Throne of Secrets (Prince of Sin, #2)

by Kerri Maniscalco

“You have very strong opinions of me. Yet you’ve never actually asked what my motivations are.” I laced my hands in my lap. “It’s obvious.” “It is, is it?” He made a derisive noise, shaking his head. “Allow me to give you another perspective. Outwardly, yes, it seems obscenely extravagant, but this gown? It provided work for many members of my circle. Members who have previously refused any donations.” I sat straighter, eyes narrowed. He looked entirely sincere. “I’m listening.” He ticked them off, one by one. “The jeweler, the dressmaker, the cobbler, and even the several bolts of fabric the dressmaker had purchased. Each of those establishments was given business, enough to hire more employees who’d needed work too. To you, what you’re wearing is wasteful, and I understand why you’d think that.” He gently plucked at the strands of diamonds, letting them fall through his fingers. He was careful to avoid touching my skin. “You see indulgence. What I see are the families who have earned income, doing what they love. The dressmaker hired two assistants who needed work; not only do they have employment now, but she can take on more clients. The jeweler’s family also made more off that one sale, for this one gown, than they do all year. If that means I’ve helped ease their burden, even by a fraction, then I can live with your opinion of me being less than flattering.” The slight buzz from the wine burned away. I searched his face, looking for any hint of deception. He kept his...