Smolder (Crown of Fae #3) - Sharon Ashwood Page 0,18
been churned to dust by thousands of feet and hooves. Everywhere, figures in black and gold strode past.
At the sight, Leena’s plan lost much of its shine. Some of the soldiers were fae, but more were Shades. A sense of danger settled over her like a heavy cloak.
Fionn was nowhere in sight. She was both relieved and worried—if her brother recognized her too soon, the game was up. If she could get him alone first, she could explain why she’d come in Elodie’s place. Surely, he’d go along with the deception until it was too late to send her home. But what would she do when Juradoc realized there had been a switch? Leena’s stomach flipped uneasily. Risking the Shade’s temper was a terrible gamble, but she’d take that chance for the sake of her friend and, most of all, her brother.
Their destination was the largest pavilion in view. It was at least as large as the cottage Leena had been born in and a thousand times fancier. The white pointed roof was luminous in the swelling light of dawn, and, as they approached, she saw the door panels were pinned back to reveal luxurious sleeping quarters. Morran was inside, pulling on his boots. Servants were on their way out after clearing away the remnants of breakfast.
Leena and her escort stopped outside the entrance, and the guard gave a smart salute to someone she guessed was a junior officer. She waited as they established General Juradoc was not on hand, and they weren’t sure what to do with her until he returned.
Tovas would have boxed their ears for treating his prized performer like a misplaced delivery. She had a queasy feeling it would be a long time before anyone cared for her so well as the Master of Revels.
Morran approached the entry to the pavilion. “Is there some difficulty?”
“Greetings, my lord.” Both guards regarded him with wary respect, as if he were their master’s expensive but unpredictable pet.
Curious, Leena looked on. Morran’s words were cool but courteous, not at all like those of a man who had recently dismantled Lord Dorth’s hall.
“This is the entertainer General Juradoc requested,” said the senior of the two. “But the general is not here.”
Morran cocked an eyebrow. “No, he is not. You can go.”
The guards saluted before turning to obey. Leena moved to follow.
“Not you.” Morran’s voice cut from the gloom of the tent. There was command in his tone.
She froze, watching helplessly as her escort left. Although she had hoped to speak to Morran, nerves suddenly overtook her. He was like a tiger—large, potentially deadly, and impossible to fathom. There was no telling when he might bite.
She turned gradually, the air heavy with her apprehension.
“Come here.” Morran withdrew deeper into the gloom, not looking back. He expected obedience.
Reluctantly, Leena gathered her courage and entered the shadowy pavilion.
He remained standing, towering over her by at least a head. As her eyes adjusted to the gloom, she saw he was freshly shaven and wearing a spotless tunic. She bowed low, careful to keep her veil in place.
“What is your name, dancer?” he asked, running a hand through the black waves of his hair.
“Elodie, daughter of Vira,” she said for the second time.
“You may rise.” His chin lifted in an expression that reminded her of a displeased schoolmaster. “I am still enough of a sorcerer to know you just lied.”
Leena said nothing, keeping her eyes downcast. Silence gathered around them like a heavy mist.
“You are not the one who was summoned,” he added slowly. “Juradoc asked for your friend.”
She dared to look up through the gauze of her veil. “My name is Leena.”
“Leena.” The briefest of smiles crossed his face, crinkling the corners of his dark eyes before it vanished. “I will keep your secret safe as long as you do not lie to me again.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Why not? I live by a minimum of rules. Honesty is the first.”
With that, he reached down and hooked a finger over the end of the scarf that hid her features. His grasp was light but certain as he pulled the veil away. Leena gasped, and the sudden breath of free air was intoxicating.
So was the slight widening of his pupils. He could hide much, but not that rapt male attention. Leena drew back a step, color rising to her cheeks. He’d seen her face before, yet it felt as if she’d just been exposed. The feeling went deeper than her disguise.