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As we approach my door, Nyx places a soft hand on my elbow, and I look up at him. His eyes move quickly, scanning the area from left to right, and his eyebrows are knit together in a look of concern. I reach out and place my hand on his, trying to reassure him.
“Last night, when Theo saw you ...” He takes a deep breath, as if he’s unsure he should be telling me this. “He said your name, Lily. I think it was him reacting to the sight of your red hair and the blood, but he said your name.”
My heart skips a beat. I’ve been hoping that his heart remembers me even if his mind can’t. If we’re Amari, he will know me even through the veil.
I close my eyes, trying to calm my racing heart. Unable to form words, I nod at Nyx, and we enter my quarters to prepare for the Queen of Umbra to meet the Captain of Lux.
Looking over my choices, I ask myself what Junie would wear. I have always admired her regal grace and ability to pull off such stunning dresses. Drawing on memories of her outfits to court in Lux, I select a finely detailed black dress. The crimson stitching along the sweetheart neckline adds a pop of color to the garment, and the stitching continues down the long sleeves, wrapping around the cuffs.
Nyx helps braid my hair and twists it into a crown on my head. A splash of pink powder on my cheeks, and I look like a fancier version of myself. Except for the bruises and cuts marking my pale skin, I could pass as a lady of any kingdom.
My heart hammers and my breaths are rapid as we make our way down the hall to my old cell. Panic threatens to consume me the closer we get to Theo.
This is really happening. I’m going to speak to him as myself.
Theo’s shouts echo down the hall as we get closer. The clash of metal on the iron bars tells me he’s still throwing things in a fit of rage. Part of me wants to run toward him to comfort him, while the other wants to run as far away as possible.
My shadows dance under my skin as they sense him nearby. I tuck them in the well and place the lid over, leaving a small crack. Never again will I seal them away entirely.
Nyx comes to a stop down the hall from the cell and takes my hand into his. I face him, hoping he can help settle my overwhelming anxiety.
“I’m sorry you must hide who you truly are from him.”
I nod at his words because he’s right. I’m not fully myself, it’s just another mask I must wear to keep the truth about my kingdom safe.
I close my eyes and take several deep breaths, repeating who I am in my mind.I am the Queen of Umbra.A fierce warrior queen who will do anything to protect her people and her kingdom. The little pep talk helps to ease my racing heart, and I roll my shoulders, fully embodying my role.
Theo’s figure paces within the cell and I swallow hard to push down any last doubts. “Stay here and wait for me. I’m not sure how this will go, and I may need your help.”
A small, knowing smile curves Nyx’s full lips.
“Of course, my queen.” He gives me a wink before pushing me down the hall.
Hiram and Marcus stand on opposite sides of the cell at a distance, so they don’t get hit by any flying objects. I signal for them to give me space, and they both quickly scurry away.
I pause for a moment, out of view, and say a quiet prayer to the fates and gods to show me the way and give me strength.Please listen.
I step out from the shadows and get a good look at Theo. His hair is disheveled as if he’d been pulling at it in frustration and anger. Sweat glistens on his skin, and I wonder if he has showered yet. He has trashed the cell. Everything we’ve provided him with is tossed about, with some items settling near the bars. Theo continues to pace the back wall of the cell near the chains from my nightmares.
He’s muttering to himself, completely oblivious to my presence.
“Bring me King Asher!” Theo hurls an empty pitcher at the bars, and it bounces off with a loudbang, the sound reverberating through The Keep.
He freezes in his tracks when he sees me standing at the door of the cell.
“Is this how you show appreciation in Lux? And you call us barbarians.”
A coy smile curls my lips as his honey eyes lock with mine, fracturing my past and present.
With a growl from deep within his chest, Theo says, “You.”
