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The king's guard scowled as he planted himself in the doorway. Several ladies tried to follow the king, but the guard turned them back. I wasn't about to face the same rejection. I winded through the crowd of guests, gathering my magic, inhaling little parts of others as I went and slipped out another door. I didn't know what I'd face with King Araki—I neededsomething to prepare me for anything he threw at me in retaliation. I had to consider it wouldn't be a dagger to the sleeping man's chest like I had carried out on previous missions. Araki could see my attack and fight back, but I planned to be quick. And if fortunate, Halafarin's king would be dead before he shouted for help or drew magic. This was it. He was alone, and I was going to kill him. His reign would end. I would take my rightful place as queen.
Alone at Last
Reilyn
I hurried up the stairs from which I came into the ballroom and rushed down the hallway, intending to find another exit. At least that way, I could escape without as much detection.
I hoped King Araki was still out there and hadn't returned to the ball.
The hallway was covered with paintings of men and women who all looked like the king, all different ages but dating back to his supposed lineage. Kings and queens of Halafarin's past stared down at me as I rushed past. I wondered where my family’s paintings were and if they were burnt or destroyed. If they were kept here, hidden somewhere, only Araki would know, like a sadistic reminder of what he had done to claim his throne, never his to have. I hoped it wasn't so. I thought about burning every portrait of his lineage after taking Halafarin back.
Veering right, I found a door that led to another terrace, with stairs descending into another part of the garden I couldn’t recall from the ballroom. A hedge and fence surrounded the mazed garden, but that was no problem. I rounded the fencing until I came to a private bush of lilacs, where I removed my skirt and folded it tightly under my sash to keep it from getting caught. Then I scaled the vine-covered stone and dropped onto the other side. I fastened the skirt back at my waist, fixed the sash, and drew my dagger. I held in the folds of my dress as I padded through the maze, searching for the king. The grass was trimmed and open, with vast expanses of clear pathways cut in a circle around a fountain in the centre. Water bloomedfrom a mermaid's seashell at the top; something about it was familiar. I dragged my gaze from the shell and spotted the king sitting on the lip of a fountain on the other side. A small orb hung above him, illuminating a golden glow contrasting with the pearly moonlight. The orb floated without any physical leverage, and I knew he kept it there with only the will of his mind. Magic drenched the air just from that. I briefly wondered if the fountain's water was natural as well or if it was another animation he'd created.
Araki leaned slightly back with his face lifted toward the cloudless sky. His doublet had been unbuttoned, and his lips were slightly parted. His hair was more silver than ever, and the gentle glow surrounding him made him look like something from an oil painting. Once more, I was struck by how wasted his masculine beauty was. His eyes, if filled with mercy instead of scorn, could have brought many from hardship to a comfortable life. Those full lips could have brought joy to many just by smiling at them. Nevertheless, he had made his choice in life, and not even his beauty would save him tonight.
“Your Majesty,” I called, raising my voice to a cheery tone.
His head snapped in my direction, and he sprang to his feet. “Lady…Nala.” He said like he had forgotten my name already.
“You left your party,” I walked toward him, putting a bit of sway to my hips. “How come?”
“If you had a room full of men falling over themselves for your constant attention, wouldn't you want to take a break?” he posed the question as he sat down again. I noted a hint of resignation in his voice.
“I don't quite think it's that,” I replied, “Rumours in your capital city say you planned this ball to find a queen consort.”
“That’s what they say?” Araki said with a look of intrigue on his face.
“Is that not true, Your Majesty?” I halted before him.
“Maybe I’m lonely, Lady Nala,” his voice was soft, a contrast in sincerity that I didn’t know how to respond to. “Maybe this palace deserved to be filled with laughter and music for a night.” But then his mouth tipped up at the corners, and I realized this was just another trick in his charming game. Show some heart; let me think he had emotions I could sympathize with. Show a sliver of softness against the background of a very heartless king. “Or maybe I did want the women.”
“And me?” I asked with feigned eagerness.
“Sit with me,” Araki patted the space beside him.
Biting my lip, I joined him on the fountain's edge. I sat straight as I felt a feathery touch of his wing ghost my arm as he tucked them closer to his back to give me space.
“To answer your question,” His eyes snagged mine. “You… You’re not decorated in frills or bows, or any fancy thing that the women seem to think will garner them attention in there. I truly think you are a siren come to land to haunt me.”
“Maybe I am,” I replied, pitching my voice lower, seductively. “Maybe you should listen to me.”
“Is that right?” Araki looked at me with smouldering eyes. “And what are you saying?”
“I merely needed some air, Your Majesty,” I leaned forward just enough to brush slightly against him, peering up at him like a love-struck fool.
A decadent grin twisted his lips. Araki grabbed my waist and pulled me closer. I slid onto his lap, wrapping one arm around his neck. His hands circled my waist, and a jolt went through me. Excitement fluttered in my chest. He was so enthralled by the image I’d portrayed myself as that he’d left himself completely open. I brushed a hand up my thigh as if trying to draw his attention to my body again, but I only ensured my dagger was still there. Araki’s eyes dropped to my lips as he bent his head toward mine, his breath smelling of fresh mint. I slid one hand onto his firm chest, leaning close, our lips almost touching. I stared at his lips, momentarily dazed by how tempting they were. His hot breath fanned my face, and my cheeks warmed.
My heartbeat quickened when his strong hands held my face as he leaned forward. My eyes remained open as he shut his. Slowly, Araki pressed his lips on mine, soft and chaste for a moment, before deepening the kiss the second I allowed myself to kiss him back. His tongue parted my lips, seeking. A whimper wedged in my throat as my tongue slid against his. His mouth tasted like he smelled—a mixture of warmth, sweetness, and spice.
He shifted closer, and I felt the heat of his body, the brush of his coat against my bare arm. I reached for my dagger tucked beneath my dress skirts. My fingers wrapped around the hilt, pulling it from its sheath. With his eyes closed, there was no other perfect time. Justice for the coven, my parents, and the orphaned princess who lost her parents in cold-blooded murder.
I lifted my dagger and let hatred fuel me. I struck.
The blade clashed against a rigid barrier. The steel didn’t hit muscle or bone or even find a heart to bury in. My eyes widened, and when I looked at Araki, his eyes were open, his mouth an inch away from mine.
“It’s about time someone from the Nightshade Coven crawled back to kill me,” His voice was low and dangerous.
He had me figured out from the start. He knew I was there to kill him. Damn! I cursed.
