“You can’t save everyone,” Blue had said softly, stroking my cheek. “She tried to kill ya, and you showed mercy. That’s enough. More than enough.”
“He’s right,” Keyton had agreed. “You did all you could. The rest is up to her.”
Back in my chambers at the palace, I soaked my muscles in a hot bath, slipped into fresh clothes, and collapsed onto my bed.
I had maybe an hour before supper. Enough time for a quick nap.
“Um…Leela, what you doing?” Blue asked.
“I’m going to nap. Will you wake me before supper?” I rolled onto my side. “You don’t have to get to the nest till after sundown, and we have supper before then so…” I yawned.
“Chickadee, you have a dinner party to go to tonight.”
My eyes snapped open. “What? Fuck.” I groaned. “No…”
“Um…yes. I’m pretty sure Erabi’s going to be here any?—”
There was a knock on the door. “Leela, love. It’s me,” Erabi trilled.
I sighed and sat up. “Come in.”
She breezed into the room, wings floating up behind her like a shimmering cloud. “I have the perfect outfit in mind for tonight.” She clasped her hands beneath her chin and lifted her shoulders. “You’re going to look stunning.”
Her excitement was infectious, her energy revitalizing, and who was I to burst her bubble with whining? Plus, we were going to visit the Danava domain. This was a chance to meet the gods who had every reason to hate the Authority.
I pulled myself up and grinned back at her. “Okay, let’s see what you’ve got.”
Chapter 13
SO THIS IS HOW THE GODS TREAT A JEWEL
Erabi had the perfect outfit picked out for me: a jade sari with gold detailing and gold slippers embedded with green jewels. It didn’t take long for her to dress me and deliver me to Keyton, who was waiting in the hallway outside my room in a jade kurta, the shade a perfect match for my sari.
He’d swept back his dark hair, and for a moment, he reminded me of Araz. My heart pinched, and I looked away, exhaling to dispel the ache.
“You look beautiful,” Keyton said with a smile.
“You both look beautiful,” Erabi said. “Now hurry, the carriage will be waiting. Chandra said he would meet you there.”
Keyton offered me his arm, and I took it, allowing him to guide me down the stairs and out of the building.
I adjusted the pleats of my sari, remembering Erabi’s instructions to kick out slightly when walking to ensure I didn’t step on them, but she’d pinned them in place at the waist to prevent them from getting pulled free. I felt pretty tonight. My hair was in a French braid with wavy, face-framing tendrils to soften the look.
We rounded the palace, and the royal carriage came into view, its white surface gleaming silver in the moonlight. Dhoona was already seated in the driver’s seat, and Yudh stood by the door.
Chandra appeared around the carriage as we approached, his powerful frame wrapped in a cream and gold kurta that screamed royalty.
His icy blue eyes warmed as they settled on me. “You look striking. Regal. Like a queen-to-be.”
“You don’t look so bad yourself.”
He grinned, the smile giving him a boyish air. “Oh, really? You approve?” He did a slow turn, showcasing his outfit.
I tapped my chin. “You’ll do.”
“That means so much to me.” His eyes crinkled at the corners, suggesting mirth, but his tone was soft and sincere. He offered me his hand, and I took it, allowing him to lead me to the carriage.
This was my first dinner invite as queen-to-be, and I’d make sure that it wasn’t a wasted opportunity.
