A very slight sigh of relief slips from my lips and I pray no one notices.
The two saunter across the room, passing onlookers, nonchalantly. It’s unsettling to watch Kassiel slip into his Devourer persona so easily. He looks just as indifferent and cold as the rest of the group. As if he’s unbothered by the soul he claimed nearly a clockhour ago.
The Nightmare walks slightly behind him, studying the back of Kassiel’s head. His eyes are like a viper, sinister and intense. If I was closer, I would imagine the blue hue of them to be full of venom.
His eyes snap in my direction, not quite landing on me, but instead, trained on King Euron. It’s odd, watching The Nightmare look at someone with such poisonous devotion. King Euron’s eyes slowly trail to the men who are nearly upon us. His smile turns up when Kassiel and the wicked man behind him kneel at his feet.
“Rise.” The timbre of his voice reverberates across the great hall.
The men do so quickly, so as not to keep the king waiting.
King Euron gestures his hand towards the two seats that remain, across from me, next to the lady who’s spilt more wine on her dress while the drips leave a trail of stain on her skin.
It’s reassuring when they both turn and begin to make the journey to their seats. They walk behind my chair, the heat from Kassiel, the call from his soul, momentarily making my skin pebble.
Moments pass before he takes his spot. He doesn’t acknowledge it as he sits himself, and gods I know why he doesn’t, but I hope he too can feel the call of my soul to his.
“So, Lady Orlah,” the king begins, jerking my thoughts back into focus, “how does being in such a place feel, being in the presence of greatness?”
I shift my body to face him and consider my words. I calm my hands as I settle my gaze on his square jawline, the golden beard hair neatly combed. I lift my eyes to his crystal blue, their vibrance intense, as he waits for me to answer.
“My King, I am at a loss for words. Truly.” I offer a placating smile, making it a point to bring my hand up to my neckline and trace along the silvery stitches of my gown.
He grins at me rakishly, his upper lip pulling.
“It would honor me if you would try, my starlight.”
The crowd falls silent, eyes staring at me in an array of emotions—jealousy, curiosity, bitterness all settle on me.
I hate being put on the spot, I always have. But if I’m to become his soul focus, I have to shove down any apprehension.
I blink, slowly, playfully before looking up to the ceiling in the grand room. The golden filigree and makeshift charms of stars that dangle and sway glint in the flamelight of candles.
It should be dazzling, but instead if you look closer, it just appears gaudy. Overdone and cheap.
“Well, your Grace,” I pause, giving my words enough space to draw in more curious eyes, “I don’t believe I’ve witnessed a greater party, let alone such a court that would rival others in wealth and magnificence.”
I bow my head in an attempt to appear as though I’m humbling myself.
Swallowing I continue, “The people of Noxia are truly fortunate to have a king that would welcome all for sucha lush banquet. We’ve been honored by your food and entertainment?—”
I trail off at the last part. Imagining Kassiel as the method of entertainment that most of these people have become accustomed to, makes me want to hurl.
King Euron crooks his head to the side and levels me with a stare that’s impossible to break away from. My throat dries and I close my mouth in an attempt to regain some composure.
The silence seems to pulse, as if the room I’m in is alive and I’m merely an intruder.
I force myself to speak again, the words feel wrong as they tumble out of my mouth. “It’s really comforting to know our king treasures those with different magics—that our people will always revere you as the great uniter.”
The lie tastes like ash on my tongue.
His grin turns feral as he smiles so broadly his teeth are exposed. His eyes remain on me, his gaze lingering far too long in places that feel too exposed.
A flush spreads across my chest and creeps up my neck.
“You’re Majesty!” a shrill voice from across the table begins, “you’ve become her undoing! Quit teasing her before she bursts into flames right here from the attention!”
Laughter erupts and I’m thankful for the interruption. His eyes finally peel away from me and I wish I could drop the false smile, but I keep it there, plastered—daring not to let it chip away.
