Arianna sneered when we stopped in front of her, her eyes dipping to where my arm linked with Ambrose’s. Moving her gaze back to Ambrose, she gave him a pretty smile. “Would you like to dance with me, my king?”
Ambrose turned his head toward me, contemplating what he should do when Ivara came up, taking my hand and pulling me to her side. “I can watch her, Your Majesty.”
Ambrose’s nose curled. “Fine, but make sure she stays out of trouble, or it will be your head.”
Ivara gave him a feline smile and curtsied. “I wouldneverallow such a thing to happen.”
I swallowed down my laugh as Ivara pulled me away, not waiting for Ambrose to answer. I waited until we were far enough away to lean my head closer toward hers. “Is everything ready to go?”
“Of course, Sybbie,” Ivara laughed, waving at a group of ladies as she slipped something into the pocket of my dress. “Though I have to say, the boys aren’t too happy with this plan of yours.”
“When are they ever happy?” I said, rolling my eyes. I scanned the crowd, looking for Samian. When I found him, I breathed out a sigh of relief. He wore a tailored black tunic with gold embroidery that showed off his lean, muscular frame.
“You look beautiful, my light,” Samian said through our bond.
“You don’t look half bad yourself.” I gave him a discreet smile, then looked toward Ivara as I felt her tense beside me. Her eyes were narrowed at someone across the room. Following her gaze, I found Zarina walking up to Samian. She wore a simple white gown that shone like stars in the light. “Is everything okay?” I asked, looking back at Ivara.
“Yes,” she murmured, though her voice was tight. “I forgot she was going to be here. Let’s go get a drink.”
We walked over to the refreshments, picking up a glass of cool lemonade when I felt an ominous presence behind me. I turned carefully, keeping my expression carefully neutral. A tall, lean male smiled down at me. He wore a white tunic trimmed with swirling gold patterns that nearly mirrored the white tattoos covering the right side of his face and neck, disappearing beneath his clothes. His pale hair was short, with slightly curled edges, and his eyes shone a warm bronze.
“Lord Zephyros,” Ivara started, shock filling her gaze. “I did not realize you would be joining us tonight.”
“Nor did I,” he murmured, his eyes still lingering on me.
I swallowed nervously, and Ivara put a steady hand against my back. “This is Lady Sybil, Ambrose’s grand paladin. Sybil, this is Lord Zephyros. He is a seraphim that joined our court soon after the realms split.”
“It’s a pleasure, Lady Sybil,” Lord Zephyros grinned. “However, you’ll have to excuse me; I cannot stay to talk. I need to speak with Ambrose, but I’ll be sure to find you again.” He bowed his head, and I suppressed a shiver at the sinful gleam in his gaze. Something deep in my gut told me this male was dangerous and that I needed to tread carefully.
I cautiously watched him walk toward Ambrose when movement from the corner of my eye caught my attention. A male dressed too casually for the ball moved into the room, hiding behind the thick drapes.
“It’s time,” Samian said quickly. “Take Ivara and do what you need to do. Daelan should already be waiting for you.”
I sucked in a breath and nodded to Ivara. When I glanced back in Samian’s direction, I caught him walking out of the ballroom with Zarina. Ivara left first, allowing me to follow her. Since I had been in the dungeon all week, I wasn’t able to plan how to get to Queen Cassia from the ballroom. Time was of the essence, and we couldn’t waste it by going back to myroom or the medical wing to get inside the passageways. Samian had spent the last few days showing Daelan and Ivara all the openings and the routes we would need to take to find Cassia’s cell when the time came.
Walking out of the ballroom, I turned back, giving the celebration one last look as I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Ivara whispered my name, and I turned back, rushing to her side just as explosions and screams erupted around us.
Chapter 42
Sybil
Stumbling, Ivara and I whipped our heads toward the explosions. Ivara whispered a curse and grabbed my hand, pulling me faster toward a hall on the right. She pushed against the wall, letting the hidden door click open. We rushed through, making sure to shut it behind us once we were in the passage so no one could follow. Kicking our shoes off, we tore our dresses to wrap around our legs, making it easier to move.
I called my magic to me, creating a small orb of light to cast a dim glow in the passage as we raced through the dark, twisting hallways. Coming to the end of the hall, Daelan and Aster stood waiting, their faces grim.
Shocked, my eyes widened, seeing Aster stand beside Daelan. “Aster,” I breathed, throwing my arms around her. “I didn’t know you were coming with us!”
Aster huffed, her pointed eyes glancing at Daelan. “I refused to leave her behind,” Daelan said, returning the look to Aster.
“More like you forced me to come,” Aster scowled. “You tossed me over your shoulder as if I were a sack of potatoes.”
Daelan shrugged, ignoring her last comment. “You ready?” He asked me, his face and tone serious. I blinked, unused to seeing him this way.
“I’m ready,” I nodded, taking a steady breath, as Ivara murmured her agreement.
Daelan shoved open the door, bringing us into the dungeon. We made our way to the queen’s cell, careful of our steps to keep from alerting the guards. A few minutes into our trek, murmuring voices and footsteps caught our attention. I silently swore as I looked around us. There were no open cells, forcing us to push ourselves against the bars, praying we wouldn’t be noticed. Daelan loosened his magic, letting it cover us from sight when two palace soldiers came around a corner. Each of us held our breath, watching the males pass by us. More explosions erupted, prompting the guards to curse and run toward the ballroom.
Once the sound of their footsteps faded, we released a collective sigh and quickly moved. Anticipation sank its claws into my heart when we saw the light from the queen’s cell, pushing me to run faster. Coming to the bars, the blood drained from my face when I saw how pale Queen Cassia had become since I’d been gone. I heard Aster swear behind me, and I fumbled with my dress to pull out the key Ivara had slipped into my pocket earlier. When the door unlocked, Aster barged past me, forcing the queen's hands to move away from her wound.
