Court of Conquest

Chapter 12

The grand room suddenly felt like a cage, its lavish trappings contrasting sharply with the tension that hung in the air. Malachi, the figure of authority in the palace, leaned casually against the ornate doorway, his eyes fixated on me with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

"Curiosity suits you," he said, his lips curling into a half-smile, amusement twinkling in his dark eyes. His voice, a velvet blend of amusement and mystery, wrapped around me, making it harder to focus. I found myself stammering, caught off guard by the unexpected confrontation.

Before I could muster a coherent response, he lifted a hand, the gesture commanding silence. "No need for apologies, little bird. You may roam these halls, but remember, there are places even a sly fox should not tread."

I felt a twinge of irritation at his condescending tone but decided to redirect the conversation. "I have been waiting to talk to you since last night!" I blurted out, deciding to put the blame on him and steer away from my unauthorized exploration.

A smirk played on Malachi's lips. "Well, I am glad to hear that you missed me, darling. What is it you would like to talk about?"

I couldn't help but scoff at his audacity, but now was my chance. "My brother, Gareth. Where is he? He wasn't with my sisters." The urgency in my voice betrayed the genuine concern I felt for my sibling's whereabouts. The air crackled with unspoken secrets, and Malachi's response held the key to unraveling the mysteries that surrounded us.

Malachi's eyes bore into mine, his expression a mix of amusement and something darker, a facet of his personality I was only beginning to understand.

"I assure you, your brother is fine, my little spy," he repeated, his voice like velvet over steel, doing little to ease my growing worry.

"Why is he not with my sisters then?" I demanded, my voice more commanding than I felt.

Malachi pushed off the doorway, approaching me with measured steps. "Gareth is in a very different situation than your sisters. As the Emberlyn heir, he is negotiating with my men. Until we reach an agreement with your father, he will be kept separately, much like others in negotiations."

Dread settled in the pit of my stomach. "Where is he being kept? The dungeons?"

He sighed, clearly irritated with my persistence. "No, little bird, the dungeons are full," he mumbled under his breath. "He is in suitable quarters, just not as lavish as your sisters'. And he is being fed properly. I treat my hostages with care."

Suddenly, he was right in front of me, and his proximity sent a shiver down my spine. "Are you to become my little warrior as well?" he mused, his gaze flickering down.

Confused, I followed his line of sight and realized I was clenching his knife in a death grip. I quickly released it, setting the blade down on a nearby table. I took a deep breath, attempting to calm the storm of emotions within me.

"Oh," I muttered under my breath, meeting his intense gaze. The room felt charged with an unspoken tension as I grappled with the realization that my actions might have consequences beyond my understanding.

The room hung in suspense as I considered the weight of my words. "If I agree to your absurd proposal, will you promise to let my siblings return home and ensure my family's safety?" I watched Malachi closely, hoping for a hint of sincerity in his response.

His gaze sharpened, a glint of intrigue dancing in his eyes. "Yes," he answered simply, catching me off guard with the unexpected affirmation.

I swallowed hard, my mind racing to comprehend the gravity of what I had just agreed to. But there was no turning back now. "Oh, um, but this is just an engagement, no wedding yet," I declared, attempting to regain my footing in this treacherous dance.