Strange. Dorian hadn’t mentioned leaving, and Finch had looked in a hurry.
The song ended, and Kane released my hand with a bow. Before I could think further on it, someone stepped into my path.
A man—medium-height, black-haired and black-eyed behind a hawk’s mask. He wore a bright smile on his face and a deep scar along the left side of his jaw. Just like the one on Dorian’s mask.
“Queen Eurydice.” He dropped into a low bow. “I’ve been dying to make your acquaintance.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Dorian
I needed air.Different air.
The side door let me off into a narrow hallway. I burst into it and let the door close behind me. Low light, probably a servants’ passage. Right now it sat as empty and quiet as a tomb.
I leaned back against the stone wall and closed my eyes. Eurydice appeared behind my eyelids, resplendent with another man’s fingers on her. I wanted to rip his hands off at the wrists and beat him with them until he cried for his mother.
What was wrong with me? I had spent half a life thinking nothing tasted sweeter than revenge. Now I knew better. Her mouth, between her thighs…
Haskel had been wrong. I wasn’t just pining—I was unraveling.
The door opened,and I jerked upright.
Finch appeared, looking sheepish. He stepped in and let the door shut behind him. He didn’t speak, only wrung his hands.
I sighed. “Haskel sent you to find me, I assume?”
“No, ser. I saw you leave, and…”
I leaned back against the wall, rolled my face his way. “And?”
“You looked to be in pain. I thought it best I come check on you.”
“I see you didn’t bring wine.”
“I can—” He turned to go.
I raised a hand. “Stay. More wine will only loosen my tongue, and that’s all we need tonight.”
He approached, and eventually mirrored me by leaning against the opposite wall.
I gazed over at Finch. Maybe I’d told him to stay because no one else would follow, and I knew the rareness of the thing. Even if he was my squire and not even grown.
He went on fidgeting with his hands; words seemed to press at his twitching lips.
“Just say it, Finch. Whatever it is.”
“I saw the way you were watching Queen Eurydice.”
I closed my eyes. “All right, you’ve said enough.”
“Well, ser, I feel I understand your pain.”
His coltish form slid once more into view. “Is that so?”
“I’ve been in love.”
I couldn’t help my smile. Perhaps I had underestimated this boy. “Youwerein love?”