Prince of Deception: A Myths of Airren Novel by Jenny Hickman

Author:Jenny Hickman [Hickman, Jenny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Midnight Tide Publishing
Published: 2023-02-21T16:00:00+00:00

The garden remained silent except for Aveen’s sister’s incessant wailing as she clutched a dark cloak over her ripped gown. Behind her, Robert raked his fingers through his hair, his face pale as he stared down at the town physician examining Aveen’s lifeless body.

Blackness stained her perfect lips, trailing down her throat. I didn’t need to check to know the curse had spread to her heart.

When the sister saw Lord Bannon and I, she started for us. Robert tried to reach for her, but she tore out of his grip. Instead of going to Lord Bannon, the sister came to me. Hugged me. Me. I didn’t know why the hell she thought I’d be the best man to offer her comfort, but for some reason, my arms slipped around her back.

If looks could kill, Robert would’ve stolen my last breath. The other guests who’d flooded the garden watched with wide eyes as Aveen’s sister sobbed through my shirtsleeve. The rest of us stood in stunned silence as Aveen’s father and Lord Trench tried to keep the growing crowd at bay.

“How could this happen?” Bannon murmured to the stars.

Because you let her down, you selfish bastard.

I stayed rooted in place as Lord Bannon carried Aveen’s limp body into the house. Aveen’s sister let me go to run after him, clutching Aveen’s hand and muttering through her tears.

A tiny part of me wanted to explain to the poor woman what was happening. To ease the pain rolling off her hunched shoulders. But I’d gambled with her life enough. The truth would be too risky for all of us. Meddling in human affairs, orchestrating a murder. It all amounted to me putting my life on the line for a human. An unforgivable sin in the Queen’s eyes. One she could never know I’d committed.

So many whispers lifted toward the winking stars as the tide of bodies retreated toward the house. Every one of them had a different theory. Every one of them was more interested in the gossip than in showing genuine concern for a family who had lost a daughter and a sister. For the life of a beautiful young woman stolen from this world too soon.

What had begun as a betrothal ball ended as a wake.

A heavy hand landed on my shoulder. I turned to find Robert glowering at me.

“You will leave Lady Keelynn alone,” he said, squeezing hard.

I brushed him off like the annoyance he was, saying, “That will be difficult, considering she is to be my wife.”

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