Where is your frienemy’s psychotic break when you need it?
“Leon, sorry, I-” I start, trying to find a reason for him to leave.
“Don’t say another word.Come,pet,” Leon insists, and this time the mental leash forces me to comply.
Dread continues to coil around me as he leads us through an unfamiliar part of the castle. He talks the entire time, explaining how well the Council meetings have been going.
He’s disturbingly cheerful, and I tune him out after the fifth time he boasts about how much respect we are going to command, now that we are the face of the new era.
He only pauses his soliloquy when we reach a set of doors that lead outside. “Close your eyes, I want this to be a surprise,” he orders.
In what universe is telling the uncoordinated personnotto look where they are going a good idea?
He tugs my hand, and I stumble down a step that he did nothing to warn me about.
The warm breeze lifts the corners of my purple chiffon dress, and the sun warms my exposed arms. The ground is soft beneath my feet, so I know we aren’t on the main path, but I have no idea where he’s taking me.
We walk for long enough that I assume we must be on the edge of the Council’s wards before Leon finally stops. “Open your eyes, Vivian.”
Blinking at the bright light, I take in the small, well-manicured clearing. Large willow-looking trees surround us, their branches creating a wall of privacy. They’re dense enough that it’s impossible to see beyond the clearing.
I gulp at how secluded it is. But I’m guessing Leon wants me to focus on what’s in the center of the clearing. Blankets and pillows are scattered across the ground, and there’s also a basket, along with some food spread out over one corner.
Does no one here worry about ants?
“Surprise, my love.” He pulls me forward and settles me on a blanket. “I wanted to do something special for us so that we could celebrate. The servants assured me this place is private, and that we won’t be disturbed or overheard.”
Whatever he wants to celebrate, I guarantee it could have been an email.
“But first, I have something for you.” He flashes me a dazzling smile as he settles beside me.
I watch, still on force-mute, as he reaches into the basket and pulls out a small rectangular box. With a flourish, he pops open the lid to reveal the contents. It’s a necklace, made from row upon row of glittering diamonds. In the center is a blue gem, almost the size of a golf ball. It looks like the one Leon has on his sword.
“It’s our family’s stone. Blue diamonds. One of the most coveted gems in all the realms.” He stares at me expectantly, and I stare, frozen in dread.
When I say nothing, he leans in closer to whisper. “I can see you’re excited.” His warm breath fans across my neck, just before his fingers brush against my pulse point.
This goes beyond having the heebie jeebies. I am not okay. I want a chaperone.
He pauses for another moment and then gives a small laugh. “I almost forgot you can’t speak. That simply won’t do. I can’t wait to hear how much you love me. You may speak, Vivian.”
I’m not sure if Leon is just so self-obsessed that he can’t imagine a possibility where I won’t magically fall for him, or if he is truly this delusional. Either way, I need to figure out a way to put him off just a little longer.
My mouth is dry, and I clear my throat. “Thank you.” I try to sound grateful for the ridiculous jewels, even as my entire body tenses.
“Of course, nothing but the best for my pet. Fates, I have missed you so much. But I knew it was for the better, the space between us. Because now you’ve had time to think on things, without the added distraction of the temptation between us.” He’s staring at me likethere isn’t even a hint of doubt in his mind that I won’t return his affections.
He’s certain.
I’m also certain.
Certainly fucked.
When I don’t throw myself into his arms or show any kind of agreement, Leon’s smile drops, replaced by a flat expression. “You cannot be serious.”
Internally, I cringe. This is not going to go well. “Leon, I don’t–”
“No!” He explodes, throwing the necklace down. “I have given you plenty of time. I have been working hard, each and every day, to build our future. Theonlything you need to do is accept me. Literally everything else is taken care of. Why in the Fates are you being so fucking difficult?”
