AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His gaze hardened into something I recognized in myself. “We’ll see about that.”
And then he turned, jogged the rest of the way to the door, and vanished up the stairs. With my heart thumping against my ribs, I trailed over to the bars and stared at the spot where he’d just stood. Cold crept along the back of my neck, freezing my spine.
I didn’t trust him, but I knew that look. He would die trying to steal the throne, and he might just make that attempt tonight.
“What in the name of light was that all about?” Nellie whispered from behind me.
I jumped and almost released a pent-up scream. “For fuck’s sake, Nellie. I didn’t hear you come up behind me.”
“That guard is like a snake.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Snakes are much more pleasant than that guard, even when they bite you.”
Nellie cracked a smile, but then her expression darkened. “Seriously, what was all that?”
My lips pressed together. I’d seen the look he’d cast toward Nellie, as quick as, well, a snake. I didn’t want to tell her my worst fear—that Oberon had something planned for her—but hiding the truth wouldn’t protect her. She needed to be as on guard tonight as I would be.
“I’m not sure,” I told her. “First of all, we don’t even know if we can believe a word he says. Oberon is his father. He’s clearly one of them. Even if he wants to steal the throne.Especiallyif he wants to steal the throne.”
She nodded, her brow pinched with worry. “I was about to say the same thing to you.”
“I’m glad we’re on the same page. I need you to be on guard tonight. Stay awake until I get back.”
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed. “You really think Oberon might do something tonight? Or his son?”
“He might. They both might.” I grasped her hand in mine and squeezed tight, staring into a pair of dark brown eyes that I knew matched mine, down to the orange rim along the edges. My heart pounded in my chest. “And if someone comes for you, I want you to fight your fucking heart out, do you hear me? Scream, thrash, punch, claw. Rip them to shreds. And then find Mother and Val, and get out of this place. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
Nellie’s face paled. “I don’t want to do that.”
“I know.” I pulled her close and wrapped my arms around her. “But when this is all over, we can fly away from here.”
“Like the ravens,” she whispered back.
* * *
Crimson painted nearly everything, including the goblets the fae clinked, the stretch of carpet cutting through the Great Hall that led to the king’s matching throne, and the gowns, tunics, and cloaks that everyone in attendance wore.
Everyone except for me.
My flat pointy shoes pinched my feet, where I stood on the dais beside the king’s throne. They were golden yellow to match the gown and its deep, plunging neckline. Long, gauzy sleeves covered my arms, despite the heat that baked the crowded room. Thankfully, the maidservant had agreed to braid my hair, which provided much-needed relief to the back of my neck. Bonus: the strands wouldn’t get in my way if I had to fight.
My recollection of the balls I’d attended before was a meaningless blur. I’d been so wracked with grief that those moments were hazy memories, one bleeding into another, turning that entire month into one long, tormenting day. So, I didn’t remember much other than that first ball where everything had gone horribly wrong. It had been a lively affair. Lots of drinking. Lots of sex. Lots of wicked smiles and glinting eyes.
This ball was much more subdued.
The courtiers wandered through the dense hall, whispering amongst themselves. Some of them cast nervous glances our way, while others stood by the nearest window, staring out at the border. The mist had advanced even further, until the bridge was nearly engulfed. Musicians played an upbeat tune, but no one danced. And no one was naked. Yet.
That, I was certain, was only a matter of time.
“Stop looking so sullen,” King Oberon muttered from beside me. “You’re here to look pretty. Smile.”
The king knew exactly what to say to make me want to stab him. I stared blankly at the crowd and smiled.
“For light’s sake.” He sighed. “Nevermind, don’t smile. You look deranged.”
Satisfaction bloomed inside me. The corners of my lips dropped at once.
He sighed again and motioned toward the swelling crowd by the window. “This isn’t working. They’re supposed to see you and get distracted from that fucking mist. But you’re old news now. We’ve already done this song and dance. I suppose it’s time I do the one thing they can’t ignore.”
