Chapter 43
Pallas
AfterKaleos,Raula, andIrejoined the main forces in the mist district, an executively minded noblewoman directed me to the castle to help with the wounded already there.Junhad assured me that he would follow.Hehad not.
Imulled over whatIhad heard happened at the bridge whileIgently bandaged the arm of a soldier who had just received stitches from a healer.Itried to focus on it, but the work was too simple to draw my thoughts away fromJunand, surprisingly, more so,Avlyn.
Asif my thoughts had summoned them,Iheard their voice echoing off the stone walls of the castle entrance hall.
Iturned my head to see the commander striding towards me.Mystomach did a near-painful flip, andItried to busy myself with the wrapping in front of me even more.Theycame up to my side and placed a hand on my shoulder.Islowly turned to see them beaming at me.
“Whoknew we were hiding such a military force in the guest wing of the castle?Iheard all about what you did on the tower.PerhapsIshould have you working with ourweapons development scholars?”Theygave me their broad smile.
“I’vedone enough harm in this world.Idon’t need to make the tools to do more.”
Avlyn’scheerful grin faltered. “Pallas,Iwas just—”
JunandToricame sweeping into the room, andIlet out a sigh of relief.Iwas sure the princess would easily dominate the conversation, soIdidn’t have to faceAvlynafter what had transpired on the tower.Tomy surprise, they wouldn’t look at each other, and each turned to a different side of the room, engaging with a different healer.Mypalms started sweating again as the commander still looked at me expectantly.
Thesoldiers around me all straightened up,Avlynincluded.Theysprang to attention, andIwasn’t surprised to seeAbraxassweeping into the room.Iwas surprised to see him heading straight towards me.Mystomach clenched tight as he nodded his head in a polite acknowledgment before he said, “Mylady, there is much we need to discuss.”
450 yearsago
“YourEminence, your gown tonight is absolutely stunning.”Thecourtiers around me had flitted about like birds, twittering and vying for my attention.Theyhad still held me in respect then and considered meHadeon’sfiancé, not just his consort.Iwas the future empress, and they all wanted my favor.
Ionly had eyes for him.Heshone like the sun, his long mahogany hair was styled to perfection, and his violet and gold jacket only made his eyes all the more beautiful.Heheld my arm in his and smiled at me. “Sheis absolutely gorgeous,is she not?TheGoldenKingdom’sgreatest treasure.Now, you will all have to excuse me asIsteal her away from you for a dance.”
Hepulled me away from the crowd and into the center of the palace’s ballroom.Theband immediately struck up a lively tune just for us, and he swept me away.Ihad taught him these dances, and he faltered, butIwas good at covering it up.Afterhis third misstep, his face grew sour, and my stomach clenched.Icould feel his mood shift.
“Itold you to wear the turquoise gown tonight,Pallas.Areyou trying to embarrass me?”Ifelt the hand on my lower back tighten.
“No, my love.Ijust thought this one would match tonight’s theme better,”Iexplained quietly.
Hiseyes narrowed. “I’msure you did, but it’s hideous.Inever want to see it again.”
“Ofcourse, my love.”
“Andrefer to me as ‘YourEminence.’Forgods’ sake,Iswear your mind is slipping.”
Idid everythingIcould to hide the tears rising in my eyes. “Ofcourse, my—YourEminence.”
Hescoffed, “You’vebecome so sensitive,Pallas.”Heswept me around the floor until a great knocking came from the main entry.
“Finally,” he mumbled, dragging me over towards them. “Tryto at least be partially presentable, won’t youPallas?”Isteeled my face as the doors opened to reveal the dark group waiting on the other side.
KingAbraxashad arrived, his traditional dark armor only adding to the air of hostility around him.Hewas surrounded by beautiful fae women and men, all clad in practically nothing at all, as was theDragonKingdom’sstyle.Theyquickly scattered all over the ballroom, like ants taking over the carcass of a slain beast.Allthe courtiers seemed to shrink away in fear, except forthe few who looked on with devious lust in their eyes.I’dcome to learn which types of nobles enjoyedAbraxas’ visits the best.
Theking approachedHadeonin a way much more brazen than any other would dare.Ilooked to see howHadeonwould take this insult and was surprised to find the smallest smile gracing his lips.
“Myloyal general.Iam honored by your presence.”Abraxaspulled off his dragon maw helmet and tossed it to the dark-skinned soldier next to him without a second thought.
“Thematter inOethhas been taken care of.Youwon’t have any more trouble from them.”Abraxassaid the words as if he was talking about the weather, butIhad overheard the reports.Bloodhad run in the streets with over a thousand dead.
Ishivered.Whattype of man took life so casually?Hissilver hair shimmered in the late evening light of the ballroom, but whenIlooked at him, allIsaw was darkness.
“Iexpected nothing less from you,”Hadeonpraised.Abraxastwitched the corner of his mouth at my lover, andIfelt him stiffen beside me.
Theycontinued to chat idly, but my attention was caught on one ofAbraxas’ courtiers nearby.Herdress was nothing more than a transparent black swath of fabric draped over one shoulder.Herpeaked nipples were very clearly the center of attention of everyone around her, and she reveled in it.Thatattention wasn’t enough.
