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  Short of murdering his wife, there was little Lorcan could do. Even if he did, she would never consent to marrying him, particularly if he was prone to murdering his wife to get what he wanted. No, as he had accused, she had him caught in her web, and it was a situation that lessened the pressure she felt.

  Still, she absolutely did not want to be here, dwell in this insane court. She might have the power at the moment, but it wasn't a position that particularly gave her any delight. This was a world of necessities. And Raufasger's mood swings made this a dangerous place for everyone.

  She approached Lord Ackerle, who was, in the scheme of things, a harmless acquaintance as far as Ashra had ever seen, and someone she had known before coming here. Torunn had liked him and that meant something.

  "Lady Greve," he said with a sharp bow. "It pleases us to have you back."

  "It is a pleasure to be back and to see everyone so finely dressed." It wasn't, but she had nothing else pleasant to say about being in this company again.

  "Quite a bit has happened since you went away."

  "I am sure it has," she said ruefully, feeling tension in her shoulders. She knew nothing stood still here, but equally knew it might be good news as well as bad for her situation and standing. Each thing had to be evaluated for its impact and potential. "I have, of course, been completely unaware of any goings on in the court."

  "That is careless of you," Ackerle chided.

  "No doubt you are right, but there is so much that needs doing around an estate, so many things that need seeing to." Plus the fact that she couldn’t wait for the moment she could put all these people and their miserable existences out of her mind. That sounded heartless, but she had to confess it was true—even for someone generally kind like Ackerle.

  "You are not wrong there," Ackerle said, almost a bit admonished, which made her wonder what the Ackerle estate was like. Many of these people had to depend on their wives to run their estates for them, while others managed them from afar—or not at all.

  Ashra looked around the room, trying to pick up any tensions or moods. Her eyes settled on Lorcan, who stood on the other side of the room. Tension twisted her gut. He looked the same, darkly dressed and somber, his high cheekbone caught by the light from the thousands of candles in the space. He noted her attention and unguardedly stared back for a moment before raising his glass in a small salute.

  There was always a special kind of tension when their gazes locked and Ashra looked away. Her main adversary. He wasn't done with her, was still searching for some way to sink her, although his interest had now primarily shifted to the child in her belly—his potential heir. How different this all would be if she could trust him, but she knew she never could. Trustworthy, he would never be, the consummate political animal that he was.

  "So, what have been some of the big events?" she asked Ackerle.

  "Well, there was quite an incident, a move if you will, where Fronsac, in cahoots with young Alfrey Tilley, managed to recoup part of the land he lost to Roenbaum a while back. Caused quite a stir. Roenbaum was livid. Revenge is sure to be in the works."

  Ashra's eyebrows rose. The young man that she'd pressed into helping her exact revenge of Lorcan and his wife was taking the reins and pushing further for his own betterment. That would have caused quite a stir. In a way, it was as if Tilley was growing up and finding his way at court, learning to play the game.

  "They succeeded, too. Made it the talk of court for a while. The Roenbaums have gotten much of their wealth by squeezing the less illustrious member of the court for ages, so no one is exactly feeling sorry for them when they lose out to their own strategy. But those boys have made an enemy and Tilley is perhaps taking a risk in doing so as Lorcan is still gravely displeased with him. If you ask me, Lorcan is waiting for his moment, preparing to strike. Not that he would ever go in with Roenbaum on something like that. The fight over land could very likely end up part of the Lorcan estate."

  Unfortunately, Ashra knew Ackerle was correct, even as she was the one responsible for the move on the Lorcan land that Tilley had initiated. Lorcan was still going to exact revenge on Tilley for having done it—pressed or not. But the Tilleys were now a part of their alliance, so Lorcan would be taking them all on, which he would eventually, when he'd found a means. Wierstoke must have known and given his approval to the move on Roenbaum. Surely, Tilley wouldn’t have been foolish enough to act on his own.

  Forcing a smile as Ackerle watched her, Ashra hid how much she hated being back here, longed to be home on the estate with Tabain. There was also a drawback about the position she was in, in that she was now simply waiting for people to make their moves against her. And not just Lorcan or Amethyst; the rest of the court had to be watched as well. There were pockets of power and some of them might secretly cooperate and coordinate an attack.

  There were also a few new faces and Ashra particularly noticed a woman standing close to the stage where Raufasger sat on his throne, dourly looking over his audience. He looked the same. But this woman, Ashra could only see the woman from behind as she faced Raufasger, her hands clasped around her back and Raufasger's attention was on her. The woman's dress wasn't the finest in the room, was actually quite modest in both material and design.

  "Who is that?" Ashra asked, discreetly indicating.

  "Oh, now that is interesting. That is Madame Gwenoch. Arrived in court shortly after you left, a widow like yourself. Negligible estate, one had to admit, but Raufasger has seen fit to allow her entrance to court, and she seems to court his attention at every opportunity. Not sure if she’s had any success with her pursuits, but I would hazard a guess that the woman has lofty ambitions. She wouldn’t be the first."

  A sinking feeling infected Ashra's stomach. As far as she knew, people Raufasger were interested in sometimes ended up dead. In the time she'd been here, she hadn't seen anyone purposefully court his favor, but then he'd had lovers in the past. He wasn't a man to share power, though, so if this woman sought to make herself queen, she would probably find herself in a less than tenable situation. Ambition beyond what Raufasger felt was acceptable was something he always punished.

  Ackerle continued in a bored tone. "She will be powerful indeed if she succeeds, but many have gone down that path before her and few of them manage to stay around for very long."

  "Has anyone warned her?"

  "Warning the ambitious is rarely nothing but a waste of breath," he said dismissively. Ashra turned to him. Did he not recall the whole family that had died before their eyes because Raufasger had suddenly taken an interest in their daughter? Or did he not care? Ashra supposed in an environment like this, it often served to exclusively see to one's own survival. If others presented themselves as cannon fodder, that was their foolishness.

  On the other hand, Amethyst Lorcan still garnered Raufasger's favor based on his affection for her late mother. There were gains to be made by being his favorite, even if the repulsive thought utterly turned Ashra’s stomach. What some would do for power knew no bounds.

  Ackerle went on to talk about some other overtures, while Ashra kept her eyes on this woman. It never boded well for those that drew attention to themselves. She hoped this woman knew what she was doing, but she also knew that there was true and real desperation in the land and this woman might be pursuing the only course available to her. The state of her dress indicated that her means were limited. The ladies of the court would be brutal for that fact. If nothing else, Raufasger’s affections would achieve this woman a new wardrobe and perhaps even fine jewels. That would be an awful position to be in. Ashra couldn’t help feeling sorry for the woman. She wasn’t prepared to judge. In these times, people had to do what they had to. Ashra, herself, certainly had to—even if she was fortunate enough not to have to court Raufasger’s favor.

  Chapter 3

  There was something in the air, something unpleasant that had Ashra's hackles up. She felt it the moment she walked in the hall. It wouldn’t surprise her if
someone was making a move. There was that sense of curious anticipation in the crowd when something was building up, as if everyone sensed someone was about to be targeted. She felt certain she had to be on her guard today.

  People watched her as she entered the hall, dressed in a new gown that had been delivered—red with black detailing. It wasn't her style and she wasn't entirely sure why she'd ordered it. Then again, none of these dresses were her style, so one over another didn't perhaps matter. The dressmaker had been quite excited about it, so Ashra had just let her run with it.

  What she couldn't make out was if people were watching her as per normal, or if there was something particular that had spread through the crowd. It was hard to tell. Perhaps she was additionally conscious of people’s stares as she knew she was starting to show ever so slightly.

  Ashra decided to head toward Wierstoke. He wouldn’t mince words if there was something coming her way.

  "Lady Greve," he greeted her.

  "There seems to be some excitement milling in the court today. Any ideas why?"

  "Yes, there has been noise of some discord, but few details have been mentioned."

  "Would we have heard more if it was any of us?"

  "There have been no pricks on our spider's web, but these things are often done with stealth. Lorcan does tend to be a silent operator who pounces when he's ready. He does look pleased with himself, doesn't he?"

  Ashra felt her discomfort rise. It had to be Lorcan. Lorcan always posed risk to her, especially as he was powerful enough to do just about anything. Turning to seek him, Ashra found him further into the room. Whether he was pleased or not, she couldn't tell. He looked his typical self, his hair tied back, looking calm and arrogant—bored even. "Perhaps he has found a weak point to leverage," she said, trying to hide the worry that now bit into her. It was hard to think what could be underfoot as all members of their alliance had their business tied off very neatly. But sometimes, things came out of the blue, or he had found some unanticipated way of reaching them.

  Raufasger appeared on his throne, flaring his grand robes as he sat down, giving himself a regal air. "I understand we have a petition today," he said excitedly. The room quietened. Ashra’s insides twisted.

  Lorcan stepped forward and Ashra felt her heart stop with nervousness. Lorcan was making his move. He'd finally found some means. Clasping her hands, she stopped them from shaking. It wouldn’t do to look scared. That signified weakness and it was something she could never afford—to look weak.

  "Lord Lorcan," Raufasger said, looking pleased with the day's prospect. "Please state your petition."

  Lorcan stood for a moment. "My house requires the settling of a debt with the House of Verchose."

  Guarded relief washed over Ashra.

  "Verchose? I see," Raufasger said. "A historic debt, is it?"

  Ashra felt discomfort tingle along her body because Lorcan didn’t move on petty things. If he did this, it was thought out and considered, and had a very real objective behind it.

  "You promised me that money, Lorcan,” Lord Verchose said, stepping forward. "You're breaking a promise to my family."

  "If you made the assumption the debt would never be recalled, Lord Verchose, you are very much mistaken," Lorcan said coldly.

  Ashra didn't know who to believe. They both sounded earnest, but then would Lorcan give money and not expect something in return? Or had he gotten something else and now simply wanted the money back?

  "Is there a contract for this debt, Lord Verchose? You have in your response already admitted it," Raufasger said.

  Verchose's mouth drew tight. "It was a gentlemanly agreement."

  "Then like gentlemen, we will settle it," Raufasger retorted. "How much was this debt?"

  "Fifty thousand in gold coin," Lorcan stated.

  "It was nowhere near that."

  "I am sure you must have recalled that interest would be taken."

  Verchose had gone red in the face, quickly pacing back and forth. Beads of sweat were appearing on his forehead and his collar was looking uncomfortable. It had to be awful to know you were in Lorcan's sights and that he was in the process of pouncing. Ashra could only feel sorry for the man, but who was stupid enough to take a loan from Lorcan and assume it was a gift, or that it would have no strings attached?

  "Have you got such a sum to repay?"

  "I do not," he finally admitted, his shoulders slumping slightly.

  "Oh dear, that is a problem," Raufasger tsked, clearly enjoying this. "But then neither of you come with any particular proof of the terms. As we have established, the debt already exists. You are making it very difficult for me, Lord Lorcan. Hard to tell heads from tails here."

  "Then perhaps we can make it easier. In lieu of payment, I will be generous to Verchose and only take a lease on some of his lands. Ninety-nine years on his easternmost property, including all chattels."

  Ashra’s stomach dropped. The truth of this move was becoming clear.

  "Is this acceptable to you, Verchose?" Raufasger asked.

  "No," he said emphatically.

  "I think Lorcan here is being generous. It is not the sum of your lands and you will still, in effect, own it."

  "In a couple of years, he will forget all about the lease."

  "Are you saying a judgment in my court will not stand the test of time?" Raufasger demanded, a hard edge to his voice. Verchose had painted himself into a corner, saying something Raufasger could take offense to. Verchose was probably right, though, and Lorcan would take the land as if the lease didn't exist, but Raufasger and his thin skin had ventured into the argument. Or perhaps he did it to watch Verchose squirm. "I think it is a fair resolution and I grant the petitioner leave to use the land and chattels as he sees fit."

  Verchose wanted to say something but was smart enough to hold his tongue. The man was, however, part of an alliance and they would now have to retaliate against Lorcan, which Lorcan would know full well. Perhaps he was strong enough to resist them. But Ashra suspected this move was about her. The land he had just 'acquired' was next to hers and he was moving to get closer. Discomfort flared up her spine. Then again, being that they shared a boundary with the Verchose family, she had everything tightly documented and agreed between her and the Verchoses. It would be difficult for Lorcan to leverage that land to take hers.

  "Any other claims this day?" Raufasger asked. Ashra held her breath, still feeling relief that this was all Lorcan’s threat had amounted to. She could defend this position, even if for some reason Lorcan thought this boundary was a weak point.

  "There is a secondary issue," Lorcan said, which meant he had another move to make, one that would likely be against her. "I seek to claim Lady Greve's unborn child."

  Gasps broke out across the entire room and Ashra's heart stopped with astonishment, disbelieving what she was hearing. No, she could not have just heard that he was claiming her child. It had to be her mind that construed such a thing. The shock in the room was replaced with furious whispering as every person conferred between themselves now that it was confirmed that it was his child she was carrying. Heat emanated from every part of her body, her skin likely glowing in distress. "You cannot claim a child," she said disbelievingly. The fact that he'd acknowledged the child as his was now a past issue and she quickly had to move on to whatever step he would take next, focus on the core of his petition, that he could claim the child. "This is my child. It is not up for claim."

  "Why don't you step forward, Lady Greve," Raufasger said, but with a more serious tone than he'd had a moment ago. Ashra didn't know if that was good or bad. Her thoughts were racing, wondering if she could perhaps flee. Guards were manning the doors. She might have to now, the moment she escaped this room. "Claiming an unborn child out of wedlock is unprecedented, Lord Lorcan. Believing yourself the father is not sufficient grounds. A child is not land, but I am sure you know this. Proceed with your argument."

  "This child is not born in wedlock to the house of G
reve either, so legally it will belong to its rightful family."

  Goosebumps rose along Ashra's arms, because her family was owned by Verchose. The idea of murdering Lorcan on the spot entered her mind. It was the reason for Lorcan's calling in of this supposed debt—to get control of the chattel, which included her parents, even deceased. He had no interest in the land and beyond this move, but he now had the lease, which still meant he effectively owned the chattel.

  "Lady Greve is Solmnite by birth, and so is her child. That child, out of wedlock, therefore belongs to her original family, and to me."

  "This is a stretch, Lord Lorcan," Raufasger contended.

  "You cannot honestly propose to take a child from its mother," Ashra interjected. "I might have been born a Solmnite, but I am landed gentry. You have no right to strip me of my child even if I wasn't. The bond between child and mother is sacred, not something for anyone to toy with."

  Lorcan looked as serious as she had ever seen him. "This is no game. I intend to claim this child as my heir. Give me the child," he demanded.

  "No!" a woman cried from behind them. Ashra turned to see Amethyst marching forward, pushing through the crowd. "He's not claiming some filthy bastard child. I won't allow it," she spat harshly. Harsh eyes were sweeping the scene in front of her.

  The crowd moved closer as she approached, eager to hear every detail of what had to be the most sordid development in the court's history. It was utterly ludicrous. This could not be. The argument was creative, but it couldn’t be true. It couldn’t hold. It would be preposterous. It only went to show Lorcan’s desperation. It was a desperate act, or simply a cruel one.

  "Give me the child!" Lorcan repeated, louder this time, a clear demand.

  There was a noise that sounded animalistic from Amethyst, somewhere between a howl and a growl. Before Ashra's mind could register what was going on, she saw the glinting of metal, swinging in an arc and finding its home in Lorcan's back. He arched with pain and shock. Ashra had been too shocked to move, unable to make the scene in front of her eyes. This couldn’t be happening.