35. Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Four
Isoria
My breath escaped my lungs when I turned to the mirror, taking in the dress Orchid had fashioned per my request. She’d let my hair cascade loosely over my shoulders, spilling onto the sleeves of my rich purple dress.
Though its sleeves were long, the fabric was light and airy and hung off my shoulders.
The fitted bodice dipped in a V shape down toward the flowing skirts adorned in an array of blue and gold feathers.
The shades of purple and blue set off the colors in my hair, while the gold made my eyes more vibrant and striking.
“Like a lovely jungle bird ready to take flight,” Orchid breathed, clasping her hands together. “Your Highness, you are stunning.”
I bit my lip, keeping my smile small. How ironic that a people who deeply hated phoenix shifters could still appreciate the beauty of colorful feathers similar to theirs.
When I’d suggested the dress design to her, I’d been testing to find her reaction, knowing I’d be walking a thin line between looking elegant and drawing people’s suspicion and ire.
Between this dress and the switch I’d performed earlier, taking the ceremonial knife Archer was supposed to use to cut the birthday cake, I was about to drive the prince mad.
It would be the only thing that would make tonight tolerable.
I reassured myself that the object I’d stolen from Archer’s jacket late last night, before he’d returned from another meeting, was where I’d secured it beneath my dress. I thanked Orchid and left for the sitting room, where Archer, Lily, and Owen were waiting.
What. Are. You. Wearing? Even with the words being sent into my mind, Archer’s voice was low, practically vibrating with anger. Are you trying to reveal what you are and get yourself killed?
It’s something extra special for your birthday feast, I quipped. And no one will think twice. They’ll see what they want to see.
It’s not worth the risk. You need to go back and change right—
“Oh!” Lily gasped, standing from her place on the settee and clasping her hands. “You’re a vision, Isa. Like a colorful songbird.”
My gaze flicked toward Archer’s, as if, even when I didn’t want it to, our bond always, inevitably, drew us toward one another.
His jaw worked, but nothing else about his relaxed stance as he leaned against the wall gave away his irritation.
His green jacket was strewn over a nearby armchair, like he couldn’t trouble himself with finishing getting dressed yet.
The top buttons of his shirt were undone, exposing his throat and a hint of the muscled planes of his chest.
My stomach dipped, but not before my eyes jerked back up, clashing with Archer’s emerald gaze. The corner of his mouth quirked in a victorious smirk.
You did try to get me out of my clothes when we first met, Archer thought, so I suppose it comes as no surprise you dream of it now.
I narrowed my eyes, but my brain felt fuzzy, and I found no clever retorts at the ready. Instead, that smug sense of victory I’d had in rousing Archer’s ire had vanished. He’d won this round.
Archer chuckled aloud, the sound rich and deep. I wanted to scowl in annoyance, but with our audience, I was forced to plaster a falsely delighted look on my face. “Lily’s right. You’re breathtaking.” He approached, offering me an arm.
Making you breathless or stealing the air from your lungs? I thought darkly, but I wasn’t sure if I’d had the energy to send it into the prince’s mind.
If so, he gave no sign.
I’d never been to the castle ballroom before, and now, taking it in when fully decorated and nearly bursting with occupants, the sight took my breath away.
How I wished this was a celebration back home, where I could delight in the music pulsing through the air, the excitement coursing through my blood, and the chance to dance away the hours in my finest dress with people I actually wanted to associate with.
As it was, I felt a tremor of anticipation course through me at the chance to lose myself in song and dance and pretend away the evening.
The ballroom was open to the castle grounds on one side, permitting the scents of jasmine and citrus to filter through the air and starlight to reflect in the polished floor.
Palm fronds swayed outside in the breeze, while others decorated the ceiling, along with other draping greenery and vibrant flowers in every shade imaginable.
Some fae were already wandering outside by the pond, some talking and drinking, others dipping their toes in at the edge or leaping in and swimming outright, drenched and laughing.
Considering how humid the night was, I couldn’t blame their desire to cool off, even if it ruined their fine clothes.
I was tempted by the aromas and beautiful displays of food at the far end of the ballroom.
Countless serving trays were overflowing with roasted and glazed meats, cheeses and fresh fruits, loaves of bread, and every pastry and dessert imaginable.
My mouth watered. Maybe I could avoid socialization if I hovered near a table for the duration of the feast.
But the crown prince had other plans. “Dance with me,” Archer murmured as we stepped onto the open floor.
I hesitated, wondering if this was a display for those around us.
But the musicians were in the middle of a song, courtiers were already paired off and dancing, and no one noticed our quiet entrance.
I turned to him, but he was focused on the dancers, his gaze distant and solemn.
He wasn’t trying to toss me a seductive smile for the benefit of any onlookers, nor was he smirking and teasing with an obvious intent to rile me.
Confused, I nodded before I could overthink it all, and Archer turned to me, taking both of my hands in his and sweeping me out toward the other couples.
My heart pounded somewhere in my throat as one of his hands slipped to my waist, tugging me closer, twirling me across the floor.
Lights flashed across my vision. Everything was a flurry of soaring music and smiling faces all around me—and then Archer, his piercing green eyes fixed on me, his hand solid and secure in mine, his other hand searing against the fabric of my gown, burning into the skin at my waist.
Oh, Solea, I prayed in sudden alarm. My magic was rising within me, an aching longing to shift and soar through the night sky nearly overtaking me.
I wanted to escape this ballroom and embrace the sense of freedom that taunted me with every spin, every twirl.
My dress flowed around me, the cool fabric swishing against my legs, the feathers shimmering in my peripheral vision and reminding me of my wings.
Archer tugged me closer, and his body heat and our closeness was all I could think about. Don’t lose control, Feathers.
I sucked in a breath as he guided us toward the grounds, suddenly feeling the urge to dive into the pond and join the other swimmers.
When I glanced up at Archer, a grin twisted his lips, one that, to my utter confusion, I couldn’t read.
Was he laughing at me? Was he pretending to be a doting lover for everyone that had surely noticed us by now?
His fingers threaded through mine, while his other hand slid to my lower back, toying with the feathers there. Leaning closer, he let his breath tickle my neck. I think I’d enjoy watching you lose control right here, in front of my father’s court.
I stiffened, my eyes flying to his so he could see my anger. If I did lose control of my magic, it wouldn’t be my life that would be in danger, I fired back.
Something flared in Archer’s eyes in response, and instead of putting distance between us as his steps came to a halt, ending our dance as the musicians changed their tune, he pulled me nearer.
His lips brushed against my earlobe, and chills rippled through my body.
Because you’re disgusted. Because you hate him, I rationalized to myself.
“That’s not the type of loss of control I was talking about,” Archer whispered.
He pulled back, his eyes flitting to my lips.
Alarmed, I studied him, confusion tangling inside me. There were other feelings too, terrifying ones that I couldn’t discern—wouldn’t discern, because to name them would be to make them real. Maybe they weren’t mine, but his, leaking into my consciousness.
Hesitating, I tried to think of a retort, something to dispel the tension.
Instead, King Wystan himself shattered the moment. “Let us celebrate the crown prince’s birthday!”
A cheer rippled through the crowd, and Archer and I tore apart.
While he let his people surround him and offer him good wishes, I slipped away, gathering food and taking it to one of the tables set up outside for the event.
Away from the pressing heat of bodies within the ballroom.
Away from the feelings that had threatened my fire to rise to the surface and unleash damning sparks.
Away from Archer’s piercing green eyes and confusing words.