Throne of Secrets (Prince of Sin #2)

Twenty-Four Adriana

S OPHIE WAS SEETHING by the time I was escorted to our chambers.

“You see?” she cried the second the butler closed the door. “She’s a walking scandal! Let’s hope the prince overlooks your connection. This couldn’t have gone worse.”

If anyone knew how aroused he’d been for someone who wasn’t in the running to become his wife while his actual suitors arrived at the castle, it might be considered worse.

Alas, I kept that secret to myself. Not to spare him, but to avoid ruining my sister’s dreams, even if they included a lifetime with my sworn enemy.

“You’re lucky the press hasn’t arrived yet.” Sophie’s tirade continued as she paced. “Imagine how embarrassing that would have been for Eden. Being known as the suitor whose sister plowed down the prince. What were you thinking?”

I perched on the edge of the closest settee, exhausted from the battle of wills.

“I didn’t plan to collide with the prince,” I said. “It was an accident.”

Eden sat beside me. “I know. Was he terribly upset?”

I thought back to the look of shock and horror that had played over his features. That could have simply been due to his physical response to our collision.

“Not too upset. More surprised, I think.”

Sophie poured herself a drink from the sideboard in our luxe sitting room. When I first walked in, I’d barely registered any details of our private chambers, and they were exactly what I’d expect from a prince who thought more was more in every sense of the word.

Settees and chaises and tables, silk-covered walls, plush woven rugs. More decorative pillows than I’d ever known existed in one realm, stacked to almost spilling across each seat.

Bookshelves filled with books and baubles, a gilded sideboard stocked with every spirit known to man and beyond. Plus we each had our own bedroom located off the sitting room and our very own bathing chambers, a fact I’d been told by Jarvis on the endless walk up.

I wanted to escape immediately.

“From here on out,” Sophie said, “you will avoid the prince at all costs. No attending events, no encounters in hallways. We don’t want his hatred for you to impact Eden’s chances at winning his hand. It will be a miracle if he doesn’t send her home simply because of your unfortunate association. Do I make myself clear?”

“As crystal,” I said, glancing at the clock.

Blessedly, right as Sophie opened her mouth, a knock came at our door.

A footman delivered a letter addressed to Eden with the House Gluttony royal seal and exited. My sister read it over, jumping in place as she shared the wonderful news.

“Each suitor and their family have been invited to join His Highness tonight; he’s hosting a welcome dinner!”

“I’m afraid I’ll have to miss it,” I said, lifting a hand to my head. “I’m coming down with a migraine.”

Sophie gave me a pleased look, but before I could even make it to my private bedroom, a dress box arrived with my name on it. A note accompanied the package.

My teeth ground together so hard I feared I’d break them. It seemed I’d be attending tonight’s grand event after all. His Highness insisted.

Sophie snatched the note out of my hand, then crumpled it. I swore her eye twitched.

At Eden’s curious look, she explained. “Your sister will be joining us. By order of the prince.”

My sister squealed, completely overjoyed by the turn of events; Sophie looked murderous. And I wished I’d taken up Nyx’s warning and visited nonexistent cousins on the Shifting Isles.

Thankfully my sister didn’t seem upset at all by my less-than-graceful entrance, and if she had been, the prince had restored her good mood with his generous invitation.

“Well? Go get ready,” Sophie snapped. “It seems we’ll need to make the best of things.”

Through my cracked door I listened as Eden chatted about the new gowns, the lady-in-waiting who’d been assigned to her, and the abundance of jewels at her disposal.

I’d never known my sister to care for the finer things, but she’d also never been granted the opportunity. I’d done my best to take care of us all, but it had barely been enough to keep food on the table. I was happy she had something to feel joyful about.

Even if the source of that joy was Axton.

A flash of our collision had me grinding my teeth again.

Attending a welcome dinner was the last thing I wished to do, but the sooner I got dressed, the sooner I could slip away and meet my stranger at the Seven Sins.

I closed my door securely and glanced at the opulent bedroom.

Silk-covered walls, plush carpets, and gilt-covered furniture took up a large portion of the floor space. There was also a floor-length mirror propped against one wall, and a rolling rack someone had already filled with my clothes.

Piled in a neat stack on a settee were several boxes from the modiste. Earlier I’d only opened one package—the traveling dress I wore now at my stepmother’s insistence. Curious about my new wardrobe, I opened the rest of the packages, admiring the skilled work.

The fabrics she’d chosen would all complement my complexion and coloring in ways I’d never experienced before. The designs weren’t ostentatious at all, the simplicity hinting at her skill in crafting clothing that would make the wearer the true gem.

I held one dress up in the mirror, admiring how my eyes sparkled from it.

The cloak was perhaps the most stunning piece—the material reminded me of a dragon’s hide. It was pure white but had pale blue and silver slivers that curved into scales.

The material was one I’d never encountered before—not quite cashmere but in that family. It was soft but thick and made me want to wrap myself in it at once.

I’d be warm even in the most frigid temperatures, and its softness encouraged one to stroke it. I put it aside and opened the box that had just arrived, dreading what was inside.

As I pulled the sparkling gown from its package, its frothy ice blue skirts cascaded to the floor, the iridescent gemstones sewn across the bottom catching the light.

For a moment, I stopped breathing.

I’d been wrong before. This was the most incredible thing I’d ever seen.

It wasn’t lost on me that the color was close to my natural hair color and the iridescent gemstones were reminiscent of my “ice queen” costume.

Suspicion worked its way under my skin. Had the prince somehow found out I’d been attending the club of vice and was warning me to keep his secret, or he’d share mine? Or was this simply an ode to the shimmering winterscape we called home?

Maybe I was reading into things too much. It was just a dress.

A sharp knock at the door yanked my attention to the clock. I needed to hurry if I was going to be on time. I opened my door, expecting to see Sophie’s furious face, but the person standing outside my bedroom took me by complete surprise.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, hugging my friend.

Ryleigh gave me a bemused look. “Surprising you. And working. The prince invited a select group of columnists to meet the suitors.”

An idea slowly filtered in at that. I hid my smile.

Tonight wouldn’t be so bad after all. Miss Match would be attending, and I’d make sure to share every salacious detail in my next column.

A familiar male swept in behind Ryleigh, his gaze turning sharp as he took me in.

“I also brought in the cavalry.” Ryleigh nodded to her former flame. “I heard you were invited tonight and figured you’d need some help. Make him regret his old mistakes.”

I gave my friend a soft smile. I hadn’t realized how much I dreaded attending this dinner, having to sit by quietly and watch Axton break someone else’s heart. Possibly my sister’s.

“Well,” Carlo said, sniffing the air. “I see we have much to do and little time to do it. Sit.”

He pointed to a small velvet-cushioned stool in front of him.

I did as he requested and within seconds Carlo had unleashed the full might of his talent. Brushes passed over my face a few times, for eyes, cheeks, and lips.

I simply sat back and let him work his magic.

After what felt like only a few moments later, he clucked his tongue. “There. I’ve performed a miracle. And we’ve finally gotten to utilize your natural beauty.”

He snapped his fingers and an assistant I hadn’t noticed gathered up his assortment of makeup and brushes and they swept from the room as quickly as they’d entered.

I couldn’t tell if I was impressed or terrified.

“Carlo is certainly a force of nature,” I said, gently touching my hair. “How do I look?”

I went to look in the mirror, but my friend shook her head.

“Not yet. Look after you’re dressed.” Ryleigh gave me an appreciative once-over, then held the gown up. “I can’t imagine what something like this costs.”

“Probably best to not be too curious about it.”

Ryleigh raised her brows but didn’t comment. An awkward moment passed between us. Probably the first in our whole friendship. I wasn’t sure where the tension was stemming from but knew Ryleigh had to feel it too.

It was possible even though I’d paid for his silence that Carlo told her I’d been visiting him before attending the Seven Sins. Maybe she was wondering why I hadn’t shared that with her and was hurt I hadn’t extended an invitation for her to join me.

Guilt gnawed at me again, yet I still couldn’t bring myself to talk about my stranger, especially not now.

“Is the prince providing everyone’s wardrobe for tonight?” she asked, her tone indecipherable.

“I believe just for Eden and us by default. He wants his suitor to reflect his sin. You know how much Axton enjoys showing off. I’m sure this pales in comparison to Eden’s gown.”

Ryleigh stared at the dress for another moment, fingering the jewels. “If you say so.”

The sleeves were made of dozens of strands of diamonds, artfully hanging at different intervals, reminding me of jeweled wings. The bodice was understated by comparison—the same frothy material as the skirts gathered just off the shoulders and formed a matching V in the front and back, not too scandalously low, but tasteful and tempting.

It had to be worth tens of thousands of coins. More than my annual salary at the Wicked Daily by far. I hoped I didn’t accidentally spill something on it at dinner.

I was already on edge without worrying about the expensive gown getting damaged. I couldn’t help but think of the money being better spent in the community.

Standing there, bedecked in jewels, I feared I’d seem as frivolous as the nobles who’d taunted me all those years before. I had no idea how I would hold my tongue around Axton for the next several hours without ruining my sister’s chance at happiness.

A maid entered the chamber next and helped me step into the gown, and after a few moments of primping and adjusting the straps, I looked myself over in the mirror. My lips were a little fuller, my lashes a bit longer. All my features were subtly enhanced by Carlo’s talent.

Ryleigh let out a low whistle. “Gorgeous. He’s going to regret not making you his, Ad.”

“That was ten years ago and I’m sure he’s as relieved as I am it didn’t work.”

But I was feeling better about having to attend tonight’s opening event.

Axton might be getting ready to indulge his sin and court seven women, but I wouldn’t look like some wilting wallflower he’d left on the shelf. I hardly recognized myself.

My hair fell in long, loose waves that tumbled down my back, brushing against my exposed shoulder blades each time I moved. A small headband encrusted with diamonds pulled the top part of my hair back, showing off my slender neck.

I looked like a Fae princess.

My palms suddenly dampened. “It’s a bit much for dinner, isn’t it?”

“Not at all. I totally get why Axton chose this for you.”

“He chose it for Eden’s image,” I reminded her. “He’s hoping to make her look like a cosseted princess and her family worthy of a royal title if she wins.”

“Say what you want, but that gown was designed for you, Adriana. Everything about it is you—the color, the way it looks like your Seven Sins costume.”

A bolt of ice flew through my veins, ruining the moment.

“Coincidence, I’m sure.”

Ryleigh’s gaze ran up and down the dress.

“Actually, not the Seven Sins costume. He made you look like a blade. Beautiful, but lethal. People will certainly be talking.”

Before I could feign a fever and stay hidden up here until it was time to sneak away to the Seven Sins, Ryleigh spun me toward the door.

A bead of trepidation rolled down my spine as I looked myself over once more.

If Axton wanted to make me into a weapon, he must be anticipating a battle. But the question remained: was the war between us or was some new skirmish about to begin?

“Ready to face the gossips?” Ryleigh asked with a wry smile.

We were normally the gossips.

I took a deep breath and nodded. “We’ll find out.”

Dinner wasn’t supposed to be anything extravagant. Just a simple meal for the seven suitors and their families before the upcoming week’s festivities.

Axton wouldn’t know subtle if it gently tapped him on the shoulder and whispered in his ear. Or, preferably, punched him in the loins.

As we waited outside the royal dining hall in awkward clusters comprised of families, suitors, and a handful of reporters, performers served appetizers that were more circus act than fine dining. Which, I supposed, was aptly done considering the ridiculous bridal competition we were being subjected to.

I subtly glanced around the room, pleased I recognized each suitor. Years of reporting on gossip had finally paid off.

Erudite Monroe from House Sloth nestled into a corner, her nose pressed into a book.

Ava Rice and Omen Seagrave, of House Greed and House Envy, respectively, were on opposite ends of the room, staring daggers at each other. Which wasn’t surprising since rumors suggested their fathers were at war after a bad gambling debt was called in.

Allure Whitlock of House Lust held court with almost every reporter, save for Ryleigh. And the House Wrath suitor, Cobra Pierce, was born into a legendary line of fighters. No proof ever came to light, but there were whispers about her previous lover dying mysteriously on a hunting trip hosted by her father. I made a mental note to not get on her bad side.

Ryleigh stood across the room, chatting with the House Pride suitor, Miss Vanity Raven. She exuded her sin of choice in all ways—from her haughty expression to her shimmering pale locks, Vanity didn’t suffer from lack of confidence in any capacity.

If I were to size up the competition, I had to admit, she’d probably be one to watch.

The prince himself had failed to make his grand appearance, and I supposed it would be entertaining to see how he’d make an entrance without a lover tucked under each arm.

Conversations hushed as the predinner show took an interesting turn.

One performer held skewers of marinated meat in the air like swords; a second spit flames, torching them all to a perfect medium rare. Another spun plates on a long stick, then tossed them, one plate at a time, to the young women gathered around.

Sophie’s eyes gleamed with triumph as Eden snatched her plate from the air with grace.

I prayed my plate would knock me out cold for the remainder of the dinner.

Alas, I caught my dish like a proud seal at one of Axton’s old themed parties and fought the strange urge to curtsy at the polite smattering of applause.

Once everyone had been served their skewers, the delighted suitors all cheered as the performers bowed.

I took a bite of meat, hating that it might be the best thing I’d ever eaten. It was cut so thin it practically melted in my mouth, and the flames added a wonderful charred flavor that complemented the sticky sweet and spicy marinade.

Before I could take another bite, another performer came around, holding a balloon above my plate. He pointed to a bracelet that looked like a pin cushion because it was one.

“Take a needle and pop the balloon over your dish, miss.”

Brow knitted, I did as he suggested.

The balloon burst and hot red pepper slices and chopped cilantro rained down across the skewer, adding a bright pop of color to the dish. It was a feast for the eyes and the mouth.

The performer beamed and went to the next group, another balloon in hand.

I silently cursed Axton. This over-the-top show wasn’t simply to dazzle; it elevated the taste of the food. If he was hoping to impress his potential brides, he’d damnably succeeded.

Each reporter frantically scribbled notes with their quills, no doubt ready to sing his praises across the gossip columns tomorrow morning.

I swiped a glass of demonberry wine from a passing tray, waving off an offer to probably have it torched or infused with the tears of my enemies.

“Suitors. Families,” Jarvis intoned. “Dinner will be served shortly. If you wouldn’t mind, please head this way. We’ll call you in soon. Reporters, this is where we bid you good evening.”

Ryleigh gave me a finger wave and left with the other reporters from around the realm. I watched her depart and wished she could have snuck me out under her skirt.

Alas, I held my head high as we moved like good little cattle toward the dining hall doors, corralling ourselves for the short wait to be seated. Within moments, the first group was called. Erudite Monroe finally closed her book and went into the dining room without a backward glance. Eden shot me an apologetic look as she and Sophie were escorted in next.

Cobra and Allure were called in, followed by the two sparring families from Houses Greed and Envy, leaving just me and the House Pride suitor.

Vanity stared at me from where she already waited outside the royal dining hall, her gown made entirely of diamonds. Her expression was otherwise blank, but I didn’t miss the cold sweep of her attention as it passed over me. I waited, breath held, for the cutting remark to follow. My gown was ridiculous for someone who wasn’t in the competition.

She flicked her attention away just as quickly, dismissing me.

I slowly exhaled. I couldn’t do a thing about anyone’s private thoughts, but at least she hadn’t mocked me for a dress I hadn’t even chosen. I’d heard Vanity was nice enough, but my own history made me fear the worst when it came to anyone so privileged.

Perhaps I was overly sensitive, but once upon a time I had been viciously scorned for the crime of wanting to fall in love. I’d been reminded that I was no one—no title, no wealth, no powerful connections. Just a commoner who was so clearly attempting to rise above my station.

And here I was, in a gown that cost more than several years of my salary, feeling that same insecurity from a decade ago creep in.

“Miss Raven, Miss Saint Lucent.” A footman greeted us. “If you’ll follow me.”

I held my head high as I followed him to my chair.

Blasted Axton was already seated at the head of a large horseshoe-shaped table. I quickly averted my gaze once I caught Sophie’s disapproving scowl from the seats to his right.

The dining chamber had been turned into an enchanting forest, complete with real frostberry trees in giant urns, their branches lit with glittering Fae orbs, and wintery flower garlands running down the center of the giant table.

I froze mid-step. It wasn’t a forest. It was an interpretation of the Seven Sins rooftop garden. I gave myself a mental shake and hurried along to my seat. I was imagining things.

Blessedly, the prince didn’t seem to notice my steps falter.

In fact, he hadn’t seemed to notice my arrival at all. He laughed heartily at something my sister said and I tamped down any unease. Other guests didn’t suffer from Axton’s oblivion. They watched me like I was about to burst into song and dance and entertain them all.

I sat beside my stepmother and took a sip of my wine, ignoring the lingering stares the best I could. Finally, after I nearly finished my wine, Axton disengaged from his riveting conversation and stood.

“Thank you for the honor of your company this evening.” I felt his attention finally land on me and refused to glance up. “My decision will not be an easy one, but I promise to give each of you an equally fair chance at seeing if we are a match. Now please enjoy your meal. I’ll speak with everyone privately soon. Including ten minutes to chat with family members.”

Absolutely wonderful. The night just got even more thrilling. I prayed for me and Sophie to be called soon so I could leave this nightmare shortly after.

“How long will we, the suitors, have with Your Highness? Enough time to promenade through the garden?” Allure asked with a definite purr in her tone. Sophie’s face darkened as she shot the prince a subtle look to see how he’d respond. House Lust was clearly her biggest threat.

Axton’s expression remained rather neutral. “Tonight is only about conversation, Miss Whitlock. I’ll try to keep it around ten minutes for everyone.”

I almost snorted but somehow managed to keep myself under control.

My nerves got the better of me, so I called for another drink. I sipped my demonberry wine, watching the silver demonberries twinkle like little stars in the liquid.

Time seemed to pass in excruciatingly slow increments, the passage being counted by each course that was brought out. Before the final course was served, Axton excused himself and requested that Eden join him outside. Sophie all but beamed as they left arm in arm.

I wished to sink below the table and disappear.

As the hour dragged on, I requested another glass of wine, followed by another, wishing winter ale was also on the cocktail menu.

I couldn’t recall the last time I’d indulged in more than one or two glasses of wine and blamed the idle hours and sheer boredom for throwing caution to the wind and downing a fourth. It had been two hours since dinner began, so it wasn’t as if I was a drunken fool.

But I did have a much better time while I waited. And a lot of the lingering fear about having to speak to the rake slowly melted away.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Val motioned for me to follow her outside. “You’re next.”

Sophie stiffened beside me—she hadn’t been summoned. And, for once, I wished for her company.

“What about my stepmother?”

Val’s smile was brittle. “He wishes to speak with you alone.”

“Why?”

“I suppose you’ll find that out once you talk to him.”

I glanced from Sophie’s tight smile to the clock. It was growing late. “Do you know how long this will take?”

Val ignored me in favor of hurrying me through the dining hall and outside.

The prince wasn’t on the veranda as I’d thought. I followed Val down the stone stairs and into SilverFrost Garden, the prince’s private pleasure gardens, my head buzzing pleasantly.

Perhaps I should have left that last glass of wine untouched.

I silently chanted to remember to behave for Eden’s sake. That I wanted to mitigate damage with the prince, not throttle him. That the sooner I spoke to him, the sooner I could sneak off to the club and lose myself in my stranger’s embrace.

“He’s straight ahead.” Val paused at the end of the path, nodding for me to continue by myself.

On a beautifully carved bench at the end of the path, half hidden by swaying willow trees, the prince lounged. My attention swept over him, noting the dishevelment.

His collar was unbuttoned, his hair mussed. I couldn’t tell if he was tired or if the suitors had ravaged him. Given his reputation, I’d wager the latter was true.

Annoyance rose in a wave. He couldn’t seem to help himself, and I’d had enough. My little sister’s heart was on the line, and I wouldn’t allow him to shatter it like he’d done to mine.

“Axton.”

“Adriana.”

I joined him on the bench, doing my best to sit as far away as I could. Which wasn’t far, given it was meant to seat two people. It also didn’t help that his legs were spread comfortably as he leaned back like the royal pain in the ass he was.

I felt his attention on me but didn’t take the bait. By my estimation, I only had to suffer through nine more minutes with the rogue.

“You’re upset.”

“You’re much more astute than I give you credit for, Axton.”

His leg brushed against mine as he shifted closer.

“Care to enlighten me why?”

The wine must have loosened my tongue more than it already was.

I faced him, wanting to see his reaction. “You said tonight was only about conversation. And judging by the state of your hair, I’d say that isn’t true.”

He was silent for a minute as he held my stare.

“Are you jealous?”

“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m just tired of being correct when it comes to you. My sister deserves someone who will guard her heart, not destroy it carelessly. Not only can’t you keep your word, but this gown is also ridiculous.”

I wasn’t sure why I blurted that last part out. But I’d been sitting in the damned dining hall for hours while he’d been entertaining his suitors, and I wanted no part in this.

I had much more important things to do with my time than wait around for him to ravish everyone. It was closing in on midnight, and if he prevented me from visiting Carlo to don my disguise before meeting my stranger, I would commit regicide.

“Hmm.” Axton leaned closer. “I thought the gown was rather lovely on you.”

If he thought flirting was going to soothe me, he was sorely mistaken.

“Have you ever even considered what this much wealth could do for your citizens?”

His brow quirked up. “Tell me what you’d do differently.”

“With the money you spent on it, you could have fed an entire neighborhood. Done some true good in our circle. I would have donated it, spreading the abundance around. Instead, you feed your desires. Constantly. You can’t even make it two hours without being a rake. I don’t know if it’s your appetites you need to sate or the need to indulge others.”

“And?”

“And I’m wondering how on earth your reputation is so wonderful. The gown was clearly a clever plot to have your suitors mock me. I don’t belong in this dress, and you know it.”

He was quiet for a moment.

“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 attention on me, his expression earnest. I was at a complete loss.

“Your Highness, I…” I wasn’t sure what to say.

He held my stare.

“Members of my circle have repeatedly asked for help with their businesses. The parties I throw, the gowns, the food; everything serves a singular purpose: to aid my circle. They may refuse my donations, but they welcome my business. So I give it to them as often as I can.”

“To feed your power.”

“To care for my court. A weak prince is a danger to his people.”

Axton stood, offering me his hand. Our time together had ended.

I stared at it for a long moment before finally accepting his help up. What he’d said… it sounded like he’d meant it. And that was a problem.

It shifted my thoughts, throwing me dangerously off-kilter.

I’d never considered the shoppe owners and businesses, how they felt about the prince.

The extra staff he’d hired, the chefs. Even the performers tonight; everyone had likely been paid handsomely.

Father used to warn me that our intentions shaped how we viewed the world. If I looked for the negative, I’d always find it. And if I saw the positive, I’d find it in spades.

My feelings had clouded my view. I saw overindulgence because I wanted to.

But, in truth, Axton provided income to countless people, something he seemed passionate about and not duty bound to do.

I was starting to understand why the realm liked him so much. Grudgingly, I had to admit he would make a fine match for my sister. If only the thought didn’t cause my stomach to ache.

Hopefully that was simply the wine festering.

He gave my hand a gentle squeeze, then let go as he stepped back.

“When you take the gown off tonight, I hope you at least acknowledge the good it’s done. You are free to donate it and do what you like with the coin.”

He started to walk away, then stopped.

His hands curled into fists, and after another long pause, he finally turned back to me.

“Just to be clear, I didn’t so much as kiss any of the suitors tonight. I was too busy thinking of how distractingly beautiful you are in that gods-forsaken dress to indulge anyone else’s desires.”

The confession looked like it cost him dearly.

While I struggled to come up with a response through the maelstrom of emotions cycling through me, he offered a slight bow, then left.