"But it's different," Aluin finished for his twin. "Isn't it?"
"Yes."
They looked at each other.
Something was coming.
The hairs at the back of their necks suddenly shot up, their instincts roaring out a warning. Without another word, the twins began to run, hands reaching for their swords...just as all of the lights inside the hotel went out.
Something...was already here.
****
ESTRELLA HAD ALWAYSconsidered herself as the peaceful sort, someone who genuinely enjoyed being quiet and submissive. She had never been the type to blow a fuse like any of her short-tempered siblings, and she had certainly never been tempted to resort to physical violence.
But apparently, that was what politics could do.
It really did have the power to change people - or at least reveal one's true colors, and in her case, that was how all her years of etiquette training went up in smoke, the moment she was confronted by horrendously self-serving conscienceless sleazebags like Toby Riddick.
"What do you think, my dear?"
Did he really have to ask that? And if he insisted on having an answer, would kicking him in the nuts do? Would that be clear enough for him, or maybe she had to crush his balls with her bare hands, just for him to really, unequivocally understand what she thought?
"It's a good deal, isn't it?"
Estrella managed to lower her gaze in an act of demure hesitation, when in truth all she could still think about was planting a good solid kick to his nards. In the almost fifty minutes that Tony had condescendingly enumerated all the benefits that came with his marriage proposal, he had also managed to insult the Faes -her people -at every turn.
Weaklings, to have lost their land twice. No better than stateless immigrants now, scattered like dumb sheep. Need a strong hand, not like your missing husband.
Estrella closed her eyes.Remember, she told herself.Remember what you've sworn.
A rainy night, the twins knocking on the door to her family home, Aluin handing her Lysander's ring, and Alain pressing a torn piece of fabric to her hand, with the prince's note written in his blood.
Keep my kingdom safe for me.
I trust you.
When Estrella lifted her head, she was able to summon a smile for the hyena. "Youhonor me greatly, Lord Toby. However..."
And so it went on and on and on. Would-be suitors seeking a private word with her, and Estrella would always acquiesce and force herself to listen to whatever they had to say. Most of them were like Toby, with the way they expected Estrella to be selfish and greedy enough to do whatever it took to keep the throne. That kind, she could readily handle, even if they did annoy her to death. But the other kind?
"My beautiful princess," a voice leered from behind.
Speak of the devil,Estrella thought, even though in this case, she might be doing the devil himself a disservice. She turned around, her smile already in place as she curtsied in greeting. "Prince Pierro, good evening."
"You're even more stunning than I remember."
"You're too kind."
"I'm only saying what's true." And as if to emphasize his point, Pierro's gaze immediately went straight to her cleavage...and stayed there.
She pulled a fan out from the pocket of her skirt and snapped it open. "These things can be so suffocating, don't you think?" Estrella started fanning herself, which effectively prevented the hyena pack leader from ogling her breasts.
"Ah, er, yes." Pierro reluctantly raised his gaze back to Estrella's face. "Would you like some fresh air? Perhaps I can walk—-"
Estrella quickly shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, but it might make people talk—-"
"About what?" Pierro's voice had become petulant. "It pains me to remind you of this, but your husband has been gone for over two years."
