Chapter 29
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
The palace was a flurry of last-minute activities as everything was readied for my sister’s betrothal ball. I was mentally tired from the council meeting, even though it’d concluded hours before the ball was set to begin, but despite that, I was looking forward to Koraline’s event.
Even though she and I still hadn’t made any progress in our relationship, I’d seen hints of her icy exterior cracking at the meeting, and I was hopeful that it was a step in the right direction.
When I arrived in the ballroom in a stunning navy gown, I was delighted to find that the ambiance was similar to the ball my parents had given to welcome me back into the royal family. The only difference was that instead of the focus being on me, it was on Koraline.
Kole followed behind me, the portrait of a dutiful guard.
We hadn’t had time to discuss anything following the council meeting, but he’d been edgy, and his aura had been running high ever since.
I had a feeling that had to do with the Council’s newest frightening findings about the potion, and of course, Lady Ryderdim’s disdain of me hadn’t helped matters. Neither had Nathaniel’s appearance.
Not wanting to think about any of that, I focused on the lively atmosphere and endeavored to have a carefree night. Socializing, dancing, and drinking seemed like the perfect way to forget it all.
Hundreds of fae were already present, and Koraline looked stunning in her red silky gown that spilled over her lithe figure like water. Both she and Neb wore coordinated outfits, each having the same dark-scarlet material for their clothing.
I’d convened with Lillith beforehand, happy that a tentative truce had formed between my middle sister and me since the horrible event in the maze. And thankfully, tonight was no exception.
Amidst the candlelight, beautiful flowers, orchestra music, and chatting fae, Lillith tentatively waved to me from across the room. She stood outside on the balcony, visible through the open doors, and my heart soared.
I grinned and waved back, then picked up my skirts so I could join her.
But before I could, Kole clasped my arm gently from behind. “No going outside tonight.”
I spun toward him, my smile dimming. “What? Why?”
“I want you to stay inside. Nighttime is already here.”
I frowned and stole another glance over my shoulder at Lillith. She’d joined another group of nobles and was busy chatting with them. Behind them, the night sky shone bright and vibrantly amidst the lawn décor.
Frowning, I addressed Kole again. “But the maze has been left alone. The spellcasters haven’t altered anything, and my parents told me that Koraline and Neb’s engagement is to be announced outside.
Apparently, Koraline specifically requested that.
” I tried to contain the hurt that wanted to flow through me.
After all, Koraline knew the restrictions that’d been placed upon me at nighttime, but she’d still specifically chosen the outdoors area for their official announcement.
However, that detail was decided a week ago, and today, I could have sworn that she’d begun to look at me differently following the testimonies, so I tried to take heart in that.
Kole’s expression stayed stoic. “Even so, stay inside.”
I fiddled with the navy sash on my gown. “But the wards are holding. Right? Surely, it’ll be okay just for this one time?”
Kole’s eyes blazed, and as had been the case all day, his aura strummed even higher. “Yes, the wards are holding, but I’m not taking any chances. You’re to stay inside.”
I stilled at the authority in Kole’s tone.
Kole glanced over my shoulder toward the balcony, and I could have sworn that his eyes glowed slightly. Laughter rang from the outdoor area. Frowning, I followed his line of sight.
Nathaniel and several of his friends had joined Lillith, and Kole was glaring at the young lordling.
A flash of annoyance raced through me, not just at Kole but at everything. My entire situation was growing so suffocating. I’d just wanted one night. One night in which I could enjoy myself and act normal. It didn’t seem like too much to ask.
I arched an eyebrow at my Imperial Warrior. “Is concern for the creatures the only reason you don’t want me outside?”
Kole’s jaw tightened slightly, but other than that, his expression didn’t move. But I had a feeling that was simply because other fae were around. Consequently, his very-Kole mask had fallen into place.
“Yes,” he replied simply.
“And when was this decision made?” I asked sweetly and nabbed a flute of champagne from a floating tray. Just as quickly, I uncorked a vial and dropped a bit of my potion into the beverage to ensure it was safe to consume.
“I’m just doing my job, Princess,” he all but growled.
Nostrils flaring, I glanced at the lordling again.
Nathaniel still stood with several other nobles, and somehow, I managed to suppress an eyeroll.
“And is your decision entirely about my safety, or does it also have something to do with you not wanting me to enjoy the outdoors with any potential suitors?”
Kole’s aura flamed higher, but when he replied, his voice was controlled. “Lordling Ryderdim wants you, Primelle. Do you know how many times he’s looked at you since you appeared in the ballroom?”
“I’m afraid I don’t,” I replied with mocking sweetness.
The warrior stepped closer to me. “Well, I do. He’s already looked at you six times, and I can scent his interest in you, even from here.”
That glow filled his irises again, and I didn’t know if it was the Council meeting, or how more creatures had been found in Whiteolf lately, or the fact that even though we cared for one another, any potential future between Kole and I was doomed, yet a future between me and Nathaniel wasn’t .
. . Whatever the case, Kole’s energy was visceral tonight.
Potent. And on top of that, a hint of his sexual frustration filtered through to me in his aura, which made no sense whatsoever since he’d been the one in the previous weeks to keep us from fully consummating our relationship.
His jaw locked even more. “You’re mine, Prim, and I don’t share. So yes, he’s also a reason I don’t want you out there, but your safety is the most important one.” The glow in his eyes intensified, and my magic responded, fluttering in my chest as that sensation inside me stretched toward him.
I sighed heavily and scratched at my breastbone. My magic had been strange around Kole since day one, and my bizarre responses to him had become so normal that I stopped paying attention to it half the time.
Regardless, tonight, I wanted to forget.
I longed to enjoy myself, and even though the warrior had a possessive streak in him, and even though I loved that about him, I’d also been looking forward to a carefree evening in which I could further try to bridge the distance between my sisters and me while also forgetting about all of the horrific things happening in our kingdom.
But if I wasn’t allowed outside, where most fae were likely to spend their time . . .
I tried not to feel like one more limitation had been stacked upon me, or feel left out by missing everything, or feel isolated by all that my magic had done to me, but anger and pain ran through me simultaneously.
I’d been so accepting, so poised in all that had been asked of me, but tonight, it suddenly felt like too much. It wasn’t fair. None of this was. I hadn’t done anything to deserve all of the heartache that my magic had brought.
Hot tears threatened to form in my eyes, but I quickly blinked them back, refusing to cry. Abruptly, I drained my champagne and blinked again to keep the tears at bay. Forcing a fake smile, I dipped my head. “Noted, I shall stay inside.”
Before Kole could respond, I walked clear away from him toward the table with more drinks.
Behind me, Kole’s aura kicked up a notch as he followed, but I ignored him and grabbed another flute of champagne.
If I wasn’t allowed outside, and I didn’t want to have a mental breakdown right here, then I needed to distract myself, and it seemed that alcohol was the only way to do that.
Kole stood near the wall, his aura pulsing, but I kept my attention on the party and all of the fae who had come to celebrate my sister. I’d already danced over a dozen times, saying yes to every single male who approached me.
My head was swimming from both the dancing, spinning, and the drinks, but at least I was finally enjoying myself.
“Having fun, Princess?” Nathaniel sidled up to me, his lips curving, and the way he addressed me rendered me speechless. His low, suggestive tone and the fact that he’d called me Princess was startlingly similar to how Kole addressed me.
Recovering, I smiled at him sweetly. Nathaniel and his friends had finally ventured back inside following the official announcement outdoors, and it wasn’t lost on me that Kole had tracked the young lordling’s every move and that he was practically staring daggers into the lordling’s head at this very moment.
“I am, are you?” I brought my champagne to my lips and grinned at him. “I wondered if you were ever going to come inside and say hello.”
Nathaniel’s gaze lit up. “Keeping tabs on me, are you?”
At my back, Kole’s aura flickered, and perhaps it was the half-dozen flutes of champagne I’d consumed, but I replied more flirtatiously than I meant to, “How could I not? You look quite handsome in your waistcoat.”
Nathaniel’s lips curved, and he watched me bring my champagne flute to my lips, his gaze lingering on my mouth. “I can say the same for you. As always, you look absolutely ravishing.”
I smiled coquettishly. “Why, thank you, Lordling Ryderdim.”
He chuckled, and across the ballroom, I caught my mother watching us. She was beaming.