I bristle at their words, the dismissive way they talk about me like I'm not even here. But before I can open my mouthto tell them exactly where they can shove their opinions, Lady Newcomb chimes in, her laughter grating on my last nerve.
“Indeed. A leopard can't change his spots, after all. It's only a matter of time before you tire of this novelty and return to your. . . usual pursuits.”
Her husband nods in agreement. “As fun of a circus show this marriage is, do not fear, we all know how it will end. Managing a kingdom requires more than charm and good looks. It requires a steadfastness that, frankly, your history does not demonstrate. You clearly lack any aptitude to handle the throne and deal with the complicated decisions that affect all of us so.”
I key into Kai enough to see the flinch. It’s barely perceptible, but the blow this Baron Von Douchebag threw hit its mark.
It’s one thing for them to think I’m unworthy scum, I’m used to it. But I'll be damned if I let these pompous windbags get away with talking to him like that.
“Oh, spare us your shitty, short-sided judgments,” I drawl, my voice dripping with disdain. “You think you've got His Highness all figured out? Please. He's not some two-dimensional caricature you can dismiss with a wave of your bejeweled hand. There's more to him than meets the eye, but I wouldn't expect you to understand that, considering how far your heads are shoved up your own asses.”
The group gapes at me, their shock and outrage almost comical. But I'm not done yet. The exertion of speaking up, coupled with my already weakened state, makes me sway dangerously. I grasp onto Kai's arm for support, trying to play it off as a casual gesture. Tremors vibrate through my hands, the telltale signs that my body is about to give out on me.
“Come on, darling,” I say, rolling the pet name on my tongue. “Let's find more champagne and drink away the pain of such tedious company.” I practically drag him away from the sputtering nobles.
Kai turns to me when we're finally out of earshot, his eyes searching mine with an intensity that steals my breath. Which is not good considering I need all the oxygen I can get right now.
“You stood up for me,” he murmurs, his voice rough with an emotion I can't quite name.
I shrug, trying to play it off as no big deal. “Don't read too much into it. I just can't stand pompous windbags who think they know everything. It's not like I actually give a damn about you or your reputation.”
But even as the words leave my lips, I know they're a lie. Because despite everything, despite the fact this is all just a charade, I do care. More than I should. More than I'm willing to admit, even to myself.
The lopsided curve of his lips says he knows I’m lying too.
Kai’s gaze lingers on mine, and for a moment, I swear I see a flicker of something real, something raw and honest and vulnerable. But then it's gone, replaced by that familiar mask of charm and bravado.
And I'm left wondering if I'll ever truly know the man beneath the crown or if he'll always be just out of reach, a beautiful illusion that's never quite within my grasp.
“So I’m guessing you’ve forgiven me then?” he asks.
“Forgiven you?” I repeat, bringing a fresh glass of champagne to my lips while sneaking a longing glance toward the outside terrace.
My grip on his arm tightens as another wave of dizziness hits me. I blink hard, trying to will away the black spots dancing in my vision. Not now, I plead silently. Just let me hold it together a little longer.
Catching where my attention is fixed, Kai takes my arm and leads me in the direction I desire. As soon as we are outside, I suck in what feels like my first real breath all night.
“For losing control,” he clarifies in a low, rough voice.
I lean heavily against the balcony railing, grateful for the support. My legs are jelly, my heart racing in my chest. I curse my stupid, traitorous body for failing me now when I need to keep my shit together.
“I—” Do I forgive him? Did I really think he would lose control? Everything he’s done of late has been to protect me. Something I’m wholly unused to.
Kai's cool hand brushes my cheek, his brow furrowing with concern. “You're paler than usual. Did you take your iron supplements today?”
I nod wearily. Something warm curls in my stomach at his concern. “'Yeah, but some days they barely take the edge off.”
“Psst,” a voice from off in the bushes calls.
We both snap to attention and turn to the sound. I catch sight of a lanky man emerging from the brush. He wears a loose beanie cap on his head, and loose clothes over his stick figure. The fangs give him away as a Midnight fairy.
Kai immediately tenses, checking the area to see if anyone notices the newcomer. “Jack, what are you doing here?”
The lanky vampire doesn’t even flinch at the hissed question. “I got the info you wanted.”
With that, Kai grabs me by the arm and leads me out of sight from the ballroom until we are in the shadows with this Jack guy.
“Tell me,” Kai orders, his grip tight on my arm, but I don't tell him to let go. I'm barely hanging on now, the world tilting dangerously around me. I cling to Kai, my fingers digging into his jacket, as I try to focus on Jack's words.
