I finish off the untainted Revolver and set the glass back down. I can hear his labored breathing. His eyes are almost rolling back. Through sheer will, he keeps his feet for a few more seconds. Whatever he laced my intended drink with was cruel. I leave him in its grip.

I walk away and try not to let anyone see that my hands are shaking. Reality is hammering through me. This man came here to kill me tonight. I have to take a deep breath. As I reach the entrance, I hear the sound of a body hitting the floor behind me.

It’s followed by gasps. Attendants rush forward. I glance back long enough to confirm that Emerson is down. His mouth twitches. His eyes are slammed shut. He might die.

I take another deep breath and remember that could have been me.

A single thought follows: They’re afraid of me. And I smile. They should be.

Chapter 14: Making Noise

It takes a few minutes for the mess to get cleared away. A little more intrigue will work its way back through the Chats tonight. You’re not sure what happened, but the Longhand emissary went down about five minutes ago, and you’re close enough to see he’s not exactly moving now.

The man was talking with Adrian. It has you shaking your head. Furia’s elite do love to plot and plan and play with their food. And you’re more than certain that Adrian Ford didn’t come here tonight with poison in hand. It’s not the way Longhands normally do business. So clearly he was supposed to be the victim. Plots upon plots upon plots. You just hope that none of their scheming gets in the way of your plans.

Attendants carry the fallen Longhand through a back door. The second it swings shut, the great entrance into the Hall of Maps groans open. All the gossip dies away.

An escort appears. “Riders step forward.”

You wink at a few of the surrounding royals before gliding forward. The rest of the contestants cut through the crowd. Ashtaki has to be redirected after stumbling into the kitchen. You roll your eyes. The board’s escort takes painstaking care to line up all of you. Cameras frame the waiting hallway. You take a deep, steadying breath. It’s important to put on a good show, of course, but tonight is the second step toward winning the Races.

Once more, you feel the weight of your competition as the escort leads you and the other ten riders forward. On into the Hall of Maps. Polished hardwood floors echo back each rider’s footsteps. Mirrors fill the spaces between the hanging tapestries and you catch glimpses of yourself in the glass. Naturally, you look more stunning than ever.