He let out a trembling breath, and at last, straightened and turned to face me. His eyes were dark, haunted. He seemed slightly wild still, not quite in control.
“I killed four people,” he said. “Killedthem.”
My heart ached for him, for the guilt that brought such anguish to his face.
“I’ve killed before, in battle, but this was different. This was… vile.”
“Kalyll, I’m so sorry,” I said. “It’s all my fault.”
“Your fault?” He frowned abruptly. “How could it be your fault? You stopped me from killing the queen. And it was your voice in my head that kept me from killing any more people.”
“I made a mistake. The elixir, I—”
There was a flash of movement, and suddenly I was against the wall, Kalyll’s hands on my shoulders, his face mere inches from mine.
“It’snotyour fault.” His breath brushed my lips.
There was still a measure of darkness in his eyes, and a sharp slant to his features that made him look untamed. His gaze fell to my lips. He hissed in a breath through clenched teeth. He was fighting against his desire to kiss me. It was obvious. I knew well that he wasn’t in full control, knew that I should make this easy for him, but I didn’t want to. So instead of pushing him away, I licked my lips and lifted my chin slightly.
I leaned forward, ready to kiss him. His beautiful mouth parted and one of his arms snaked around my waist, pulling me to him.
“Dani!” Valeriana’s panicked voice came from the room.
Kalyll blinked. His eyes clearing, he took a step back, appearing both relieved and disappointed that our lips hadn’t touched, while I only felt the latter.
Damn kid.
“I’m out here,” I called, then to Kalyll I expressed my disappointment. “Too bad.” I smiled.
He returned my smile, then took my hand and deposited a chaste kiss on my knuckles. “I will see you soon.”
As he still held my hand, he turned to dark mist and was gone.
What the hell?!
I rushed to the edge of the balcony and scanned all around. No sign of him.
Shadowdrifter. The name made more sense now.
The word echoed in my head. The king had said it as if it were a terrible, dreaded name, as something a respectable person—especially a Seelie Prince would never be. The name made no sense for the very solid beast that had interrupted the party, but it made total sense for the prince and the vanishing act I’d just witnessed. Then I remembered, I’d seen him do that before… in the forest, the day we found Valeriana.
The kid poked her head into the balcony. “What are you doing?”
“Um, just admiring this beautiful dawn.” I gestured toward the blue and pink sky. “But let’s call for some breakfast, why don’t we?” I ushered her back inside. “We’ll need it. Today will be a long day.”
CHAPTER 26
Larinawasflutteringaroundthe room, using her magic to deposit our empty breakfast dishes atop a tray. Per Jeondar’s instructions, she’d also started packing a few necessities for our trip, which included some of the comfortable clothes from the closet.
I was getting ready in front of the mirror and picked up the leather strip Kalyll had given me to hold back my hair. I fingered its supple texture, remembering the desire in his eyes, feeling that uncalled-for want surge at the thought.
Shaking my head, I gathered my hair in a tall ponytail. Through the mirror, I could see Valeriana sitting on the bed, fiddling with the pieces of the board game she’d been playing with Larina yesterday. We would be leaving her behind today, and I couldn’t help but wonder if she would be upset about my departure.
When I was happy with my hair, I picked up Larina’s necklace and walked in her direction as she used her magic to pack a perfectly folded tunic into a leather bag.
“Thank you for letting me borrow your beautiful necklace,” I said, offering it back.
She flew up to flutter at eye level, a trail of pixie dust in her wake. “You are welcome, Lady Sunder, but I…” She hesitated, looking troubled.