My pulse thudded against his fingertips. That smile had erased every sensible thought I owned.
In dating-sim terms, I had finally unlocked his affection route. I had to act before he closed it again.
“I meant every word.” I leaned into his hand. He left it there.
At dinner, the other players pushed food around their plates while the Majordomo watched from the head of the table. No one mentioned the players removed during the trial. A crystal decanter of dark red wine stood on a side table, probably older than I was and worth more than my apartment. When the Majordomo’s blank face turned away, I hid it in the folds of my skirt. I needed courage, and mine had run out in the gallery.
I found Valerius on a stone balcony overlooking the dead gardens. He stood with both hands on the railing,
