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Kieran froze on top of me, panting. Then he suddenly stood with wide eyes. “You need to go gather your things.”
He was right. We didn’t have time to waste, but my body hadn’t gotten the memo because it wanted to carry on with Kieran.
Taking my hand, he helped me stand. He tucked a piece of hair behind my ear and said, “Keep this sword, change into your strongest armor, and bring your dagger and bow. It’s time we go to war. Together.”
Together.
That was the only part of the sentence I liked.
But now wasn’t the time to be a girl with a crush. Kieran was counting on me to help him survive. I nodded and said, “I’ll meet you downstairs.” Then I hurried to my room.
Luckily, I reached it undetected, mostly because everyone was in their rooms preparing for the trial. I dressed quickly, putting on the golden armor Maeve had brought me. My blood buzzed as if the armor were connected to me and my magic.
Right at the ten-minute mark, I was the last person to make it downstairs.
Kieran and I locked eyes, and he motioned for me to come stand with him right in the middle, where the Summer and Winter fae divided.
As I passed the back line, Rowan glanced at me from her spot beside her king. She bit her lip nervously.
I took my spot, and Curry smirked, his glare turning more malicious. He moved toward me in his golden armor and chuckled. “I hope you don’t expect to make it out alive.”
I’d lifted my chin to respond when Kieran stepped between Curry and me.
Jaw clenched, Kieran sneered. “What did you say?”
Chapter Twenty
My lungs seized, but I somehow held my body still. I understood it was possible that everyone would learn Kieran and I had allied, but I’d hoped we wouldn’t need to follow through on that vow. That way, no one would be the wiser.
With Kieran’s reaction, everyone would soon be aware.
Curry lifted his chin, not bothering to hide his scowl. “It’s none of your concern, Winter King. I was talking to a Summer Fae.”
“The Summer Fae who is your princess and my ally in this trial.” Kieran’s chest heaved, his body more tense within his armor.
There went keeping that a secret, but my body warmed, knowing he had done it to protect me. Not that I needed it, but the thought was genuine.
“And no one insults and threatens those to whom I have sworn my allegiance, so let me return the favor.” His nostrils flared, and he stepped into Curry’s space. “I hope you don’t expect to make it out alive either.” He smirked, the threat hanging between the two men.
“Of course you’d ally with a Winter fae.” Curry glared at me and spat as if Winter was the worst curse that anyone could ever mutter. “You’re just a Winter lover.”
If he thought I’d be insulted by that, he’d be greatly disappointed.
I batted my eyes and smiled, making it clear I wasn’t offended. “I actually do love a good snow. In Nashville, we only get snow once a year if we’re lucky, and each time, it’s one of the best days of the entire year.” Some of the foster kids and I would sneak away for a fun field day, building itty-bitty snowmen and having snowball fights. At one point, I’d thought about moving north to experience more winter weather, but my Southern heart enjoyed the warmer climate too much to ever make the leap.
“You’re the princess of the Summer Court,” Lesli scoffed from beside Curry, placing a hand on her silver armor, which didn’t have any intricate designs like mine or Curry’s. “You should hate everything winter stands for. Your sister must be ashamed.”
Mackenna shook her head. “Please, ashamed probably doesn’t even cut it.”
At least they weren’t hiding that they didn’t like me. That made me respect them a little. I hated two-faced people who pretended to be my friend while secretly plotting my death behind my back.
Moving forward, Moire caught my eye and nodded her head behind us.
I glanced over my shoulder and saw Kaley and Leanna. Kaley wore a bright-yellow dress that reminded me of Mackenna’s hair, but her arched brow pulled my gaze away from her outfit to her face.
Leanna’s expression wasn’t much better. She was dressed in all white, and her crimson lips were mashed into a hard line.
Both of them must have heard most, if not all, of the exchange.
