Kai shakes his head. “No, but it’s my best guess.”
“You think like him,” I say, not liking it the moment it’s out of my mouth.
His nose wrinkles with dark disgust. “My father sent me to the Red Room when I was fifteen. Telling me I wasn’t a man until I knew how to feed and fuck.”
Just when I think the King’s cruelty and disregard for his son tops out, he outdoes himself again.
“I didn’t do it,” he says, looking at me in earnest. “I shut my eyes.” The look he gives me is half pleading, half probing. As if he’s desperate for me to believe him. Then a dry smirk lifts his lips. “I cemented his belief that day that I would always be a disappointment.”
“I believe you,” I say.
Kai lets out a breath. This time when he runs a hand through his hair, I spot a tremor. “It’s still only one of the hundred reasons why we need to get him off the fucking throne.”
“No shit,” Jack says.
Kai perks up at that. “So you’ll do it. The Mice will help?”
“Can you actually help?” I can’t help but add.
Jack speaks in a low voice, “The Mice grow stronger each day. We recruit more members, gather weapons, and learn of the King's weaknesses. We are not just rebels, but an organized resistance.”
Gus nods with pride, his eyes shining. “We have waited for the perfect moment to strike. Your engagement to Cinder truly has provided us with that opportunity. The people are ready forchange, and with our numbers, we can finally overthrow King Valdor.”
Jack gives Gus a meaningful look that makes my heart feel too big. “We’re in.”
“All of us,” Gus adds as he entwines his fingers with Jack’s.
The door cracks open and hot staticky panic explodes in my chest.
Someone is about to walk in on our secret meeting with members of the rebel faction.
We are royally fucked.
Chapter 48
These Boots are Made for Walking
CINDER
The door swings open and in sashays the Fairy Godmother herself, Dame Kiki Eleganza, resplendent in her signature powder blue and glitter. Her cream-colored wig is teased to new heights and her heels could beat up my combat boots in a fight.
“Well well, if it isn't the happily engaged couple,” she drawls, one perfectly arched brow lifting in amusement.
“Not that I don't appreciate the surprise visit,” I say, “but how the hell did you get in here? The King has this place locked down tighter than a hipster’s skinny jeans.”
Kiki waves a dismissive hand. “Please, child. I've been sneaking into castles since before you were a twinkle in your daddy's eye. Speaking of. . .” Her gaze turns shrewd. “I hear you've been cooking up quite the magical storm lately.”
My brow furrows. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh don't play coy with me, Cinder. You think I can't sense when a fellow sister is coming into her power?” Kiki stalkscloser, her heels clicking ominously against the stone. “You've been tapping into something ancient, primal. Something in your. . .” she pauses for dramatic effect, “...blood.”
I swallow hard, my mind racing. Is she talking about my strange reaction to Kai's bite? The searing heat that flooded my veins, the way it felt like being bathed in sunshine.
“I can only imagine it has to do with prince studly over here.” She jerks her head toward Kai, who looks equally mystified.
“Me? What did I do?”
“Made her feel safe,” Kiki says simply.
