Chapter Nineteen
Analleia
I barreled out of my room, slipping tiny diamond earrings into my ears as I tripped over my long skirts. I ripped them upward with annoyance. We had spent so many hours grueling over our plan to steal Athello’s ring that we had barely enough time to get ready. My appearance would have to do.
“Do you have it?” Anxiety threaded through my voice.
Nadiyah knelt before the table, mixing together one of her concoctions.
She didn’t answer, gaze focused as she dipped her fingertip into a yellow powder and then into a red one.
She swirled the two together before scraping the mixture into a vial.
I had never possessed an understanding of potions the way she did, the way her mind worked through the individual ingredients and different lethal combinations, far surpassing anyone else among the Dark Walkers.
She picked out two liquids, pouring them both into one vial before shaking it three times, then mixed it with the powders from the first tube.
She capped it with a cork and turned it over gently until it combined.
The mixture of colors immediately turned clear, almost translucent, as if the vial were empty.
“Done.”
“What is it called?” I asked.
She tucked it into a hidden pocket on her dress. “Doesn’t matter. You wouldn’t be able to pronounce it. All you need to know is it contains no odor, no pigment, and is by every means undetectable.”
I nodded in approval. “Perfect. Do we need to go over the plan again or do you have it?”
“Don’t ask stupid questions, Analleia,” Nadiyah chided. “You do that when you’re nervous.”
“I am not nervous.”
“You shouldn’t lie either.” Nadiyah swept a shawl around her shoulders. “Neither of those traits becomes you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Let’s get this over with. It needs to be successful so I no longer have to worry about my end of the bargain.”
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MAGIC CLOAKED THE THIRD ball like mist, the ball of elegance and propriety.
Of dancing. Sparkles clung to every banner, the night’s colors consisting of translucent pastels and silvers that shimmered in the candlelight.
Frosted treats and salt-sprinkled snacks lined the tables.
Stacks of goblets waited beside fountains overflowing with wine and fizzing punches of every flavor imaginable from tangy to sweet to sour.
I smoothed my hands over my glittering skirts, the pale blue and purple of my dress making me feel more fairy than human. Light reflected off the jewels stitched into the bodice, and color popped from the flowers Nadiyah had woven into my elaborate updo.
I kept my eyes trained on King Zaricor as I made my way around the ballroom.
He didn’t appear too involved in trying to make alliances with other kingdoms but rather more preoccupied with which woman currently resided in or near his lap.
I watched him all the same, unwilling to let anything slip my notice.
A string orchestra was spread across the dais, their melodies mixing together in perfect harmony to fill the room with an aura of beauty and warmth. Dancers swayed to the music, taking up the majority of the grand hall, more couples joining with every new song.
“May I have this dance?”
I glanced up at the young man, perhaps half a decade older than me.
He wore the clothes of a nobleman, his brown hair tumbling over his forehead in a cascade of curly locks.
I smiled up at him, taking his hand and letting him lead me out onto the floor.
He grabbed my waist and I placed a hand on his shoulder as he swept me into the dance.
“How are you enjoying the ball, miss ...”
“Analleia,” I offered. “And you are?”
He smiled, and a flicker of amusement in his brown eyes indicated he knew something I didn’t.
“I take it you don’t know who I am?”
Unease wound tight in my stomach. Who had I agreed to dance with? I studied his face, and a touch of familiarity hovered, but I couldn’t place it.
“Have we been introduced before?” I asked.
He chuckled. “I don’t believe so. You can call me Zandyr.”
I nearly stumbled at the name. Prince Zandyr. Valeris’s brother. I could have slit my own throat for my mistake.
I let out a light laugh. “Oh, please forgive me, Your Highness, I’ve met so many people since the balls began I’m afraid they have all run together. How lovely to make your acquaintance.”
“Yes,” he said. “You caused quite a stir among the nobility due to your affiliation with my brother. Tell me, how did you two meet?”
I stiffened, knowing he was digging. “I’m not quite sure. In passing?”
“Ah.” He twirled me around before bringing me back to him. “I would hope there is something more than political gains involved with your fascination with him?”
My eyes darted to the musicians, wondering how long before the song ended. I needed to tread carefully.
“I wouldn’t refer to it as a fascination,” I mused. “More of an amicable friendship. We get along well.”
I would have laughed out loud at the idea if I wasn’t trying to convince him.
“That’s a strong observation for someone you have just met.
” He pulled me closer, changing the pattern of the dance, and I struggled not to squirm.
“However, I don’t think there is any need to fool one another, Analleia.
I know there is nothing amicable between you and my brother.
The man would sooner scale a building than trust solid stairs to hold him.
He only ever does anything for himself. Whatever you’re scheming with him, I can offer you more. ”
I arched an eyebrow, curious as to where this conversation was going. “More what?”
“More of whatever he’s offering you. Money, secrets, trades. I can match it, double it if that’s what it takes. All I need is for you to report back to me on his activity. What he is planning, what alliances he is trying to form.”
Why would he want to double cross his own brother by having me spy on him?
I pretended to consider his proposition, but the wheels in my head were turning in the other direction.
He and his brother didn’t get along, and it seemed they were somehow pitted against each other.
What could they possibly have to wager for?
He wanted to know about Valeris’s alliances.
Maybe the siblings participated in a competition at the Paravellian Balls to see who could secure the most alliances or perform the best.
“That is a tempting offer,” I said. “But very involved. I’m not sure the reward is worth the difficulty.”
Annoyance flashed across his face. “Well then, I guess we’ll have to find a way to make it worth it.”
Would I really have to fend off two sons of the man I was trying to kill? I didn’t even want to work with Valeris, but he was my ticket to Athello and keeping the enchantment on my face.
A finger tapped Zandyr’s shoulder, and I turned to find Valeris glowering at his brother.
This night couldn’t become any more inconvenient.
“I think it’s my turn to cut in, don’t you think?”
Zandyr clenched his jaw at the words, but he released me without a fight. “Certainly, brother, might as well enjoy yourself while you can.”
My throat bobbed as they exchanged a look, speaking a language I didn’t understand.
Zandyr stepped back and Valeris filled the empty space, taking my hand in his and placing his other at the small of my back.
I tensed, overwhelmed by his presence and all too aware of the warmth of his hand pulling me closer to him.
He wore a dark blue suit, a sharp contrast against the lighter colors of the evening.
Silver buttons and an intricate embroidery pattern decorated the material in swirling designs.
I looked up into his green eyes, my eyebrows raised. “I’m surprised you’re fine with me in such close proximity to you.”
He maneuvered us between the dancing couples, falling in step with the music. “Only on my terms.”
I pulled my gaze away from his in an attempt to tamp down my irritation. Not only was he arrogant and condescending, he carried his own set of demands as well. I wanted to punch him, but I had to endure him for a while longer.
My eyes searched the ballroom, landing on Nadiyah, who stood by Valeris’s uncle.
She wore a flirtatious air as she smiled up at him, but only I could detect there was not a hint of sincerity in it.
So many poor fools had fallen for it before.
Desmond would be skulking about nearby, frowning at Nadiyah’s pretentious show of affection.
“You two seem to get along well,” I said.
“Oh really, did he tell you that?”
“Was your adoration for one another not obvious?”
He caught on, frowning. “If you learn nothing else, know the royal family is not like other families, Analleia. Paravellia will always come before anything else.”
I cocked my head.
Interesting.
“That sounds like a depressing childhood.”
He shrugged. “What would be a happy one?”
It wasn’t like I would know, but his blunt response took me aback.
“Are you forming alliances with my brother now as well?” Mockery rang in Valeris’s voice.
“I’m not sure, can he offer me more than you?”
“Depends on who you ask.”
A rivalry divided them, and I hated to wonder what was at its root.
“What are your plans for the ball tonight?” I asked.
He smiled, talking as he led me around the dance floor, but I didn’t hear anything he said as my gaze drifted back to Nadiyah.
She was flirting with his uncle, but from the look on Athello’s face, he wasn’t having any of it.
That was fine. He didn’t need to, but she did need to be able to distract him enough to spill the contents of the vial into his drink without him or anyone else noticing.
“Analleia?” Valeris’s voice broke through my thoughts.
Once we got this over with, I could finally be done with the prince.
I smiled up at him. “Yes?”
I saw in his eyes he noticed my distraction. “What information have you learned about my eldest brother, Rivero?”
“I’m working on it.”
“I thought we agreed you would have something for me by tonight?”
I didn’t respond, glancing over at Nadiyah again.