There appeared to be two hallways extending from each side of the room, with several doors and openings along their endless lengths. Mathenholm was massive. I wondered if I’d ever get a feel for its layout.
I made my way down the entire right side of the hall with no luck. Where was she? Nico had clearly instructed her to remain with me. And yet, being forced to be my babysitter for the evening clearly didn’t sit well with her. Maybe she was avoiding me on purpose?
The left side of the room was identical to the right. Two more endless hallways—and still no sign of Fallon. I turned and began making my way back.
Keep your wits, Mic. She’s here somewhere. You’ll find her. She’s probably dancing in the heart of the crowd. Remember to smile.
“Ooh,” I gasped. I’d walked straight into a paunchy male. “Forgive me,” I blurted, flushing with embarrassment. “I… I…” My heart stopped. The room around me closed in.
He needed no introduction.
I immediately recognized him as the greasy male seated beside Nico on the dais. I had bumped into the damn steward. An uneasy feeling settled in the back of my throat.
“My Lady,” he greeted, steadying me on my feet.
“Lord Steward, I beg your pardon. Please forgive me—I wasn’t paying attention.”
“It appears my reputation precedes me.” He raked his eyes up and down my body. “You’re the human girl I’ve been hearing about.”
“It’s an honor to meet you.” I dropped into a curtsey, trying my best to play the part.
“Please,”—he reached for my hand—“the honor’s all mine. Join me.”
Linking our arms, he silently ushered me down a nearby hallway and swiftly tucked us into a private alcove. My heart pounded. Why was he isolating us? How was I going to get out of this one?
“You’ve caused quite a stir amongst the houses. And yet, I still don’t have your name?”
“Your Lordship, I meant no disrespect. I’m Michaela Darling Carlisle.” I extended my hand, expecting a formal handshake. Instead, he pulled it close and pressed an inappropriately long kiss to the back of it.
“A fitting name for a beautiful girl. Johan Vellere, Ruler of the House of Rapere. Steward to the throne of Hiraeth.” He bowed his head. “Please, call me Johan.”
“Johan,” I said, clearing my throat, trying to come up with an excuse to rejoin the festivities. “I should be getting back to the?—”
“Nonsense. They haven’t even started serving yet.”
Fuck. Damn you, Finn, for leaving me alone.
“Besides, I’m enjoying our time away from all the commotion.” He took a step closer, forcing me back against the stone wall. His grey, lifeless eyes drilled into me. “Tell me, Michaela, what brings a human woman to Hiraeth?”
He was close enough that I could smell the mead on his breath. I couldn’t tell if he was threatening me or coming on to me. I pressed myself back against the stone wall, praying a hidden door would magically open and I’d be free of the situation.
“I’m in need of a healer.” The words were out of my mouth before I could think of a better answer. So much for simple pleasantries. My nerves were getting the best of me. How could I let that slip?
“A healer?” His gaze swept over me again, lingering too long at my décolleté. “You look like the picture of health to me.”
I froze.
Johan braced one hand against the wall, blocking my only exit. I silently begged one of the beasts who insisted I attend tonight’s festivities to come looking for me. Where was Fallon?
The corner of his mouth curled up while his eyes fixated on my neck. Without hesitation, he leaned in—his nose skimming my skin as he inhaled deeply. “There’s a layer of sweet death perfuming your intoxicating vanilla scent.”
Did he just… sniff me?
Was that supposed to be a compliment?
I remembered Gunner’s eidris. It was strapped to my thigh. Of all the places I could have hidden it, why had I chosen my thigh? Why did they always show that in the movies? It wasn’t exactly easy access.
“Michaela?” Fallon’s voice echoed down the hall.
