Chapter Twenty-Four

Dressed and ready to get this evening over with, I opened my chamber doors. The displeased look dropped from Balis’ face as soon as he saw me. He looked viciously handsome, wearing a simple dark brown leather vest over a forest green tunic that made his eyes stand out in a way that felt dangerous to our situation. How am I supposed to pretend to not be attracted to that?

My gaze climbed his body like ivy climbs stone, and I silently wished I could wrap myself around him in the same way. It was one of the few times I’d seen him fully clothed, and I hated how my heart stuttered in response.

He pushed himself from his leaning position against the wall across from me and crossed his arms over his strong chest.

“You don’t have to do this,” he said.

“Worried I’ll get caught?”

His head lowered, and he peered at me from under pinched brows. “I’m worried about you being alone with that deplorable asshole. He—he’s not known to be gentle.”

I stepped over the threshold and let the heavy wooden door slam shut behind me. “I get that it isn’t ideal,” I snipped. “We have to be here, though, so why not learn something?”

My strappy black heels clicked against the stone floors as I walked away from him. His long stride easily caught up, and the symphony of our echoing footsteps bounced along the empty corridor.

He grabbed the crook of my arm, pulling me to a halt. “Will you just listen?”

His gaze fanned over me, but instead of the heat I’d grown accustomed to, apprehension grayed the vibrant hue.

“There are other ways,” he said, resting his palm against my cheek. “You don’t have to dive headfirst into the serpent’s den. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to him.”

“Stop it.” I took a step back. “I’m not yours to worry about.” It felt harsh even coming out of my mouth, causing me to inwardly wince. I drew a breath, bracing myself for the words about to leave my mouth. “We decided to keep this professional,” I said in a steady tone, less edged for argument. I hated the words, but I refused to be held back by emotions we weren’t even supposed to be feeling.

If he and Eurok were going to dictate our physical relationship, then I would dictate our emotional one. A much easier wall for me to man, anyway.

“I need you to treat me like you did in the Dogu village. Like a partner—someone you trust to make decisions. Not this. Not like I’m something fragile for you to protect.”

This had been exactly what Eurok meant by ‘distractions.’ And by the look in Balis’ eyes, he knew it too.

He swallowed hard. “You’re right. I never want to be the person who tells you that you cannot do something. Just–”

He took a step forward. The hint of cinnamon on his breath quickened my pulse as he raised his hand, as if to place it against my cheek again, but he hesitated, and let it drop.

“Just—be careful.”

Then he turned, resuming his role as escort, and stayed a few paces ahead.

I fought off the sting in my eyes as we walked. My mind stalled on the moment of recognition in Balis’ gaze, confirming that he understood the truth of my words. He was concerned about me. A concept I would have found laughable weeks ago.

Now, though, it felt like one of many gradual moments that eroded the protective wall I built around myself. But its looming height still towered over me, and I knew it was safer to stay in its shadow. This was the most suitable option for our mission—the right decision for everyone.

So I blinked back tears, committed to stand by my decision, and focused on the task at hand. Get close to the king, get invited into his council chamber, and find the journal. Everything else, even this, came second.

The great hall felt nothing like the cold, hollow room it normally was. Vibrant ivy with leaves the color of ripe cherries wound its way up every other alabaster pillar, accenting the painted historical murals that wrapped around the others. The night sky was a blanket of silver-glowing stars above, visible through the glass ceiling. Upbeat instrumentals played over the delighted crowd of various nobles, businessmen, and their families. Atreus had spared no expense, which only heightened my suspicion. What is he up to?

I spotted Mira across the room. Her meandering exuded an air of elegance, and periodically her gaze flicked upward toward the balcony where Balis lingered. It was clear the choker fastened at her slender neck was doing its job, leaving her unable to sense exactly where he was.

I wasn’t a fool of the attraction they shared. An oily snake of guilt slithered in my gut at having agreed with Eurok’s disapproval of their intimacy. Mira, as rough around the edges as she might be, was still a young woman, and I was no stranger to the effects a handsome male warrior could have.

The object, to my own effect, sauntered over, looking devastating as ever in a pair of brown slacks, a white button-down, and suspenders. His sleeves were rolled to the elbows, and a bored expression painted his handsome face. This was the last place he wanted to be, but he hid it well behind that mask of indifference. He pulled a drink from a server’s tray, threw it back, and replaced the empty glass before the server even noticed. Then he grabbed two more, passing one to me when he reached my side.

“You are in danger of your dress tearing, love,” he purred, admiring the way the bright orange gown hugged my hips. The fabric splayed out into a gauzy pool that trailed behind me.

I played coy. “Oh, really? How so?”

“Hmm, if I can talk you into a dark corner, I’ll show you.”

I giggled and shoved off his arm that was sneaking around my waist. “Behave yourself,” I said, heat rising to my cheeks. “We have work to do.”

“I haven’t seen the royal swine since we arrived. Are we sure he’s even here?”

“If I know Atreus, he’s going to make an entrance.”

I finished my drink, then refilled it with water from the community pitchers placed at each of the glass standing tables around the room. Surreptitiously, I heated it with a small, steady stream of mana until steam rose from the top. I reached up the draping sleeves of my dress and retrieved a narrow, cylindrical sieve from the pouch secured at my forearm. Without hesitation, I dropped it into the flute. My calming brew steeped in the liquid, emitting a heavenly floral scent.

I checked on Mira again. With unwavering confidence, she strolled along, her attention captured by the opulent feast adorning the far wall, ignoring the three young men following her hips as she passed.

Eurok dipped his chin, watching me closely. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” A slow sigh flowed with my first sip. “Just ready to get this evening over with.”

“So now might not be the best time?” he drawled.

“Might? That usually means it’s absolutely not the right time, but go on.” I took a longer drink, savoring the hot tea.

His brows rose at the bite of my tone. “I told Mira about the journal.”

My teeth clenched, and I drew in a deep, slow breath. “Why would you do that—and why choose now to tell me?”

I forced a smile as a familiar courtesan accidentally met my eye. Her gaze flicked to Eurok and her cheeks flushed.

“Because I know she can handle it, and I didn’t want you putting a stop to it,” he quipped as if it were obvious. Which it was.

“I hardly find this funny,” I said, making to leave “And the joke’s on you because I’m still putting a stop to it.” I stormed off, not bothering to glance back. His mask of indifference would only piss me off further.

I found Mira standing at the edge of the crowd, her slender arms adorned in black silk gloves that left her fingers bare. They were delicately wrapped around a flute of champagne. A pattern of lace roses climbed the length of both her sides but was otherwise sheer, and her dark hair hung in a long, silky sheet against her ivory back. She was devastating—a siren on the hunt. When she caught sight of me, her face turned into a repulsed scowl, a part of her carefully planned persona.

“I haven’t seen any sign of him yet,” I said as quietly as I could manage over the room’s idle chatter. “Eurok told me he informed you of the journal.”

“Doesn’t surprise me. Figured he wouldn’t keep that from you for long.” She never dropped the displeased facade, giving the impression she would rather be speaking with anyone else, playing her part beautifully.

“Yes, well, he has a sick sense of humor. Which is why he is only telling me now while I have such limited time to talk you out of it.”

“I like him more and more every day.” She smirked into her flute as she took a sip. Her dark plum lips left a kiss of color on the rim. “Look, I promise I won’t put myself in any situation I can’t handle, but I need you to trust me, too.” She locked eyes with me for the first time. “I’m well practiced in this, so please just let me work.”

My face faltered, losing a bit of the stone-calm exterior I adopted this evening. “I–”

“Well, well, well, what a pleasant surprise this is,” said a voice possessing all the charming deception of an opium flower.

A tight knot wound in my stomach as I faced the bright sea-blue eyes of Vitany Vitalis. Poised intrigue enveloped her narrow, sharp-featured face. Her gaze shifted to Mira, then back again. What is she doing here?

I pressed my cheek to hers in a polite greeting, forcing my voice to sound as pleasant as possible. “Vitany–”

“Rumor has it you brought some warrior eye candy to the party. You wouldn’t mind if I said hello to Eurok, would you?” She lifted onto her toes as if trying to spot him.

I quirked a brow, a sharp green sensation in my chest. It was no secret she wanted to bed Eurok. And I wanted to tear her perfect teal curls out of her head when she spoke of it. Her bright eyes, accented by her dark skin and thick lashes, fluttered between Mira’s skeptical sneer and my tight grin.

More people trickled in, causing the room’s heat to reach near-stifling degrees. The lush, bitter scent of alcohol permeated the air.

“Vitany, might I introduce you to my girl, Mira?” I said, eager to change the subject.

A veil of astonishment widened her venomous smile. “Sidelle, are you altaring a human?”

“Is that a problem?” Mira sniped, indignant.

I flashed her a glance of warning, despite the swell of reassurance at the way she was unintimidated by the high witch’s remarks. She would do well in this echelon once we got that temper of hers under control.

Vitany’s eyes flared, like she was searching for Mira’s energy. I held my breath. I hadn’t planned on another druid being here, let alone another high witch. Why would Atreus invite her? Or, better yet, how did he even know her?

I stepped between them. “Mira is a special case,” I said, smiling sweetly, but sending the message over my energy that this was not the place to discuss this.

Vitany inclined her head, receiving the message but ignoring it. “Indeed, she must be to acquire such an opportunity.” She peered over my shoulder, addressing Mira with a quizzical glint in her sea-blue eyes. “If I may, do you possess a mana core within you?”

This little bitch.

Inwardly, I recoiled at the brush off, but kept all signs of my contempt from my face and waited for Mira’s answer. Jumping in on her behalf would seem too suspicious, and Vitany was not someone I wanted to upset. She may still hold the key to contacting Erezos. Her grandfather still sat on the druid council, and with my standing already precarious where the druid council was concerned, I may need her help someday soon.

Mira regarded Vitany with indifference, and I had to ask myself for the first time if she was still playing a part. It was astounding how flawlessly she carried this mask of hers.

“I believe you are capable of answering that yourself, are you not?” The sharp edge of her words sliced the air between them.

Vitany’s gaze narrowed, but she kept that fine smirk on her lips. “Your girl seems to have quite a bark, Sidelle.” She turned to me and leaned in close. “Do try to keep your pet on a leash.”

As she spun on her heel and left, the dangling silver gems adorning her mint gown swayed, accenting her every step.

“Bitch,” Mira spat once she was out of earshot.

I took a long breath. “Be nice.”

“She’s a vulture.” Her mouth twisted into a scowl. “You heard what she said about Eurok?”

“Yes, well, that’s their business, not mine.” I waved the idea off as if it didn’t matter to me in the least.

“So you’re saying you wouldn’t care?”

“Care about what?” I asked, ignoring the hard way she eyed me. Not here, not now.

Mira scoffed and spun away.

I grabbed her arm, trying not to call attention to us. “Where are you going? We’re not finished.”

Her jaw worked as she faced me. I lifted my gaze to her deep, wine-colored eyes and saw true anger behind them. Anger at me.

“I’m supposed to trust you with my life. He trusts you with his,” she said, shaking her head. “And yet, you can’t even admit that you care about him?”

The emotion in her words struck me like an unexpected swell.

“You don’t deserve him.” She pulled free of my hold and carved through the crowd.

I stared after her, watching the mass of shifting bodies swallow her whole. Heat rose to my cheeks as a few nearby patrons eyed me with faux concern.

The music stopped, and the royal horns blared, announcing the king’s arrival.

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