Murmurs begin again and I decide now is my best chance to escape.
“My King, I was wondering if I may retire to my chambers? Using such magic does leave me feeling weary.”
He sips from his glass.
I wait a few moments before he replies.
“That would be fine stardust, but I don’t trust anyone here with how special you are to me, so Orlin will escort you back.”
The Nightmare perks up. He stands from his seat and opens his arms in a flourish.
“It would be my honor to take her to your chambers, Majesty.”
I pause, momentarily stunned and run through the excuses I have ready before landing on one that seems reasonable.
“I will need my ladies to help me change from my gown. It’s imported fabric from Niamh you see.”
He waves me off noncommittally, focusing on a distant conversation. The Nightmare lowers his arms slightly as he rolls his eyes in my direction.
The king makes no more conversation so I depart, pushing back my chair with a heave.
The maroon sea of the court remains seated and I’m thankful to be free.
As I shift past the chairs and large table, I exit through the door that Kassiel and The Nightmare entered through, with the latter on my heels, his breath practically huffing on my neck.
“Well that was a bore,” he says as we exit the great room.
I don’t answer, instead, I silently thank the gods that it was in fact mostly uneventful.
Chapter 33
Alora
The Nightmare stands too closely as we wind our way through the labyrinth of hallways as he leads me back towards my room. The floral papered walls are littered with ornate picture frames with canvases depicting various scenes from battles, portraits, and landscapes from around Noxia. One could spend hours among these and never tire from the artistry.
It reveals more about the king’s lust for treasured items than perhaps he even understands. The capital city of Ezmelir, with its decadence and ornate architecture, is nothing compared to these hidden riches.
As we pass yet another carved doorframe, I can’t help but notice the window obscured by velvety curtains. The golden fabric is a stark comparison to the darkened sky riddled with navy and indigo hues melting into soft purples.
My breath hitches. It’s almost sunrise. Gods I hope Jessamine and Rune have found the leirunes because we’re quickly running out of time.
My nape beads with sweat, just in my hairline.
“Lady Orlah,” The Nightmare’s voice startles me, causing me to jump slightly.
I glance at him, the pallor of his skin even more noticeable in this lighting. He continues to look forward as he leads us closer to the end of the hall where a tee forms.
He finally asks after a few steps, “What do you know of your magic?”
Cautious to not reveal more than I should, I let the question linger before answering.
“Honestly, my Lord, I’m not very adept at controlling it yet.” I drop my eyes to the carpet. The blue swirls mixed with rosettes blur as we eat the distance of the hallway with each step.
“How unfortunate for you,” he says flatly, “that you would possess such a rarity but lack the talent to harness true light bending.”
He’s revolting. Everything about him—the way his arrogance bleeds into constant condescension.
I can’t help when my words unleash with quiet fury, “And you believe your magic to be superior?”
