Teia leant against the wall next to Illario, as she looked out over the lively party. ‘You are lucky Lucanis is a forgiving man,’ she said, her tone edged with a hint of warning. ‘Had it been Viago, you would be locked up. If it was me, you would be dead.’
Illario met her gaze with a sullen expression. ‘I know, Teia. I know that I was beaten. I do not need to be reminded of it at every social event going forward. The humiliation is enough.’
‘You will need to remember, lest you make the same mistake again. Next time, I doubt it will go the same way. You are jealous, of his position, of Caterina’s attention, but…’
She halted, her eyes tracing Illario’s gaze as it shifted across the grand ballroom. It wasn’t Lucanis or even Catarina who held his attention. No, near the edge of the dance floor, quietly talking to Chance, stood Camille. She was stunning this evening, dressed in the daring dark red gown Teia had chosen for her, her hair pulled back into an elaborate style revealing her pale neckline adorned with gold. It was very different to her usual Mourn Watch robes and she stood out among the sombre Crows.
Turning to Illario, she seized his ear, pulling him down to her level. ‘By the Maker, Illario! Lucanis would never forgive you. You would destroy what little remains of the Dellamorte family. You bury those feelings. Bury them deep, I tell you.’
Viago approached the pair with a confident stride. ‘May I have this dance, my lady?’ he asked, extending his hand towards Teia.
Teia released Illario, her fingers twisting his flesh briefly before she turned to face Viago. ‘Of course.’ Her voice was steady but her eyes shot a warning glare at Illario as she placed her hand in Viago's and he led her to the dance floor.
