I must be drunk, because what am I doing?
This is the male who lied to me and threatened my parents. But he also sat and ate breakfast with me, talking about everything and nothing. I should despise him. And part of me does. But when he’s this close to me, all logic disappears.
And then there’s Isiah.
The thought of him is like a bucket of ice water dumped over my head.
Since Niethal no longer has his dagger, I take the chance and forge one of my own in fire. I bring the burning blade up close, inches from his chin, and break off the kiss. “You’re right about one thing, I have changed everything, myself included. I won’t be caught off guard again.” I slide out from under his arm with the blade still pointed at him and move to the middle of the room, putting as much distance between us as possible.
He stays there for a moment, arms propping himself up off the wall, before letting out a heavy sigh and turning to face me. “Stubborn, my dear, but I meant what I said. You are mine. Though I do like a challenge, so please, don’t make this too easy for me.” Without another word, he strolls toward the door and leaves.
My hands tighten into fists at my sides.
What iswrongwith me?
I’d like to think he compelled me, but no,I’m just a fool. My mind is such a jumbled mess I don’t hear Reagan when he comes back in, and I squeal when he calls my name. At least he has enough decency to look apologetic. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. His Majesty said you wanted to return to your room and clean up before dinner.”
With no brainpower for a smart-ass response, I nod and walk to the door.
Once I’m back inside my room, the door closes, and the lock clicks behind me.
Still a prisoner, I see.
Exhausted both mentally and physically, I lean against the door, close my eyes, and let out a rough exhale. What am I doing with Niethal? He made his intentions clear, yet I melted into him. A simperingidiotis what I am. My stomach churns with regret, longing, and confusion.
As I’m silently scolding myself, someone inside the room clears their throat, and my eyes snap open to find Delphina leaning against the washroom door. Her eyes scan me, my ash-riddled face, and my scorched dress. “I have a bath ready for you. Thought you might like a quick wash before supper.”
Thank the stars above for her.
I mindlessly follow, getting in the bath and letting her wash my hair. She’s scented the water with lemon and lavender, and the aroma helps settle my nerves. Once done, she makes quick work of drying my hair and braiding it.
The purple and gold gown fits snug across the chest and shows a good bit of cleavage—of which I don’t have much, but it accentuates what I do have perfectly. I didn’t notice before, but a thigh-high slit on each leg leaves me slightly exposed.
She chains the crescent moon and star necklace on last. “Beautiful as always, my lady.” I smile at her reflection in the mirror before she turns and knocks twice on the door. “I get to escort you to dinner tonight. Come on, let’s go.”
Pleasantly surprised, I follow.
The guard outside isn’t Reagan, as I was expecting, but Ellis. He looks like he’d rather be doing anything other than babysitting me, and I don’t blame him. I’d prefer he wasn’t here either.
“The kings and their spouses will attend dinner tonight. No other court members, though,” she says quietly like it’s a secret.
I survey the hallway, trying to figure out why we’re whispering. “Anything else?” I murmur back.
She glances over her shoulder at Ellis, who lumbers behind us, appearing bored, before she leans toward me. “Don’t drink the faery wine. With you being only half-fae, I’m not sure how it would affect you.”
Pulling away from her, I frown. “Why are you telling me this?”
She grins at another servant hurrying past us before saying, “I didn’t warn you before the ball when I could have, and I want to now. Grace, I like you. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” I squeeze her hand, and we walk the rest of the way in silence.
Once we reach the dining hall, she says goodbye and leaves—though I wish she would stay.
The kings and their ladies are seated and chatting. Everyone is here except for Isiah. I reach for the bond and brush his mind.“Where are you? Dinner is starting.”
King Tullid smiles and says hello, and I give him the same welcome.
There’s a prolonged silence before Isiah responds,“I ran into some trouble, but I’ll be there shortly.”
“Trouble? Are you okay?”I check for any pain but find none.