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At least I didn’t have to pretend anymore. Either he or I would be dead by the end of the day. “And you still look like an ugly coldy. The complete cycles haven’t aged you well.”
Kieran laughed but covered it with a cough while Curry’s eyes narrowed.
Lips pressed into a line, Curry clasped his hands until his knuckles blanched.
I tried not to smile. I’d learned that meant I’d gotten under his magic. “If the two of you are done, I should get dressed for the trial.”
And you should eat since it’s been over a full cycle. Kieran’s irises warmed as he glanced at me. You need all your strength to make it through today.
Seeing him like this when we both cared for each other so completely was hard, but I wanted to cherish the memories of our time together before reality crashed over us. We were always meant to be kingdom-crossed, never getting our happy ending. Everything inside me wanted to reach out and touch him, but Curry was still glaring at us.
I nodded, not wanting Curry to be more curious about our relationship. If Kieran won, I didn’t want his people or Quinley to turn against him. She had much influence over the Winter fae, especially considering how long she’d been on the High Court. That must be why Kieran had chosen her.
Acid burned my throat, but I was pragmatic enough to understand his reasoning, and his promise hadn’t been made for love.
“Well, gentlemen.” I curtseyed, the cycles of etiquette falling into the forefront of my mind. “I’ll see you shortly.” I shut the door, watching as Kieran’s face disappeared, and locked it.
I spun around and went to my bathroom. I had to hurry.
A short while later, I had bathed, put on my golden armor with vines—which was my favorite—and placed my dagger in its sheath, my quiver on my back, and the bow around my body. I didn’t bother to glamour my face, but I braided my hair and pushed it into the back of the armor, wanting to limit what the other competitors could use against me.
I glanced at the room. Kieran’s sword lay on the bed, and with our mate mark showing, it was the last thing I needed to bring with me. It would draw attention to the half snowflake on my neck.
I fought the urge to sniff the sheets for Kieran’s scent to remember the only time Kieran and I would be together. Instead, I went to the door, threw it open, and strode out, not bothering to lock it behind me.
If I came out of this alive, I’d be going home to mourn Kieran. If I didn’t win, no one would be waiting for me here to kill me.
When I made it downstairs, Kaley’s and Eamon’s eyes widened. The two of them bowed their heads, which they hadn’t done for me since I’d come back from Earth.
“Princess Alina,” they murmured.
My gaze landed on Kieran, who was talking to Quinley.
If I thought I’d understood pain before, I’d been so wrong. Seeing them together, knowing what their future held if Kieran won, nearly dropped me to my knees.
The only thing keeping me upright was that I refused to allow the others to see me fall.
We’re discussing what happens to her if I die. Kieran’s voice popped into my head. She wants to know if my promise extends to my brother. I informed her no. I won’t make that decision on his behalf. For heated sake, I wish I hadn’t made that decision for myself. His regret and pain were so powerful that I had to lock my knees.
Curry, Rowan, and the quiet Winter fae man, who was still nameless despite my memories returning to me, stood in the corner.
Leanna and Caden strolled out of the dining hall, both wearing crimson. The color of blood and war. Leanna waved a hand. “All the fae are inside, and it’s time to start the trial. The only thing missing is our competitors.”
Quinley had a deep frown on her face, but when she looked away from Kieran, her expression smoothed. “Very well. Kaley and I will go out and prime the audience. Eamon and Caden can stay here and make sure the competitors don’t begin fighting too early while you, Leanna, can get the main attractions ready.”
Main attractions.
I didn’t like the sound of that.
Kaley and Quinley headed to the doors of the arena while Leanna went to where the ball had been held several nights before.
Here. Kieran came to my side, looking delectable in a black suit that reminded me of his shadow magic. He held out a piece of bread and jam. Eat this.
I shoved it into my mouth in one bite, not wanting the others to notice.
How are you still so sexy when you’re shoving an entire piece of bread into your mouth? Kieran chuckled, his expression carefree. It shouldn’t be possible. I’d be disgusted by anyone else.
He was flirting with me in front of everyone … and worse, I liked it.
