”

  His mouth thinned, but he said nothing.

  Sage kept from looking away as Sam stared at her, so many emotions rippling across his face in rapid succession.

  “I’ll be the person to remind you,” Sage offered.

  “It’s been a long time since I’ve had that,” he whispered.

  The longing and vulnerability she heard in his voice made her do something she rarely did with Sam. She hugged him. He was warm and smelled spicy. When her anxiety grew, she pulled back and stepped out of his arms.

  “I also want to train the women.”

  Sam blinked at her then sniggered. “Well, you don’t take very long to assert yourself in other people’s business now do you?”

  “You need me. Between your experience and mine we could make your spies unparalleled in their field.”

  His eyes glittered with excitement. “I’ve wanted you to work for me since the beginning.”

  Sage scoffed. “I will not work for you but with you. We’ll be equals, partners.”

  “There can
only be one spymaster.”

  “There can only be one spymistress.” she retorted.

  Sam grinned at her. “Spymistress, huh?”

  She grinned back. “Spymistress.”

  She would finally have something of her own again. Something she chose. Something she wanted.

  “I guess it’s settled then.” He pushed off the wall and held his hand out to her. “To the future of intelligence gathering.”

  “To mischief and information.”

  “I like the way you think.” Sam held his arm out to her. “Oh, spymistress of mine, I would like to accompany you back to your room.”

  Sage faked a gasp. “You don’t have designs on my virtue do you?”

  “Never, fair maiden. Too many men have designs on it already. It’s getting kind of crowded, and I wouldn’t survive the fight for dominance.”

  An uncharacteristic giggle slipped out that gave way to a carefree belly laugh as she took his arm and began walking toward her chamber. “No doubt you’d figure out how to turn the men against each other and run off with me.”

  “I’m a lover not a fighter.”

  Sam peeked out from behind the tapestry and waved her out. He settled the fabric and led her around the corner. Sage smiled at the guards standing outside her door. She frowned as she took in their expression. Garreth looked down right angry.

  “Garreth,” Sam greeted. “What’s with the grumpy face?”

  The Elite eyed Sam and then focused on her with an apology in his eyes. What was wrong?

  “Are you all right?” Sage reached out to touch his arm but froze when a faint sound reached her ears from her room.

  A giggle.

  She glanced at Sam who was burning a hole into the door with his eyes.

  Stars above. Really?

  She took a step forward and placed her hand on the door.

  “My lady,” Garreth sighed. “Sage, walk away.”

  She gritted her teeth and pushed the door open, stepping inside.

  There on her bed, tangled together, were the crown prince and Caeja. Her heart beat heavy in her chest as the smug woman smiled and squeezed Tehl’s muscled bicep. Sage pulled her gaze from the clawed hand gripping the prince to his blue eyes filled with hostility.