Page 131 of Savage Throne
“Melli, if you need a favor from me in the future. I’ve got you.”
She looked close to passing out. “O-okay. Thank y-you.”
“No problem. Just ask Chen or my lady-in-waiting, Thandi. They’ll bring you to me.” I bent down slightly, slipping one gun into the deep pocket of my gown.
Please, let this work.
I hoped the silk fabric was heavy enough to disguise the weight, but the action still felt reckless. I placed the second gun into the other pocket.
“We can help you with the fur.” The eldest woman stepped forward, took the thick coat from the other, and draped the massive turquoise fur over my shoulders. “If you have it this way, your hands are free to grab them at any time, but it will still cover the pockets.”
“Perfect.” I looked down, and confirmed she was right. The thick fabric fell in a way that perfectly concealed the outline of the guns.
The women stepped back. “I believe you are ready, Mountain Mistress.”
I looked up at myself in the mirror, draped in elegance and mystery. I presented this image of a woman who commanded respect and fear.
A woman who held power.
A woman who was feared even by herself.
Yet as my gaze met my reflection's eyes, I found a glimmer of Monique still there, buried beneath layers of royal silk and turquoise fur, hidden behind the facade of the Mountain Mistress.
I swallowed.
Just get through this night with Lei being alive. Then, we’ll deal with who I am later.
The room was quiet once more as each woman held her breath.
The effect was immediate.
The, the women’s postures stiffened as if the air itself had turned to stone. Next, fear radiated from them in waves.
What’s wrong?
I looked over my shoulder and that was when I realized Leo had entered.
I straightened too.
Leo stood tall. His presence commanded the space with the ease of a predator surveying its domain. His grand ensemble blended ancient tradition with modern refinement, every detail steeped in the regal tones of blue and silver.
A deep sapphire-blue robe, embroidered with intricate silver dragons draped over his tailored charcoal suit. The high mandarin collar of the suit was edged in silver, framing his neck with sharp precision, while a sash of rich cobalt silk was tied at his waist.
A sapphire-studded dragon-shaped pin adorned his chest.
In his hand, a small velvet box rested.
He never even glanced at the women.
His attention was all on me. “Leave the Mountain Mistress to me.”
They didn’t hesitate for one second. Fast, they scattered like leaves in the wind, filing out of the tent with hurried steps.
And all I could do was hope to God he hadn’t caught anything about the guns.
Chapter twenty-one
The Monster’s Gift
