And I don’t have to explain myself to you.
I wanted to force the words out so badly, but this was not the time for that fight. I’d explained my reasons for spending time with Cornelius—or what I wanted the guys to believe—but apparently nothing I could do or say would make these two believe I had good intentions.
So fucking be it. If that’s how they wanted to play this game, that was fine by me. I had my own business to take care of, anyway.
“Don’t act coy, Rum. This little game of yours is getting exhausting. You know how Jessiah feels about you.”
I scoffed, even as my heart twisted in my chest. “Yes, his insults and nasty looks tell me just how much he admires me.”
He grunted. “You haven’t exactly made things easy for him, have you?”
I inhaled sharply, but before I could snap at him, I clamped my mouth shut. Xavier had a way of pushing my buttons when he wanted to, but tonight? I was at a damn ball, for crying out loud.
I wouldn’t let him walk in here and ruin my mood.
“Go enjoy yourself, Xavier. I don’t need you following me around like a little lost puppy.”
I didn’t wait to see how my insult landed. I already knew what the pained expression he’d make looked like.
Head held high, I turned on my heel and pushed farther into the crowd.
This was a damn party, wasn’t it? It was time to have fun.
Chapter 20
Jessiah
Iloathed balls. I loathed parties. My brother was much more of an entertainer than I was. He was charming. Likeable.
I used to be somewhat likeable. In the past, I’d fake a smile. I’d bullshit my way through a few conversations if it meant keeping the peace. Hells, even in Scarlata, I found myself wanting to keep the peace. But here? It could have been the absolute twat of a king, or the way the hallways of the castle always smelled the slightest bit like smoke, but I quit caring how rude I came off.
Faking smiles was for people who gave a shit.
I was well past that point.
The tight shirt provided to me barely fit over my shoulders, restricting my movement. I was still able to strap my sword onto my hip, even though it looked ridiculous.
An Autumn Victorial ball.I bit my bottom lip to keep from scowling.
What a damn waste. We came here to aid the kingdom against rebel attacks, and we were spending our time drinking with the wealthy within the walls of the castle.
The large, arched ballroom doors came into view ahead. Half a dozen fae of Pericius mingled just outside the doors, and everyone of them turned and looked at me as I approached. My white angel wings stiffened in response.
And just before I opened my mouth to say something I would most likely regret, Xavier stepped through the doors. He spotted me instantly and quickly closed the distance between us with a few large steps.
“There you are.” He ducked his head and put his hands in the front pockets of his trousers. “I was starting to think you’d bailed.”
“Why? Is bailing an option?”
His white teeth glistened as he smiled. “Very funny. It’s just a ball. You’ve probably attended hundreds of these things. Get a drink. Mingle with the folk. It’ll be over before you know it.”
One glance inside those doors had my stomach knotting. “And we’re set for tonight? You’re certain this is the right idea?”
Xavier backed up a step. “Don’t start second-guessing now, Jes. You said it yourself. We need to get Rummy out of here.”
He was right. We’d planned on sneaking from the castle to head to the Whispering Caves tonight, but that was only part of it. Rummy had no idea where we would really be headed.
Home.
