22. Everly
Everly
Chapter twenty-two
Like a movie on repeat, the memory of last night plays in my mind, each scene carved into my consciousness with vivid clarity. The way Maxon’s eyes locked with mine, filled with an intensity that spoke volumes without a single word being uttered. The way our breaths mingled, our bodies moved and entwined.
But as much as I long to relive that moment, I can’t escape the bittersweet reality that it was just a momentary encounter. One that left an indelible mark on my soul, yet remains forever out of reach.
“Again!” Kian bellows.
For the past twenty minutes, we have been fully immersed in our training session. Kian wasted no time in easing me into today’s session. With a rigorous warm-up, there was sweat dripping down my forehead, and my muscles were burning within minutes.
I swiftly dodge to the side, my body moving even faster than before, and raise my wooden sword to block his incoming blow. Kian swiftly spins behind me and swings his wooden sword, the sound of it slicing through the air serving as my only warning. My arms tremble under the weight as I deflect and execute one of the complex maneuvers he’s been teaching me. Kian doesn't let up though, his strikes coming one after another. Sweat trickles down my back as I try to keep up.
Determined, I grit my teeth and swing the sword once more, replicating the technique he showed me the day before. However, the fatigue from wielding the wooden sword makes me uncertain about how I’ll handle a real sword.
“You’re not concentrating. Again!”
I’m seething with anger, feeling my heart race like crazy, its thunderous beats echoing in my chest. The arena seems to spin around me, my vision blurred with fury. In frustration, I take a step away, and Kian releases an exasperated sigh, his breath heavy with irritation. With a frustrated gesture, he throws his arms up in the air, the sound of his exasperation provoking my burning anger.
“What?” I yell, spinning on him.
“You are not focused,” he growls, his lavender eyes flared in annoyance.
“What has gotten into you?”
With each step Kian takes, eyes fixed on mine, his presence becomes more intimidating. “Last night was stupid and reckless. If you’d been caught . . . ”
I swallow roughly, my throat feeling dry and constricted as my arms fall limply at my sides. “I don’t know wha–”
“Now more than ever, you need to be able to protect yourself, princess.”
“Don’t call me that.”
Kian’s eyes drop to my arm, and I narrow my eyes at him, crossing my arms over my chest. Even though Zaria covered the birthmark, he still seems to know something is there.
I lean in closer. “Whatever you think you know, you are wrong.”
“I highly doubt that,” Kian huffs, stepping back. “Tristan will watch and make sure you get back to your room. I have something I need to take care of.”
“Tristan?”
“The other personal guard.”
“I know who he is, but I haven’t seen him.”
“You’re not supposed to, princess.”
With that, Kian snatches my wooden sword from my grasp and saunters off.
Does he call me princess to mock me, or is it more? Does he have the same assumptions as Zaria?
I rub my fingers over my forehead, the tension in my temples slowly dissipating. With a deep sigh escaping my lips, I reluctantly turn and make my way out of the arena. A few soldiers that linger nearby, pause their idle chatter as their curious gazes follow me. I do my best to ignore them, but it isn’t easy. I’ve never been one to draw much attention, yet being the only human among them now makes me a spectacle.
The weight on my shoulders vanishes the moment I slip through the gates into the castle’s garden. Now away from prying eyes I unzip my boots, and slid them off, letting my bare feet sink into the velvety green grass, reconnecting with the earth beneath me.
The vibrant hues of the flowers dance before my eyes, their petals swaying in the gentle breeze. A sweet floral fragrance wafts through the atmosphere, tickling my nose and invigorating my senses. With each step, the cool blades of grass caress my feet, providing a refreshing and rejuvenating sensation. As I reach the castle, quietly slipping through a pair of ornate French doors, a wave of sadness washes over me. Making my way down the hall, I can’t help but get lost in my own thoughts.
How many days have passed? Does time move differently here?
The atmosphere in the castle is filled with anticipation as the main hall, where Maxon’s coronation is to take place, is being transformed into a magnificent setting. Servants are bustling about, hanging luxurious drapes and adorning the walls with intricate tapestries. The air is fragrant with the scent of freshly cut flowers as arrangements are being meticulously crafted to adorn every corner of the hall. The chandeliers are being polished to perfection, their crystal prisms gleaming in the soft glow of the candles that will soon illuminate the room. It’s clear that no expense is being spared to ensure that Maxon’s coronation will be a truly majestic affair.
I turn down a quiet hall heading toward the stairs of Maxon’s wing, not really paying attention to anything in particular. I frown at the sound of footsteps getting nearer, and twist around. However, the hall stands still and empty. I continue walking, gripping my boots tightly in my hand. If I swing them hard enough, they’ll make a good weapon. I pass by a small alcove, and a sudden grip on my wrist causes my boots to slip from my grasp. Adrenaline surges through my veins as I spin around, meeting Maxon’s mischievous gaze. He places his finger to my lips and pulls me closer, his grip unyielding. The world blurs around us, the air crackling with electricity.
“We can’t be seen!” I whisper harshly.
“We won’t.” Maxon swings me around so we are hidden in a small alcove, his entire body blocking my view of the hall.
I tilt my head back against the wall as he braces his hands on either side. Desire flickers like flames in his eyes as he lowers his head. In an instant, my pulse races, and I become acutely aware of the sound of my breathing.
His lips brush against mine, gentle and tentative at first, but quickly succumbing to the undeniable chemistry between us. A shiver runs down my spine, and my body responds instinctively, pressing closer to him as if searching for solace in his arms.
With each stolen kiss, time seems to stand still.
Maxon gently pulls back, both his hands cradling my face in his palms. “No matter how complicated it gets, I’m always going to choose you. I can’t explain it, Everly, but I know you’re mine.”
“Seriously!” Nix shrieks from behind Maxon.
Reality crashes back as I grip his shirt tightly, my fingers sinking into the fabric of his tunic. The taste of danger lingers on my lips, a bittersweet reminder of our predicament.
Maxon groans, turning to Nix. “Why do you keep popping up?”
“Do you want to be caught? Is that it?”
I step out from behind Maxon and face Nix. In her wide sapphire eyes, a mix of surprise and disbelief shines through as she nervously tugs at her long, brown hair.
A rush of guilt surfaces. “I’m sorry.”
“Do not apologize to her,” Maxon growls, the warning clear in his tone.
Nix shakes her head, a look of uncertainty on her face. “I thought you’d both be smarter about this, but I’m really worried.”
My heart drops, and I glimpse movement out of the corner of my eye. It isn’t until this moment that I realize I have completely forgotten about Tristan.