Chapter 45
Ashley
Now in my delight, I was certain and sure,
that I just might be ready for home,
Servants bustle through the hallways, arms overflowing with decorations and trays of Cook’s food — pastries, meats, fruits, and sparkling pink drinks that make my pulse spike.
It seems someone, Kaed or my uncle, I suspect, has instructed all the help not to let me have one, so they desperately avoid eye contact and do U-turns whenever they see me.
My cousin and his entourage are getting settled in various areas of the palace.
I tried to take a sneak peek, even though I’ve been advised not to but they’ve all brought their own soldiers, so getting through is near impossible.
Especially since I can’t throw my title around.
I’ve never had family outside of my parents.
My mum was an only child, her parents gone before I was born.
My dad spun the same kind of story that I now know to be a lie.
So, the idea of meeting family, actual people who share my blood, feels strange.
Eira warned me not to get my hopes up. “They’re not exactly a joy to be around,” she’d said flatly as I sat between her and Cook in the mess hall one evening, eating a sandwich that tasted like it had been made by god.
Aiden had joined us for a little while, and it wasn’t awful, even though he still called me Agni.
Everyone is on edge; no one knows how I’ll be received or if I’ll be safe.
Guards patrol nonstop. It’s like they’re doubling in number.
The King has reluctantly decided to move Theron to the cells next to the barracks to await execution.
I could hear the brokenness in his voice.
He doesn’t want to be a cruel ruler, but Theron isn’t responding to reason or rehabilitation, and he can’t risk him hurting anyone else or escaping during such an important event.
And even though they are certain they’ve fished out the last of the traitors from the palace, they don’t want to take risks.
I can’t go anywhere without an escort, and my uncle has taken it upon himself to personally deliver every meal to my room. Each time, he quizzes me.
“Do you feel well? Have you noticed anything strange?” I’m getting tired of saying ‘No, uncle. I’m fine, thank you, uncle,” though something like love warms my stomach when he fusses. I could get used to it.
Meanwhile, Thea and Fawn, thrilled by my newfound commitment to hygiene, have decided to treat me like a life-sized doll.
They bring me armfuls of dresses, tops, and skirts that fit like a dream, along with beautiful sandals and a full wardrobe of training gear.
The first time I wore one of the outfits I almost felt like myself again.
The old Ashley. Who turned heads and turned away hearts.
Nyk let out a dramatic whistle, and the look in Kaed’s eyes made my stomach flutter.
He studied me like he had an exam coming up, and I was the subject.
Knee-high dragonhide boots and a skirt made of weighted chains that clinked softly as I walked, brushing the tops of my thighs.
A strapless armored corset hugged my waist and lifted my chest in a way that made me feel rather devilish.
When no one is watching, Kaed shows me how to use the black smoke that has started bursting from my palms. When he kissed me, I got some of his magic and vice versa apparently.
It tickles. Somehow, I’m better at using that than my own magic, which seems to go everywhere apart from where I want it.
But I’ll get there. It’s true what they say, strength begins in the mind.
And now, I believe it. After everything I’ve already endured, I’ll be damned if I let a little cult ritual be the thing that takes me out.
Speaking of which, Nyk asked me earlier in the week whether I was going to go to Cinder Cliffs.
I said I’m not sure. Because the more I think about it, I’m pissed off they’re demanding my presence.
I’ve been trying to find the right time to speak to my uncle about it during the time I’ve been spending with him.
But I haven’t wanted to ruin it with politics.
We’ve taken carriage rides through the city, walks around the parks and he’s shown me every inch of the palace, the beautiful grounds, and gardens that stretch for miles.
He showed me how to pot some plants and spoke about all his flowers, the baby Cardania’s are his favourite. Mine too, I think.
Which brings us to today. Thea and Fawn had insisted on scrubbing, plucking, and waxing me within an inch of my life, refusing to listen when I said I could oil my own skin.
They brought in a plethora of gowns and heels for me to try, squealing and clapping at each one.
“No, this, this is the one,” they’d cry every single time, sending us into fits of laughter.
The one we chose is breathtaking. A bold green, the exact shade of my eyes.
It’s silky and the neckline is shaped from soft leaf-like patterns curling around the fitted bodice, cupping my chest and leaving little to the imagination.
Fawn laces me in, and the skirt spills from my hips like a waterfall, pooling around my feet.
A high slit runs up one side, flashing my thigh with every step.
Thea pins my hair up. Soft curls frame my face, and they place a stunning tiara on top of my head.
When they step back to admire their work, I stare at my reflection in the mirror and almost have to fight tears.
I look like a Princess. But more than that, the healthiest version of me I think I’ve ever been.
The gaunt lines of my face have filled in, my ribs no longer visible.
“Thank you,” I say, overwhelmed, wanting to say more, but they quickly shush me, brushing off my gratitude with grins and ushering me out of the room.
Aiden is waiting in the hallway to escort me to the courtyard.
His green outfit complements mine perfectly.
A tailored waistcoat with a high collar embroidered in gold.
Draped over one shoulder is a long cape fastened with a clasp shaped like the monster from the royal crest. The crown he never takes off mirrors mine.
I suddenly realise I’ve never seen him with any partners.
You’d think, being a handsome royal, people would be throwing themselves at him.
Even just for a night. Yes, he’s a prick, but since when has that ever stopped anyone?
We all know he has a thing for Eira, but even the great, stoic Aiden must need to bang one out occasionally.
He offers his arm. “Ready?” I nod and take it.
“Does your smile ever reach your eyes, Aiden?” I ask.
“No.”