“Rhea.” I’m jolted back by the sound of Nox’s voice as he slowly lowers me back down to the ground. “Are you alright?”
“Yes. I— What were you saying?”
“It was something wildly romantic. Poetic even,” he teases, playing with the end of my braid. “Are you ready for lunch?”
Nodding, I tuck myself into Nox’s side as he waves goodbye to Haylee, Max, and the others. They wave back, while Elora, Daje, and Cass join us, though Haylee avoids my gaze.
Elora walks beside me, and I can’t help but ask her what she said to Haylee. She turns to look at me, the corners of her mouth set in assurance. “I told her to leave you and Nox the fuck alone.”
Chapter Sixty-Six: Rhea
As we climb thesteps up to the palace doors, the guards on either side push them open, splitting the image of the albero tree carved on them in half. With the sun depicted on one corner and the moon on the other, it’s almost like watching the sky cleave in two as we enter. Perhaps that imagery is fitting, as the palace we step into leaves the quiet of the outside world behind. It’s buzzing with life, aides and workers shuffling from room to room as they begin preparations to usher in the autumn season with the aptly named Autumnal Ball. Burnt orange,golden yellow, and ripe red are dotted throughout the foyer and hallways in the form of potted flowers, wreathes, banners with tassels, and rugs. The colors remind me that I am anxiously waiting for the leaves on the trees to change into similar hues. The excitement of seeing that happen up close and not from the tower balcony makes my blood sing with anticipation.
“So, I will meet you here after dinner?” Elora asks as we all stop in the middle of the foyer.
I had asked her if she would like to accompany me to my dress appointment with Sarai later today, and she had leapt at the chance, raving about how lovely the ball was and how it was her favorite celebration. What she didn’t know was that I had asked Sarai to also fit her for a dress. It seemed like a simple gesture, one I hoped wasn’t stepping over boundaries that normal friends didn’t cross.
“Yes. Thank you again for agreeing to come with me.”
Elora smiles, giving a small shake of her head. “It’s what friends do.” She pulls me in for a hug, and I return it, scanning the room from over her shoulder. That’s when I spot him, his menacing frown easy to make out even from his current post down the hall. Upon seeing us, Councilman Kallin makes his way towards us with purposeful strides, as if Nox might escape his attention if he doesn’t hurry.
He isn’t entirely wrong.
I release Elora, a warning on the tip of my tongue for Nox, but it’s too late. For an older gentleman, the councilman is quicker than expected.
“Your Highness, I’m afraid that we have need of you today,” he says evenly, his gaze roaming from Daje to Nox and skipping over me entirely.
“I’m unavailable for the day, councilman, as Iknowyou are aware,” Nox replies, moving to take a step towards the stairs. Since our impromptu day of relaxing—or rather,notrelaxing—together in bed, the council has only increased their requests of Nox. They’ve often kept him sequestered in meetings or on assignments with his father for the majority of the day, Nox all but dragging his feet into his room at night. He told them he would not be available today at both my and his parent’s request, our concerns over the dark circles under his eyes a topic of conversation during a shared dinner two nights ago.
“I must urge you to reconsider,” Councilman Kallin insists, clasping his hands in front of him as a crooked smile twists his lips. “The council has decided it would be best for you to go and visit the people of Polatos.”
Nox stiffens, the movement echoed by Cass and Daje. “And why have theyrecommendedthat?”
“It is important that an heir apparent be more involved with the realm he is to rule. Not sequestered within the palace—regardless of the reason why.” He flicks his gaze my way, making Elora scoff in response.
“And they think sending the crown prince to an area where there has been an uptick of missing guards is…smart?” Cass asks, his tone no longer the jovial teasing of a best friend but the hardened resolve of a personal guard.
“Of course. He’ll be protected with his usual retinue, as is the standard for royalty leaving Galdr. Let’s not forget heisalso incredibly powerful. It will be good for the people to know that they are being thought of during this strange time. It will be good for them to see the caring face of their future ruler.” Councilman Kallin’s features settle into a stoic expression. “It might also do wonders with the other morereluctantmembers of the council to see that their prince is choosing his duties to his kingdom instead of what they will perceive as precious time wasted.”
Nox’s magic swells, its presence stifling in the air. I glance at him, only to find that cool, bored expression he painted on his face when speaking with Arin. My magic hums beneath my ribs,its vibration warm as it presses against my skin,yearningto reach out to Nox’s.
“Your Highness, using your magic to threaten a member of the council is highly inappropriate,” the councilman hisses.
Nox tips his head to the side, his raven waves shuffling while a smirk grows. “You think I’mthreateningyou, Councilman?” His voice is a warning all its own, one that Daje’s father doesn’t miss.
I watch as the workers in the palace stop attending to their duties to gawk at this open display. Cass adjusts his stance, folding his arms over his chest, while Daje stands perfectly still next to him, his skin paling as if he’s seen a ghost.
“Your duty is to give yourself to your kingdom. Anything else,anyoneelse, falls second to that. If that is not something you can do, then perhaps it is time for the council to begin talks of finding someone whocan.”
Gods above. Shadows crawl towards us from the corners of the room, knocking Daje out of his stupor as he curses lowly under his breath. Did the council truly have that power? To justremovethe Daxel line? Nox moves to step forward, but I stop him with a hand on his wrist.
“Look at me,” I whisper as I angle myself between him and the councilman. His gaze drops immediately, his starlight eyes intense as they pierce mine. “Give them this. Any chance we have to try and change their minds about me we should take, right?”
Nox exhales slowly, his denial nearly out of his lips before mine are there. I kiss him softly at first but let him guide it to something fiercer, ignoring the audience around us. Somehow knowing that this, my physical touch, is what he needs. There’s something different about this kiss—hetastesdifferent. It’s like mist and rain, the static air before a thunderstorm. I am eager for more, mymagicis eager for more, but Cass clears his throat,and we separate, the anger abating only a fraction in Nox’s eyes. “I will make it up to you tonight,” he says.
Unfortunately, Councilman Kallin refutes that. “I’m afraid that you and a few council members are scheduled to leave as soon as possible. This way you’ll have ample time to spend in Polatos tomorrow.”
Tomorrow? “How far away is Polatos?” I ask quietly, failing to hide the slight tremble in my voice.
