SHADOW

The Spy

Sha tore off her dusty old dress in a heartbeat and rushed into the small outdoor pool. The water felt heavenly against her skin, washing away layers of exhaustion she had carried for weeks—months, even. Happiness bloomed inside her chest, sudden and unfamiliar. She laughed softly as she splashed through the warm water, reaching for the bubbly pink flower essence she had found resting at the edge of the tub. Soon, the surface was covered in fragrant suds that rose to her nose, hiding her body beneath clouds of foam. She scooped a handful into her palm and watched the bubbles shimmer and burst in the sunlight.

She had practically run toward the water the moment her clothes hit the ground, though not without glancing around first. No one was watching her. Of course nobody was watching her. Yet the nagging paranoia refused to leave her mind.

"Stop having stupid thoughts, Sha. Nobody is watching you," she muttered aloud.

Leaning back against the smooth stone edge, she let herself drift into a daydream, her eyes following the clouds gliding lazily across the pale blue sky. Who would watch her anyway, and for what reason? This palace was filled with beautiful women. If anyone noticed her at all, it would only be to mock her.

Her expression darkened.

I wonder what Ambrosio has planned for me now. Would he sell me off to some old nobleman to strengthen his trade empire after losing so much in his dispute with King Elias?

Even now, she still struggled to accept that Elias—sweet, gentle Elias—was truly a king. The memory of him in royal robes and a golden crown still stung like a fresh wound. He had betrayed her heart, though she would never admit aloud how deeply. Not even to Sonya.

She had cared for him far more than she had ever confessed.

She had cried for him. She had spent the entire voyage pining for him.

And the moment she saw him dressed in royal finery, she knew they could never belong to one another.

So it was reasonable to cut her losses. Reasonable to close her heart.

Ambrosio, however, was another danger entirely. A man as beautiful as he was ruthless. The kind of man women drifted toward despite every warning, like moths drawn helplessly to a candle flame. And no matter how much she distrusted him, she could feel herself doing the very same.

A faint rustling sounded behind her.

Sha stiffened instantly and sank deeper into the pool until the water reached her neck. Her pulse quickened. Someone was there—behind the tall green hedge. She was certain of it.

"Go away, you pervert!" she shouted.

The shadow behind the dense leaves shifted again. Large. Broad-shouldered. Definitely a man.

And something about the presence lurking there sent a cold wave of unease through her body.