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You did not expect The Lawyer to show up at your door at 3 am one summer night, his book in tow and a smile on his face. “We have a proposition for you,” he’d said in lieu of a greeting.
You stepped back to allow him entrance. What else could you do? You were from one of the lesser families, but you still knew who he was. You just had no idea what he could possibly want with you.
So, the two of you sat and he explained in great detail. Mr. Le Bail and The Lawyer were both prohibited from interfering directly with the families as long as they adhered to their contracts. They were unable to ensure their choice took the high seat. It was how it had been for hundreds of years.
But that didn’t mean they couldn’t push. Direct. Influence.
A satanic ritual here, a discrete murder there and within the year you were engaged to Alex Le Domas instead of the man you loved. And Titus was furious. Worse, he was hurt. You could only hope he’d forgive you in the end once he realized what you’d done for him.
The wedding came and went, your side of the aisle empty as you’d sent no invitations. There was no one you needed to witness this event. You smiled, laughed and charmed your way through the reception.
And then came the game. Maybe you would have felt worse about what was to come if they had warned you in any measure. But they hadn’t. They’d let you walk in blind, not realizing you already knew everything. And why wouldn’t they? It would only make it easier for them if you were unprepared.
You let them have their pomp and circumstance. The pre-game ritual that was unnecessarily drawn out. Finally, you drew the card you’d already prepared for. “Oh, hide and seek is my favorite. How much of a head start do I get?”
You headed to the room where you’d stashed a bag earlier. Once you’d put on more appropriate footwear, and armed yourself, you began to systematically destroy the Le Domas family. It was far easier than it should have been. Of course, you had been trained by Titus in anticipation of you becoming his bride.
They got in more hits than you cared for, but you made it to dawn. Pushing open the curtains as Alex pleaded for his life. “It wasn’t personal Alex. You were simply a means to an end. Goodbye.”
You cringed when he exploded covering you in blood. Gross but effective. Le Bail appeared in the chair at the head of the table with a smile and a nod. You moved through the house making sure the fire would catch offering the perfect cover for the disappearance of the Le Domas family.
You left the house, wondering how long it would take someone to respond to the fire. Your steps stuttered as you descended the steps to find The Lawyer and Titus waiting for you at the bottom.
Titus’ expression was blank, hands clasped in front of him and eyes hidden behind dark glasses. You felt his gaze move over you, even if you didn’t see it. “You survived.”
“Of course.”
“Are you injured?”
You shifted your attention to The Lawyer who appeared to be endlessly entertained by the circumstances. “Why is he here?”
When he simply smiled your attention snapped back to Titus. “Why are you here?”
“To escort you to the estate. And to make sure the cover story is in place.” He took a step closer. “The question I have is how The Lawyer knew how this would end when he summoned me in the middle of the night.”
You looked between the two men, settling on The Lawyer. He smirked and gave you a small nod before retreating to the car. “You may reveal to Mr. Danforth whatever you wish, as long as he plays along.”
So, you told him everything. From The Lawyer showing up at your door to the plan to marry Alex and survive the game to the ring being in play. Even with the sunglasses, you could see the changing emotions on Titus’ face and you knew he believed you. How could it be anything but the truth after all?
“You didn’t love him?”
You snorted. “Absolutely not.”
He hummed and took a step forward. “And me? Do you love me?”
“Never stopped.”
Another step. “Did you fuck him?”
Your nose curled in distaste. “Satan, no. Convinced him I wanted to wait until we were married. Made it easy to convince him to agree to a quick wedding.”
The corner of his lips curled up as he closed the remaining distance between you, his hands finding your face to hold it as he looked at you. You reached up and took off his sunglasses, wanting to see the hazel eyes you’d missed so much.
“There’s only one problem with your plan, sweetheart.” He leaned in, face inches from yours. “In order to claim the seat, I have to kill you.” The words were hissed in anger and annoyance.
“Really, Titus. Do you think so little of me?” His features softened as he realized there was another step, another secret he didn’t know. He couldn’t bear to lose you, not again. “When’s the last time you read the rules?”
He pursed his lips. “Never. To be fair, I never expected a bride to survive.”
“According to the fine print, should I marry into one of the families before time expires, my spouse would hold the high seat.”
His gaze was frantic as he looked for any sign you were lying. You simply smiled, enjoying the feeling of his touch on your skin. You’d missed it. “So, by the time all this is over, I’ll hold the seat and you’ll be mine?”
“I’ve always been yours, Titus. I just had to take a little detour to make sure you had everything you desired.”
He kissed you then, deep and slow as the fire burned the Le Domas legacy to ash behind you.