I turn back towards my place setting, eager to look upon something that doesn’t threaten to break me.
The sound of the bustling of dishes at the end of the table mixes with the continued gossip and clamor.
I sneak a look towards Kassiel, focusing my attention on the woman to his left but watching his still form out of myperipheral. He’s unmoving, motionless as his body lingers in his seat, a stoney sentinel.
My eyes shift quickly away and wander in the direction of The Nightmare. He’s languid, relaxed in his seat like a cat basking in front of a fire. The difference in their posture is striking, though they could be nearly mirror images down to the buttoned vests and the fasteners that adorn them.
I can’t help but watch him as he interacts with the others around him. He chats freely, preening in the attention that the court offers him.
Though he’s animated in conversation, he has an air of something aloof. The vacantness of his eyes mix with the flatness of his words.
Being this close to him makes one feel like they’re locked in a room with a fire serpent that’s ready to strike.
Suddenly, his gaze slips to mine and whatever bravado of a smile he had slips away.
I hold my breath, wondering for a moment if myiludreerhas slipped. I mentally reach within myself and feel along the walls of my magic, ensuring they haven’t cracked. My essence thrums and I’m reassured by the now familiar pulse that flows within.
He’s just a creep, that’s all, Alora.
I mentally reassure myself; my magic is strong and unwavering.
The Nightmare continues to watch me, unabashedly. I slowly move my hand to my napkin and smooth it under the table, unwilling to focus on what this asshole is thinking about.
He seems to notice the gesture because he begins to move forward in his seat, leaning over the edge of the table. His hands come up and he rests his chin on them, never looking away from me in the process.
His voice grates against my skin as he begins to speak, “Tell me, Kassiel. What do you think of our king’s newest pet? Lady Orlah, is that right?”
I clear my throat and answer him, if only to convince the king further that I’m not intimidated to be by his side, though I’m actually quivering internally. “Yes, sire, that is correct.”
King Euron has turned his head in our direction once again.
“Well go on Kassiel,” the king demands, “what do you think of this fine specimen?”
I cringe at the prospect of Kassiel having to open up like this to the king and worse, Orlin.
I know it’s notmehe’s critiquing, but instead Lady Orlah and the persona of her, but it feels too intimate nonetheless.
Bracing myself for his answer, I begin to wring my napkin in my lap, unable to still my hands.
“She is perhaps the brightest star among those in the room,” he starts, “but I’m still questioning how sharp her wits may be.”
It feels as if I’ve been slapped.
“What do you mean?” King Euron speaks louder now, gaining the attention of those in the far corners of the room.
Kassiel doesn’t waver. He turns his head to me and we lock eyes across the table.
They are the same forlorn mossy green I first knew him to have, before we had becomemore.
Goddess help him. He’s devastatingly beautiful even as he looks like a bringer of death. I offer him a slight smile, hopeful he’ll feel a slight tinge of relief knowing I’m doing okay. He doesn’t change his face or offer any semblance of reassurance. It causes my skin to prickle with warning.
Thewrongnessof before sweeps through me. Would The Hidden know by now that he’d killed Zedriel? Would Kassiel still help us with severing the bond with the king?
His icy tone brings me out of my thoughts, “I merely mean, King Euron, that she seems like a sheltered little girl coming here, willing to hang on your arm as a trophy for you when you’ve offered her nothing in return. Is she truly so foolish?”
He laughs, the forced sound of it foreign to my ears.
No one stops him as he continues, “Does she believe she can just show up and demand a position in this court? When we haven’t even tested her abilities?”
