Crown of Shadows (Court of Midnight and Deception #1) - K. M. Shea Page 0,44

my services—and knowledge.” When he glanced at me this time his purple eyes seemed sharp, and his smile was slightly crooked. “You need an advisor.”

“I do,” I acknowledged. “But there’s no way I want you filling that job. Who knows when you’ll just abandon your position?”

Lord Linus’s selfishness must have known no boundaries. He didn’t flinch at my jab, just laughed. “Having a flight-risk advisor is better than having none at all. Or didn’t you know—most monarchs have a handful of advisors. You don’t have any—has anyone even offered yet?”

I shrugged. “It’s just a matter of time—they’ll want to start trying to control me and use me for their own ends.”

Lord Linus spread his hands out in front of him. “Except who would be a better choice than your own father?”

“You are not my father,” I said bluntly. “My dad’s name is Paul, and he lives out in the country with my mom. You are a total stranger. I have no reason to trust you—particularly given your past actions.”

Lord Linus shrugged. “I’m no more a stranger to you than anyone else in our Court. And as little as you like to claim your blood, the fact is I am the last of a powerful fae house. As your advisor, I can help you. Your steward may know what needs to be done to keep your mansion functioning, and your companion can dress you appropriately, but I have personal relationships and know the dirty underside of the noble houses. I can help you rule.”

No, absolutely not. This guy obviously has no morals, or he wouldn’t have abandoned Mom and me. Who knows what his angle is—he might be here just because another noble is making him. And—

“All I would ask for in return is a little financial compensation,” Lord Linus continued.

I narrowed my eyes. “What?”

“Times are difficult for the Night Court,” Lord Linus said. “Most of the nobles are struggling. And perhaps I have had a moment or two of folly…”

“What are you talking about?”

Lord Linus shrugged. “Fae socials are dead boring. To lighten the atmosphere it is common to wager a bit of money on cards or a game or some such thing.”

Oh my gosh. It’s not enough that my Court is deep in debt, my biological father is a gambler. I shut my eyes and tried to think of happy things—my cute night mares, my pool-sized bath tub, my giant arse bed…

If I let him run around loose, he’s going to cause me more trouble. And if I’m paying him and he desperately needs the money at least that will keep the power balance. He won’t be able to hold his position as my bio father over me.

“It’s confirmed.” I rolled my neck back and stared up at the ceiling. “Fae are regency era wastrels and rogues.”

“What was that, Queen Leila?” Indigo asked.

“Nothing.” I sighed and scowled at Lord Linus. “I accept your offer of becoming an advisor. But I am going to strictly monitor your finances and actions, and you’re staying in the mansion.” Where Chase can keep an eye on you and I can keep you leashed.

Lord Linus bounced up and down on the balls of his feet. “Splendid! The old family home needs some repairs and, er, furniture. And the utilities were all turned off…”

I rubbed my temple. “Just how deep in debt are you?”

Lord Linus airily laughed. “I’ll just find your steward so she can assign me a room—you hired Thales’s granddaughter, didn’t you? No matter, I can ask one of the servants.” He paused in a doorway just long enough to turn around and wave to me. “I look forward to spending more time with you, daughter!”

“I said don’t call me that!”

I was too late; he was already waltzing through the door, totally ignoring me.

I felt exhausted as he disappeared. “He’s got to be neck deep in debt.”

“To the gills, I reckon,” Indigo agreed.

I groaned and sagged against the stair banister. “Just my luck.”

Indigo shuffled her feet. “Do you need anything?”

I lethargically stared at a painting of a delicate fae dancing around a tree. “Yes. A latte—or a burger. Maybe a grilled steak.”

“I’ll place an order with the chef.”

“No! Sorry, I was kidding.” I rocketed upright and gave Indigo the strongest smile I could muster.

Indigo suspiciously peered up at me. “The chef would be gratified to cook you something. The whole kitchen is in an uproar because you won’t eat.”

I shook my head. “No. I—”

My stomach took that very inopportune time to rumble with