Free The Way of the Blade by Stuart Jaffe Page A

engagement?”
    “No,” he said, placing his hands on her shoulder and looking straight at her. “I simply forgot. Not that you’re at all forgettable, but this is my sister’s day, and I’m trying to focus on her. Isn’t that the important thing?”
    “Of course. But we’re important, too. And don’t you think you’ve been neglected by your family for long enough? This day should be a celebration of you ascending to leadership in this town, and it should have happened long ago, but instead, it’s about Canto bedding your sister. How is that fair?”
    “It’s not, I suppose.”
    “Exactly. You deserve better than being forced to watch Shual parade Canto around as his new son, to be ignored as if you aren’t the one who’s going to save us all from the Scarites.”
    “I know, but —”
    “Then let’s announce our engagement today like you promised. If anything, the act will prove where your family’s loyalties lie. Those that love you, your sister perhaps, will be joyful for you and will see our engagement as a way to enhance Soralia’s wedding, making it an even bigger celebration. Those that despise you, will act against our announcement. And in one moment, you’ll know who in our town supports you, who is against you, who can be swayed, and who must be kept careful watch over.”
    Javery placed a hand on his heart and chuckled. “That’s actually very smart.”
    “I told you it’s important to have a great woman behind you.”
    “But I worry that this will still taint Soralia’s wedding.”
    Druzane kissed him. “You’re sweet to be so caring. Think of this, though — when you rule this country, you’ll have the power to throw her a new wedding celebration, one that exceeds her most fanciful, silly-minded dreams.”
    “Okay,” he said, wanting to press against her harder. “We can make an announcement tonight, and I’ll get you the necklace tomorrow.”
    “Oh, I have an idea.” Druzane opened a little bag she carried and produced a simple but sparkling necklace. “This is a little piece of junk I have. You can use this tonight until you get me a proper promise necklace.” She placed it in his hand, kissed him again, and then rubbed his groin. “I’m so excited. Tonight, after the party, I’m going to make you feel better than you’ve ever felt before.” His hand reached for her breast, but she stepped away and wagged a finger at him. “Not until after everything I’ve planned.”
    “There’s more?”
    “I have a very special surprise that’s going to help us get everything we want.”
    Something about her tone sent a cold blast through Javery’s bones. “What are you talking about?”
    “Not to worry. Just promise me that you’ll make the engagement announcement at the Call for Love.”
    “Of course.” Javery had assumed that was the time to do it — right before the final step of the ceremony, the officiator called out for anyone in love to profess their feelings. Often old married couples and young newlyweds used this moment to share their success in love with those being wed. It seemed like the logical time to make the announcement. “But what’s this surprise about?”
    “Don’t you know the meaning of the word surprise? ” Again, Javery noticed a nasty bite to her words.
    Shual’s gritty voice called from the hall. “Javery? Where are you?”
    “I have to go,” Javery said. He pecked Druzane on the cheek and tried to ignore all the strange thoughts gnawing at his gut.
    “There you are,” Shual said as Javery walked down the hall. Shual’s formal green robe had a long train with tiny bells attached at the back — each one infused with enough magic to lift the train an inch off the ground. “You’re going to ruin this wedding.” Before Javery could utter a word, Shual headed downstairs and outside. “I expected you here hours ago. How can we get everything set up if the members of this family don’t all do their jobs?”
    Javery scurried to