Chapter 29
T he explosion ricocheted into the night, echoed with “oohs” and “ahhs” from nearly the entire city of Ellevail as it burst open in the sky, revealing the purple and gold colors of the kingdom.
The fireworks went off for hours during the festival. The colorful display served as one of the many attractions bringing Fae from all over Brookmere into Ellevail for the celebration. Although we weren’t the only city celebrating the Festival of Blessings, ours certainly boasted the largest event.
My skin warmed as I moved closer to one of the many bonfires, waiting for our King to officially begin the celebration, since the first firework had been spent. The clear crystals woven into the bodice of my silver taffeta gown, sparkled with the colors illuminating the sky. A large diamond necklace hung around my neck, making my entire ensemble glisten with my every move.
“My people,” he said, his voice gravelly but amplified enough for all to hear. “Tonight, we welcome you to the annual Festival of Blessings, for tomorrow, the growing season shall begin.”
A roar sounded in the sky, as everyone clapped and cheered. “As we do each year, we take tonight to revel in all nature has granted us. Brookmere is what we are because of the first queen, Queen Evelyn Everhart.
“Queen Evelyn rose to her power, growing in might, and though she married, the king at her side abandoned her when war arrived, his name unworthy of being recorded in our history. She bore the weight of Brookmere alone, surviving wars, and heralding in the centuries of peace we have long enjoyed through her sacrifice, and her bravery.”
Cheers rang out in the streets again at the mention of the beloved queen’s dedication.
“Tonight, we offer our sacrifice to nature, so it continues to find us as worthy as Queen Evelyn.” He brought out a small amethyst-encrusted ceremonial dagger, slicing his hand and dripping his blood into the fire as our custom required. My mother followed.
Then, she handed the dagger to me. I took it, slicing a small cut along my palm, too afraid to do anything more with Elisabeth gone should anyone see my unhealed hand. A single drop of blood fell into the fire. It sparked, soaring higher.
My eyes widened in surprise, as I looked up and into the crowd. Storm stood a few rows back and winked, before disappearing with a grin behind the heightened blaze.
“Our sacrifice is accepted as worthy.” My father beamed at me.
I returned the loving expression, listening to him continue. “We honor nature’s blessings.” He bowed his head, silence rippling through the crowd for a moment. “Now, let us enjoy each other, our friendships, our love, nature, and the magical Festival of Blessings. May nature guide you!”
He threw his hands into the air as a barrage of fireworks launched into the sky.
Music from a large band set up to the right of the bonfire drifted around us, and soon, Fae danced merrily, swinging between partners as the celebration truly kicked off. Smaller fires appeared up and down the streets, and I knew many would soon venture to their own cliques. For now, we were one country, one people, and it was beautiful.
I remained in my place, where all could see me, as well as the king and queen, as I did every year. A tingle on the back of my neck made me smile, and I searched the crowd for Kade. I didn’t even need to see him, but somehow, I could feel him there. With a quick wave, Kalliah ran toward a drink stand to get some wine for her and Dimitri. I lost sight of them soon after, while I continued to search for Kade amongst the revelry.
“Your Highness.”
I froze. Andras stood in front of me, bowing, before reaching for my hand. I gritted my teeth.
“May I have the honor, as Royal Adviser, of the first dance.” The fire reflecting in his eyes made him appear as evil as I knew him to be.
I glanced at my father, who frowned at us. Andras had never been so bold as to make such an inappropriate request. Not in recent memory at least. He’d spoken loudly enough for those around to hear, ensuring his request could not be ignored.
It would be more of a headache to deny him, but it did nothing to soothe my racing pulse. Fear of touching him, of being close to him in any way, had my heart beating wildly. I nodded, moving rigidly toward the center of the dancing circle.
His hand curled along my back as he tried to pull me closer, and I bit my tongue, tasting blood, as I forced my body to keep from trembling under his touch. Closing my eyes, I attempted not to let my nausea take over as he moved us to the beat. Eventually, I failed, needing to open my eyes before I retched from the blind movements, and a tear leaked from the corner of my eye.
“Still unable to control your emotions, I see.” His eyes flashed with glee as a cruel smile overtook his face.
I held my chin higher. “I can control myself more than you realize.”
I may be afraid, but I’d look him in the eye as he taunted me. He couldn’t force my submission. I grimaced, as a clawlike sensation scratched at my brain.
He chuckled mirthlessly as we spun in time with the ever-changing beat. “You forget I’ve seen you weeping and begging for mercy on the floor of my dungeons, Princess. Hard to be intimidated by someone so easily broken.”
A surge of anger coursed through me, heating my body more than the fire ever could. How dare he? I tried to pull a step back, to put distance between us, but his hold was relentless.
We twirled by Ian, whose expression turned cold, unblinking, as he stared at Andras. I shook my head as subtly as I could to tell him not to make a scene.
Thankfully, he didn’t make a move. Andras wasn’t crazy enough to try anything, at least I didn’t believe so. The fact that he spoke to me so callously and in public about his “training” sessions made me believe he’d grown more arrogant, but too bold. Or perhaps even crazy himself.
He hummed as we danced, behaving as though we did this all the time. As if it were something we enjoyed. Ian lingered, farther from us now, as Andras continued moving both of us in time to the song. “Are you rooting for any of the contenders in particular? Besides the captain of course.” He snickered. “He always butts in where he doesn’t belong.”
“He belongs here with me,” I said.
Andras smiled. “He belongs in the ground like his father. Peasants like him have no business running around palaces like they matter. Like they have a place at the king’s table.”
My teeth ached as I clenched my jaw. “I swear if you harm him?—”
“You’ll what?” Pulling me tight to his body, he whispered in my ear, “A magicless princess and her band of misfits are no match for me.”
The brazen way in which he acted shocked me to my core. He’d implied things in the dungeons, whispered things in passing, had gotten Ian and I into trouble where he could. But he’d never been this open and disgusting in such a public place.
I started to pull away again, not caring what others might think. Immediately, I searched for Ian, and this time when our eyes met, he moved instantly, trying to get through the crowd to my side.
But Andras had purposefully moved us away from Ian. Away from help.
I stared at the man, as if somehow, I might be able to find the answer to his newfound confidence. The scratching sensation occurred again, and he eerily stared into my eyes.
My stomach churned, but I couldn’t look away.
My shoulders sagged. Perhaps dancing with Andras wasn’t so bad. He’d been in the family for years, he wouldn’t actually hurt me, not too badly at least. My father trusted him. He was a Royal Adviser after all.
I pulled back immediately, shaking the thoughts from my head, knowing something was wrong. My eyes narrowed as the song came to a conclusion. “What did you just do to me?”
Andras leaned in, a sinister look flashing in his eyes.
But then, a pair of sturdy arms wrapped around my side. “Princess.”
I stiffened, expecting Ian to have been my savior, but it wasn't him.
When I made eye contact with my savior, I found Hale.
Relief filled me but didn’t give my body the permission to relax yet. “May I have the next dance?” he asked, glaring at Andras openly.
Andras sneered, exposing his teeth before seeming to remember himself. “Until we meet again, Your Highness.”
My body couldn’t let go of the fear thrumming inside of me until he disappeared from sight.
“I apologize if I came across too forward. You seemed like you needed assistance,” Hale said with a tight smile. “I’ve never seen you so panicked.”
My body still trembled from the sensations of Andras’s hands on me. Sensations that triggered hateful, horrifying thoughts that refused to leave, but I stared into Hale’s eyes and breathed, finding it easier to feel safe again. “Thank you,” I whispered. “You don't even know how much I appreciate what you just did for me. I can’t begin to?—”
“I don’t need to know anything,” he said. “Try to breathe and take a minute. I don’t mind.”
I let Hale hold me, leading me through the rest of the dance. Ian finally came into view, relief flooding his features. He hung back, now that I had escaped Andras’s clutches.
As the song played on, melody building, Hale twirled me around the dance floor, the sense of panic and unease fleeing my body. I even managed a laugh as Hale flung me out and our hands slipped apart.
Catching my breath as the song ended, I gave Hale a quick curtsey before Ian approached and scooped me away for the next dance.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t get to you in time.” Ian gripped me tightly, rubbing a small circle on my back. “What did he say to you?”
“He was brazen. Referencing our time in the dungeon. Here in public. And then, Ian, I swear he got into my mind and made me think he wasn’t so bad. I caught it, I stopped the thought, but what if he can control people? What if he is controlling my father?” I rested my head on Ian’s shoulder, not wanting to reveal any further fears.
“No one knows his power except your father,” Ian said, lifting my chin and holding my gaze. “Do not be alone with him again. If you are, scream, cause a scene, something.”
I nodded, knowing I would never be put in that situation again. The absolute arrogance of speaking to me in such a manner, in public, made me wonder what else he’d have the audacity to do. I’d never risk the alternative of being taken somewhere by Andras again.
Ian held me tightly as we danced, adjusting our pace as this song slowed. “How are you holding up?”
I hugged Ian closer, enjoying a brief moment with my guard down now that it was just the two of us. “I’m terrified of what else the trials will take from me,” I admitted. “Ian, I don’t know how I’ll get over Elisabeth’s death, let alone if someone else—” I couldn’t continue the train of thought. It took me to a dangerous territory. Territory that the dance with Andras had only exacerbated.
“You will not get over her death,” he said, his hand drawing me closer as he squeezed me tightly. “None of us will. But we’ll live a life that will make her proud.” He spun me out, smiling at me freely, before twirling me back to him. “And as for losing anyone else. We’ll be vigilant. All of us. I swear it.”
I nodded, refusing to give into any thoughts other than belief in him. Belief that we’d make it through the trials. Alive.
“Leif is absolutely beside himself, you know,” he said, lightening the subject. “Kalliah really has done a number on him by coming with Dimitri tonight.”
As Ian spoke, I noticed Vivienne on the other side of the fire, her hair wildly arranged as usual. I blinked a few times, realizing she stood in front of Kade. The Seer lifted her hands to Kade’s head before jumping back, his shadows dancing at his feet.
“Mmm, is that so?” I responded, hardly paying attention to what Ian said, doing everything I could to discern what happened between Kade and Vivienne.
Whipping my head around as Ian spun us, I took in the sight of the two of them again. She bowed low before him, a wide grin spread across her face, then she clapped her hands together and skipped away.
“Lan, are you even paying attention?” Ian scolded.
“What, no. Yes! I’m sorry. I got lost for a moment.” I shook my head, refocusing on Ian.
The song slowed to an end, and as if sensing I stared at him, Kade’s gaze met mine. He passed by groups of Fae milling about as he strode toward me, ignoring Ryland and Lord West as they huddled together arguing by a nearby fire.
“Mind if I cut in?” he asked Ian.
He rolled his eyes. “Ah, now it makes sense. Lost, were we? As long as I don’t have to listen to the banter, or whatever it is you two do, be my guest.” Ian bowed and left my side while Kade stepped in.
I hadn’t seen him since he put me to bed after Elisabeth’s death, but it didn't mean he hadn’t been on my mind. He’d preoccupied almost all of my thoughts actually.
His shadows curled toward me, tingling as they caressed my skin. I realized I’d missed their touch as well as his, without even knowing. This was dangerous. A stranger on the throne would be unheard of.
A stranger who already carved a path to my heart.
Without a word, he grasped my hand and pulled me close as the sultry notes of a lone violin pierced the air.
We didn't speak, but Kade held my stare, like maybe, just maybe he’d been thinking about me, too. Everything around us melted away, my skin humming with excitement, electricity coursing through my soul. The song was a common one played at our events, a melody about a lover’s quarrel, building deep, passionate notes, as their love faltered.
“How did you win over Vivienne?” I asked. “I noticed our Royal Seer bowing to you, and you're not even a Lord.”
Kade shook his head as we glided across the makeshift dance floor. “She may be considered slightly crazy here, but she reminds me of someone from back at home.” He smiled down at me.
Fates above, his gorgeous, sinful smile. His lips were right there, and I could claim them. It would be easy to get on my toes.
I blinked away the thought. If I could even consider being reckless and giving my heart to a stranger, I needed to know some truths. At least answers to some of the mystery surrounding this man.
I forced myself to swallow, attempting to break the spell he had me under. “Kade, I have questions.” My voice was lost in the chaos of the festival, as a loud bang echoed through the air from another onslaught of fireworks.
“Well, don’t keep me waiting, Little Rebel. Do continue.” His voice hitched as shadows pooled from his palms in such light wisps, I wondered if they were truly there. They wrapped around our hands as we danced.
“Why don’t you exist in Brookmere? Nobody knows who you are. You are not in any record book, on any ledger. It’s as if you are a ghost. Yet you are helping the citizens of Brookmere as if they were your own. Someone with your power would have been known throughout the land. It’s not making sense.”
He dipped me low, before bringing me back up. “Looking into me, are you?”
“You can hardly think I wouldn’t.” I cocked an eyebrow.
His smirk this time held a note of pride. “Of course. You have your secrets, Princess, and I have mine.”
“I need more than that to trust you with my—” I swallowed to stop myself from saying what was desperately trying to come out of my mouth. My heart. I cleared my throat and tightened my hands in his, finishing the thought, “Kingdom.” I wanted so badly for him to give me something. Anything.
The violin and cello answered each other with ravaged notes as his shadows coiled around my legs, spinning me around before the final verse began.
“What exactly is your power?” Perhaps he would answer something simpler.
He stared at me quizzically as his shadows played with the lining of my dress. “Isn’t it obvious?”
“Shadow magic hasn't been seen in thousands of years.”
His face tightened. “Add it to the growing list of secrets between us.”
“Do your shadows always act like this around women then? Is it your magic which makes me feel that—” I frowned, trying to find the words. “That tingling sensation. Almost like electricity?”
He blinked, his jaw dropping slightly. I’d caught him off guard. “You feel it, too?”
I snorted. “It’s coming from you, I assure you. I have no—” I immediately hesitated, surprise washing over me as I’d nearly just revealed my biggest secret. And to someone I knew nothing about. Someone who refused to answer a basic question of his origin.
The air heated around us. “Maybe try to keep your shadows to yourself, at least in public. We wouldn’t want anyone thinking you were cheating in the trials because you had my favor,” I said, spinning myself this time as the final notes were about to be struck.
“They’re not the best listeners, but I can certainly try if it’s what Her Highness wants. Although…” He yanked my hand, spinning me back in until my back slammed into his broad chest. He leaned down and whispered in my ear, his warm breath rushing over my skin as I shivered in anticipation. “I can feel all your coiled up tension. I know what you truly want. When you’re ready to beg for it, I will not deny you again.”
Dancing around the bonfire was far more intense than dancing in the throne room had been. The flames flickered over his shadows, and the way Kade watched me through the light of the fire, had darkness twisting my insides into knots. I had become exactly that coiled-up ball of tension he claimed.
“Will you tell me anything?” I asked as my gaze met his. “Anything at all about you?”
His perfectly stormy eyes took me in as if they’d lock me in place forever. He inhaled a sharp breath as his gaze flicked to my lips, then back to my eyes. “Storm told you I’m usually quieter.”
I nodded.
He swallowed, drawing me closer until our bodies were pressed tightly against one another. It took every ounce of strength I had not to close my eyes and fall into him.
“I think meeting you, being around you, has made me feel more myself than I have in my entire life. Who I’ve been with you, Little Rebel, is who I’ve only ever hoped to be.”
And as the band struck their final chord, he dipped me low, and we were left panting as the world came back into focus.
Pulling me upright, he kissed my hand before bowing and disappearing into the night.
My heart and head were fluttering too quickly as my rationality spun out of control. My body wanted so much more. It ached for his touch. My mind was at odds with my heart, a battle of logic and emotion.
Could I allow this mysterious man to take a place in my heart while keeping so much from me? Because right now, I was falling hard, and fast. Perhaps if I had a taste of Kade, I could reconcile the man before me with the one he portrayed to the world.
Perhaps he wasn’t just here for a crown, despite the numerous times he had told me otherwise. Perhaps he was lying to himself. Everything I am screamed at me to be near him. Despite all logical reasoning. This electricity between us meant something. It had to.
And I needed to learn exactly what that something was.
If I didn’t, I’d spend forever wondering “what if.” And that would be a fate I could not accept.
I scanned the festival, unable to stop smiling at my people and the way they were consumed with their partners and celebrations. I could hear the rambunctious animals, pets, and beasts alike on the outskirts. The wind blew, nature reveling in our commemoration.
Across the square, Kalliah was dancing slowly with Dimitri, a soft smile gracing her face like I hadn’t seen before. Ian had disappeared into the crowd, somewhere. Before Ryland or Casimir could corner me for dances of their own, I made the decision to leave.
I would end this evening before I was forced to dance again against my will.
One final pass across the crowd, and I noticed Kade with Storm, partially hidden amongst his shadows, leaning against the corner building.
A small tilt of my head toward the palace was all I gave him before heading in the direction of the palace grounds. Floating orbs of twinkling lights illuminated the path, guiding my way back home. Ruppert fell into place a few paces behind.
As we made it to the palace walls, I pivoted to Ruppert behind me. “Take the rest of the night off, Ruppert. It is the Festival of Blessings, and I am returning to my chambers for the evening.”
His eyes narrowed, but before he could say anything, I pointed behind him at a petite woman waiting by the gate. “Honestly. Go have fun. It’s one night and it looks like someone is waiting for you.”
He turned, and his breath caught for a moment, realizing who was waiting at the gate. I could sense the anguish radiating from his being, to go to the woman he so clearly adored or fulfill his duties as my personal guard. He held a finger up, signaling for a moment to her.
“I’ll agree, only this once, if you allow me to escort you to the door and ensure you shut it behind you. The guards there should be sufficient enough after that.”
I took him by surprise, touching his arm. “Lead on, Ruppert.”
Sure enough, there were two guards posted outside of my door, and I offered them a nod. “Thank you for your watch,” I said, quickly opening the doors to my suite. “Now, go, Ruppert,” I said. “I’ll see you in the morning.” He bowed his head, and I quickly entered my room, not allowing him to second-guess his decision.
I closed the door, wondering if I’d second-guess my own decision to let Kade know of my location. After his comment about begging, it shouldn’t have taken more than my nod to let him know I wanted him.
The festival would continue for hours, but I had no intention of being anywhere but the safety of my room as I replayed the night. I grasped the edges of my vanity and stared at myself in the mirror. The moonlight cascaded through the window, illuminating the rose-gold hues of my curled locks, which had fallen around my shoulders. Moments passed as I truly looked inside my very being, strength and determination filling my mind.
I unlatched my necklace, setting it on the vanity and moved to my bedroom. I would allow myself one night to let my heart win, for tomorrow, logic and reason would be my only option. For the good of the kingdom.
Leaning against the smooth wood of my bedroom doorframe, I paused, trying to calm my racing mind.
A cool wisp of a shadow circled my ankles as the balcony door swung open. I allowed myself one more moment before turning around to face the man who consumed my logical thoughts.
Gazing at me, with a dark and hopeful look in his eyes, was Kade.