to pique his nerves, and it all became worse once the bathhouse flashed through his thoughts.
You’re favored.
Perhaps the servants were speaking of Cosima, though that didn’t explain Her distant gaze.
“This celebration is lovely,” he said. “Are You enjoying Yourself?”
Cosima’s eyes flitted to his. “I am. Very much so.”
Again Her stare became far away, and again there was nothing but quiet.
“You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you.”
Silence. He looked over his shoulder, trying to determine what She could possibly be staring at, but all he saw were swarms of people. “Are You all right?”
“Pardon?”
“Apologies if I’m prying, it’s just…You’ve been awfully quiet.”
She sighed. “Artist, you’re absolutely right. I’m distracted. What poor taste.”
“Is something troubling You?”
She wavered. “These are…trying times. Especially with the tournament afoot.”
“I thought You were enjoying the tournament.”
“Oh I am, immensely. It’s just…there have been complications. More than I expected.” She shook Her head. “I suppose I shouldn’t be discussing this with you.”
His shoulders tensed. Complications? “I don’t mind. If You want to, that is.”
“Nonsense. This is a celebration after all. Tonight, we feast and dance for the final eight—My special suitors. Let’s free our minds of silly politics and family quarrels, yes?”
Her words only rattled him further, leaving him eager for an explanation—an impulse he had to ignore. “Of course. I was only making sure.”
She smiled. “Artist, how kind of you to take an interest in My thoughts.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
She cupped his cheek. “Thank you for your willing ear. I’ll never forget your compassion.”
Patting his cheek, She sauntered off, abandoning him in the middle of their dance. Other couples twirled and laughed, and there he stood alone and perplexed. While some questions were left unanswered, one thing was certain: whatever favor the servants spoke of had nothing to do with The Savior.
Tobias ambled out of line looking once more for Leila, and when he couldn’t find her, his heart sank. Perhaps she’s gone to bed—which surely meant he could leave as well. As discreetly as he could, he crept away from the dance floor, eager to be rid of the atrium and to maybe spend the night with Leila in his dreams.
The Sovereign stepped out from behind one of the columns, sending Tobias skidding to a halt.
“Your Highness.” He bowed his head. “Pleasant evening.”
The Sovereign didn’t respond, his expression lathered with scorn.
“Are you partaking in the festivities?”
Still the Sovereign kept quiet, and the air in the room became thin.
Tobias squared his shoulders. “Do you have words for me?”
“It appears you’ve acquired a reputation,” the Sovereign said. “People are already predicting your ascension to the throne.”
God, more of this? “Oh… Is that right?”
“You seem surprised. Is this an attempt at modesty, or are you just stupid?”
A scowl threatened to tear across Tobias’s face, but he kept it at bay. “With all due respect, Your Highness, I’m afraid these claims are unfounded. I’ve only won but one challenge thus far. It seems my odds are no greater than any other competitor.”
“Did Leila tell you to say that?”
“Leila?” Tobias froze. “Why would she tell me to say that?”
The Sovereign didn’t answer, his gaze searing. He leaned in closer, crossing his arms over his red drape.
“Allow me to give you some advice regarding your stay here in my home: enjoy yourself. Eat my food, drink my wine, fuck my servants. Do it now, before the opportunity fades. Because it will fade.”
He headed off through the atrium, stopping to look at Tobias once more.
“Stay away from my Daughter. You are not what She needs.”
The atrium looked even larger in the morning, the dance floor covered by a long dining table with too many chairs to count. Tobias sat at the table’s end with most of the other competitors—silently, as no one was interested in talking. He was still preoccupied with the previous evening, and more specifically with the Sovereign’s words.
Flynn took a seat at his side, greeting him with a hard slap on the back. “Artist! God, I’ve been wrecked all morning. Too much wine, but the girls kept pouring, and how can you say no? Which reminds me, where were you all night? I swear, you disappeared as soon as the celebration began.”
“I was around,” Tobias lied. “You were just too drunk to notice.”
“Well, you certainly weren’t around in the right places. I spent nearly half the evening with Her Holiness. She was a bit sauced Herself.” Flynn looked Tobias up and down. “You know, you really ought to try harder. Last night was a golden opportunity to win Her favor, and you