Chapter 10: Dinner

I spend the day in the garden, soaking up the sunlight and memorizing the list. Ambrose has laid out the names perfectly with their titles next to each name. His 'pack' and the nobles overlap, many of them supposed shifters. There are only a few nobles living at the palace that are human but they seem to be traveling through and not in the king's close circle.

The ball tonight was specifically for them, and although the list didn't feel long, I knew there were at least 50 names on it. The ball would be small…intimate. It would make it easier to talk to people. Although, I had no doubt I was going to stand out like a sore thumb.

Might as well embrace it.

The gown I choose is blood red, making my hair and skin pop. I leave my hair down, cascading down my back in loose waves. As I make my way toward the king's study, I push down any creeping nervousness trying to break to the surface.

I find him inside at his desk, the crown atop his head sitting at a tilt. He is dressed in royal blue clothes, and I have to admit, he looks regal and handsome.

Ambrose looks up as I step into the room and doesn't hide the way his eyes take me in, slowly and heated. He stands and walks over to me in front of the door, stopping so close in front of me, I can feel his warmth.

I'm starting to learn these two don't know personal space boundaries. Am I hating it, though? No…

He lifts his hand, revealing my daggers. "Trade?"

I smile, slipping my hand beneath my corset to produce his borrowed knife. He takes it slowly, sheathing it at his hip. But as I reach for mine, he pulls it back and shakes his head with a grin.

I roll my eyes and lift my skirt, pulling the second borrowed one from my thigh and handing it over. He catches my skirt, lifting it up around my waist. The cold dances across my exposed skin and his fingers are providing a welcome heat.

I freeze as he takes one of my daggers, slowly kneels in front of me, and slides it into the sheath at my leg. He stands, letting the silk drop as his fingers trail up my skin.

I shudder, my eyes on his. Ambrose takes the second knife, and somehow without touching my chest, slides it beneath my corset from the top. His lips are inches from mine, his breath warm against my own. I'm still frozen, unable to think or react. I swear I see the light catch his eyes, making them glow. But in the next moment, it's gone.

He lifts his hand, taking his finger and tracing my jaw. His touch sends electric jolts through me, shivers running down my spine to my toes. He trails his hand down my neck, drinking in my reaction to his touch.

"You're not afraid I'll still try to kill you?" I whisper. "Collect my reward after all?"

"Will you risk that knowing if you succeed, you'll be hunted for the rest of your life?" he says softly. "Always looking over your shoulder and sleeping with your eyes open?"

I lift the dagger from the sheath at his hip and place it against his neck.

"I do that already."

Ambrose smiles, unaffected by the steel at his throat. Why? Why does he trust I won't do it? I could easily kill him and yet his eyes pierce into mine like he knows I won't. When did I become so content with my situation that I wasn't even considering taking this opportunity?

I let out an exasperated sigh and drop the dagger. He lowers his hand and steps back from me. I feel the absence of his warmth but I ignore the need to be close to him again.

"Did you memorize the list?" he asks, breaking the silence.

"Yes."

"Any questions?"

I shake my head.

He offers his arm and I take it. We walk to the dining hall together.

"Dinner will be first," Ambrose tells me. "Then the dancing starts. Either will be an opportunity to question who you need to. If anyone asks, you are a traveling noble. Let them think I've invited you to stay for personal reasons."

"Personal reasons?" I say.

He glances at me, smirking.

Oh…right. I'm the king's mistress in this scenario.

When we approach the dining hall doors, Ambrose pauses.

Inside, I can hear the chattering of the nobles. There is a lull as the king is announced. The doors swing open to the dining hall.

It looks nothing like the breakfast hall we eat in. It's been royally decorated, with beautiful lights, drapes, and flowers. The head table is at the far end, the king's throne obvious. Ambrose leads me down and I feel the burning of eyes on my skin as I walk beside him.

He pulls out the chair on his right-hand side. There's muttering across the hall as he takes his seat.

Even I know it's a bold move to seat me beside him. That place is reserved for the queen or someone else just as important. But I'm not that, I'm trapped here on an agreement I was forced into.

I scan the room casually. After muttering, the nobles take their seats and the chatter returns to normal. I catch the continued glances toward me. I watch as a noble enters with the prince and they are announced. They approach, the noble sitting on the king's other side while Sebastian takes a seat beside me.

"Didn't realize I trumped your position," I mumble to Sebastian.

He smirks at me. "The queen usually does," he winks and nudges my shoulder. I shove him back.

"That's Theodore," he tells me. "Ambrose's Beta."

Beta, right. The Beta to his Alpha, but to the humans, he is a trusted advisor.

Theodore looks serious as he sits and talks quietly to the king. He is at the top of my list to speak with. I plan to begin with those closest to the king and work my way down, although I suspected our culprit was close by.

I'm momentarily distracted by the overwhelming sight of the food. The servants bring in our dinner on gold platters. I attempt to stop my eyes from bulging at the sight.

I wish Althea were here to share this with me.

"Hera," Ambrose breaks me from my thoughts. "This is Theodore."

I smile politely. "Nice to meet you. I actually was wondering about your relationship with the king," I say casually. "How do you know each other?"

"We grew up together," Theodore says with a grin. "He's like a brother. How long will you be staying at the palace, Hera?"

"Oh," I feign thinking about it. "However long the king will have me."

Ambrose laughs, leaning in close to whisper in my ear. "I'll have you whenever you'd like, Hera."

My body froze, and I felt a tinge of excitement as his breath tickled my neck.

F*ck. I was utterly f*cked.