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I could have done without Drakias and his deadpan, look-through-my-soul expression, but I decided to focus instead onthe movers and setting up the two-bedroom unit as quickly as I could so I could have the peace and quiet I so desperately craved. Moreover, I was terrified that Drakias, with his astute, eagle eyes, might catch onto my pregnancy before I was ready to disclose it to the king.
The movers were efficient, thankfully, and did exactly what I asked. The new pieces that Nyx had ordered for both bedrooms and common rooms were put together effortlessly among the three faeries, and Drakias faded into the background like he always did.
I felt guilty not having anything to offer them to drink but tap water, but they refused even that, and when the sun fully disappeared to create shadows over the living room walls behind the newly placed velvet sofa, they took their packaging and headed toward the door.
“Here,” I offered, hurrying toward my purse to give them a tip in cash. “Thank you for all your hard work.”
“No, miss,” one of the movers laughed, holding up his palms and backing toward the door. “The king has already paid us very well.”
My jaw slacked, but I didn’t know why I was surprised. Of course Nyx had thought of everything. He was going always going to find a way to ensure I was okay. Even from a distance, he was still managing to take care of me.
Steppinginto Maximo’s after being gone for so long felt odd. There was a smell in the air that I remembered from my first interview, a mustiness that I had long since gotten used to over time, but now penetrated my nostrils again and made me look at the theater with different eyes. The scent hit me harder,probably because of the baby now and I had to take a minute to adjust and regroup.
My stomach recoiled slightly, and I felt nauseated.
“Well, well, well,” Jergin chortled. “Look who came crawling back.”
He leered at me from the back hallway, leaning suggestively up against the wall as I made my way toward the changing rooms backstage. I eyed him warily. We had already communicated via text, and he had assured me that it was all right to return. Why was he acting like such a pompous prick now?
“I told you I was coming today,” I reminded him slowly. “Did we get our lines crossed?”
“No,” he replied, unmoving even as I ambled closer. “I just didn’t know all the details when we first spoke.”
I stopped, a chill running down my spine.
What details? Do I still have a job?
His smirk deepened, and he pushed himself off the wall to stand upright. “I like your purse… and your shoes,” Jergin purred as I began walking again, his steps following after me.
Suddenly, I wished I hadn’t asked Drakias to wait in the theater instead of accompanying me all the way back, but I hadn’t anticipated this kind of greeting from my boss.
“Thank you,” I mumbled.
As we neared the changing room, Jergin abruptly changed course and left me to enter on my own. I stared after his retreating back, shaking my head in confusion before pushing open the door.
All at once, the conversation halted. Every set of eyes fell on me, and I paused mid-step as my fellow dancers gawked at me.
“Hi,” I said slowly. “I’m back.”
Tristiana appeared at my side, taking my arm to guide me toward one of the vanity tables, and sat me down as whispers exploded in our midst. I glanced over my shoulder at theothers, who cast me looks, some of admiration, others of utter confusion.
“What the heck is going on?” I whispered, sitting on one of the stools as I shrugged off my jacket.
“They all know, Mare,” my best friend explained.
I stared at her blankly. “Know what—” Instantly, I realized what she was referring to. “About me and Nyx,” I breathed, exhaling in a whoosh.
“I didn’t tell them,” Tristiana was quick to add. “But I guess word travels fast.”
I pursed my lips and watched the crew from the mirror’s reflection.
“Are you mad?” Tristiana pressed.
“No,” I replied honestly. “It’s not a secret, I guess. Nyx never tried to hide it.”
“I mean, you did invite the dancers to the palace, Mare,” Tristiana reminded me. “Assumptions were going to be made.” She hesitated. “Are you trying to hide it?”
I faced her. “No. I just didn’t want this to happen,” I explained, gesturing toward the chattering faeries. “I moved out of the castle because of this specifically.”
