Four Realms of Desire
His eyes settled on Loren with a glance that felt uncomfortably personal.
She found herself wondering whether his charm was calculated or genuine. Probably both, she decided. The most dangerous people were those who could make manipulation feel like affection.
When he smiled at Mariselle, the warmth seemed real. When he addressed Willa, his manner carried the respect of one courtier to another. When he looked at the Duke, however, something sharper flickered beneath the surface; recognition of a potential opponent.
The real diplomatic battle, Loren realised, had just begun.
***
In the evening, the great hall was transformed for the Count’s reception dinner, its usual severity softened by ban
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