Defy the Night (Defy the Night, #1)

by Brigid Kemmerer

“Was it you the whole time?” I whisper. “It certainly wasn’t me half the time.”

I close my fingers around the glass and breathe. I want to throw it at him. As if he can read my thoughts, he says, “If you throw it at me, I’ll cut your hands off.”

“If you throw a glass of liquor at my brother, I really will have to cut your hands off. Keep your mouth shut.”

“Prove your point. Break my bones. Cut my hands off. Set me on fire. Take your dagger and write your name in my—” “This all sounds like it’s going to get rather messy.” “Do it.” “No.” I glance up at her hands, one of which is turning an alarming shade of pink. “I’ll ask again: If I let you go, can you agree not to strike at me?” She hesitates, so I add, “Most people don’t get a second offer. I definitely won’t give you a third.” She blanches a little at that, and I watch the battle in her eyes as she wars with who I was and who I am.

“Be careful,” says Corrick. “She hits.” I narrow my eyes at him. “Only liars and villains.” He lifts his glass to me. “Cheers.”

I’m sure there’s some court etiquette I’m supposed to follow, but I have no idea what, and if he expects a curtsy, he’s not getting one.

“Is he worried about the dagger I’ve hidden in my skirts?” “Say that a little louder and you’ll find out.”