Biting my lip, I shake my head. No matter what I say, the outcome of my situation remains the same.
Where is Raiden?
The fae’s eyes flare and she raises her hand. Is she planning on slapping me?
Without giving me a chance to react, Maxon appears in front of me. He moved so fast that I didn’t even see him leave the dais. And now he firmly holds the wrist of the female fae in his hand.
“Lay a finger on her again. I dare you.” His dark, menacing tone cuts through the air.
The female’s eyes grow wide as she stares at Maxon.
“You can’t mean to protect this– this human . . . ”
His jaw flexes as he stares down at her. “Touch her again, and she will be the least of your worries, Madeline.”
I might have stopped breathing as I stand here motionless. I’m not sure why, but the air in the ballroom feels charged with hostility, making me hesitant to divert my gaze. Maxon releases Madeline’s wrist, and he purposefully positions himself a little closer to me.
Taking a swift glance around, I observe a sudden hush that has befallen the room. All eyes are fixed on us, their penetrating stares resembling those of vigilant hawks. My attention is drawn to the queen, whose expression displays obvious disapproval and indignation. The radiant light from the chandelier illuminates her violet eyes, sending a shiver down my spine. The weight of the consequences for disrupting the ball suddenly feels daunting, and I am painfully aware that I may have to bear a substantial price for my actions.
I sense someone approach and meet Raiden’s gaze through the crowd. A wave of relief washes over me, and my shouldersinstantly relax. The large fae moves gracefully through the crowd, his wings tucked tightly against his back. Raiden gives me a small wink, as if sharing a secret, before extending his elbow to me. Grateful for the rescue, I slip my arm in his and give him a weak smile. Maxon looks over his shoulder at us and Raiden bows slightly, and I dip my head.
“I will escort Miss Baker to her rooms, Your Highness.”
Maxon gives a sharp nod before his piercing gaze meets mine, and I feel a lump form in my throat. His eyes wander across my face and down before settling on the spot where Madeline poked me. I look down and see a thin trickle of blood. Damn, she has some sharp claws.
Maxon’s jaw is clenched so hard that a muscle in his cheek pops, and his eyes turn so dark they look like pools of inky blackness, with only the silver color flaring with magic. As much as I want to take his hand, to comfort him, I know it would only escalate the situation. It seems that he is barely managing to keep his anger under control.
Drawing in a shallow breath, I allow Raiden to lead me through the crowd toward the doors. The whispers and furtive glances in my direction do not go unnoticed.
Raiden gently pats my hand. “Pay them no mind.”
Chaptersixteen
Everly
There is a soft knock on my door the next morning and I walk over, expecting to see Maxon or Raiden.
“Kian? Come in.”
Kian bows, giving me his usual easy-going smile. “The prince has been called away. I’m not to let you out of my sight until he returns.”
I roll my eyes and cross my arms in defiance. “Well, Raiden was going to start training me today. Will you help me?”
Kian's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “You?”
I let loose a laugh at his look of shock. “Yes, me. I’m not all that helpless. I learned to defend myself at a young age, but I lack technique. Or the ability to use a sword.”
Kian gives me a once over, taking in the black guard breeches and the white tunic Zaria had given me. I also have the dagger Raiden handed me last night when he dropped me at my room, it was tucked into the waistband of my pants. I asked Zaria ifshe could get a couple of outfits made for me. I spent hours last night drawing up some designs that, while still pretty, will be acceptable to fight in and will hide my daggers.
“Okay, I can run through some things with you.”
I let out a tiny squeal of excitement and then clamp my lips together in embarrassment. “Sorry.”
Kian laughs, his lavender eyes taking on a more pinkish hue. “I like your enthusiasm. You’ll need it.” He winks and turns for the door, holding it open for me.
I don’t like the sound of that.
“After you, my lady.”
