He struggled to get past the thick fog of sleep when something grabbed his arm and dragged him out of bed. Groggy, he tried to wake up enough to wonder why he was being pushed and prodded across the room.

He didn’t have any trouble waking up after Lucivar shoved him into the shower cubicle and turned on the cold water full blast.

Daemon clawed at the dial until he managed to shut off the water. Bracing one hand against the wall, he tried to convince his cold-tightened muscles to let go of his lungs long enough for him to take a breath. Then he glared at Lucivar.

“Jaenelle woke up in a similar mood,” Lucivar said mildly. “Must have been an interesting night.”

“Nothing happened,” Daemon growled as he swiped his hair back.

“Nothing physical,” Lucivar said. “But I’ve danced with the Sadist enough times to recognize him when I see him.”

Daemon just waited.

Lucivar’s lips curled into that lazy, arrogant smile. “Welcome to Kaeleer, brother,” he said softly. “It’s good to have you back.” He paused at the bathroom door. “I’ll bring you a cup of coffee. That and a hot shower ought to wake you up enough.”

“Enough for what?” Daemon asked warily.

Lucivar’s smile turned wicked. “You’re late for practice, old son. But, all things considered, I’ll give you another fifteen minutes to get to the field before I come looking for you again.”

“And if you have to come looking again?” Daemon asked too softly.

“Trust me. If I have to come looking for you again, you’re not going to like it.”

He already didn’t like it. But he sipped the coffee Lucivar brought him while the hot water pounded his neck and back—and the Sadist began planning the quiet, gentle seduction of Jaenelle Angelline.

CHAPTER FIVE

1 / Kaeleer

Alexandra walked through the corridors, Philip beside her. She would have preferred Leland’s company rather than an unavailable male, but the way Philip had quickly offered to accompany her meant he wanted to discuss something with her in private without making it obvious.

Irritated by his presence, she snapped, “We’ve been here for over a week and nothing’s happened. How long does that ‘escort’ expect us to be able to remain guests?”

Philip didn’t have to point out that Osvald, the escort Dorothea had provided, hadn’t been able to get close to either Wilhelmina or Jaenelle without having to deal with at least one male chaperon, let alone get close enough to slip the women away from the Hall. He also didn’t have to point out that they would be “guests” until the High Lord—or the real Queen who ruled this court—decided otherwise.

“Lucivar came to see me this morning,” Philip said abruptly.