“Merrick gave it to me.” She said it sweetly, poking the jealousy still gouging its way across my soul.
“He did, but that's not why you wear it.”
“I love it.That'swhy I’ll never take it off.”
“But what does it cover?” The taunt slipped from my lips before I could hold it back. “What are you trying to hide?” My hand snapped out, latching onto hers, holding it even when she tried to rip it away. I lifted our linked hands between us, turning her to face me while I did it. With delicate precision, I slid the bracelet down her arm, revealing the mark. “What could this be?” My eyes locked on hers, I did not allow her to look away. “Will you tell your precious Merrick that you have a mating mark that matches this?” I jutted my other arm up between us, twisting it to let the moonlight play across the symbol that branded me as hers and her as mine. I’d hidden it with magic to keep anyone else from seeing, including her.
“Fuck you,” she snarled, dragging her arm from my grip. She fled back into the ballroom, calling for her ladies to attend her, her guards to escort her to her suite.
Hidden with my magic, I followed. I could do nothing less. As long as this woman breathed, I'd pant by her side. She'd collared me as if I was the nyxin she adored, and if she stretched out her hand, I'd nuzzle it like her pet.
I'd drop to my knees and beg if she asked—though she wouldn't.
Outside her room, she tore off her mask and flung it to the floor. I generated a breeze that swept it up and carried it to my waiting hand.
Once she was locked behind the door to her suite and with her intent guard spanning either side of the hall, I backed away.
I lifted the mask and held it against my mouth, closing my eyes while I struggled to regain control. Bunching the mask together, I crushed the pretty thing as easily as I’d tried to crush the spirit of the woman I . . .
My sigh leaked from me, bled from me.
I turned and pressed my forehead against the cold stone wall.
56
REYLA
As the door to the hallway closed behind me, I let out a shaky breath. I wanted to punch something—one particularly snide fae man, actually, though I doubted he'd “permit” my strike to hit.
My ladies flowed around me, their gazes filled with concern, though they didn't speak. They could tell something was bothering me, and I appreciated that they could respect my privacy enough not to ask.
“I'll be fine, ladies.” I could only host a croaky whisper. “I won't need you any more tonight.”
“But my queen.” Calista exchanged heavy looks with Moira and Faelith. “We need to help you out of your gown. Your hair! And I'm sure you'd like to bathe.” She clapped her hand, taking charge. “Faelith, go start the water. Moira? I'd like you to—”
“No!” I lowered my voice when they stilled. “I need time alone. Please. I appreciate you all very much.” I could barelydrag up a smile. “Go spend time at the ball. You're high ladies and entitled to be there. Faelith, I'm sure you and Surren want to dance. You're engaged. You deserve a night on the dance floor in his arms.”
“But . . . my queen.” She dipped forward in a deep curtsy. “He must remain here to guard you.”
“The others can handle this. There must be fifteen men and women out there. They can take care of me for one night.”
She swallowed with difficulty, her gaze meeting Calista's. “What about Farris?”
“I'll ask one of the guards to take him outside. Please. Go.” I flapped my hands at them, urging them toward the door. “Have fun at the ball.”
Moira's eyes locked on mine. “Are you sure you'll be alright? Truly?”
“I will be.” Eventually. By morning. Or tomorrow night. Or the day after that.
No matter what, I wasn't going to Lore again, ever.
They hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded and left the room, promising to see me in the morning.
I asked one of the guards to take Farris outside, and I fretted the entire time they were gone. Not because I was worried about the nyxin. I knew the guard would take good care of my pet. But I wanted to get out of this gown and put this wretched end to my evening behind me. I couldn't do that until the door to the hall was locked for the night.
I stalked into my bedroom and grabbed my knives, then started throwing them against the back of the door. Eachsatisfying smack of a hit did nothing for my inner tension, but it kept me from falling apart.
Finally, the guard brought Farris back, my little guy dashing into the room, bringing moonlight and fresh air with him. With a forced smile, I dismissed the guard, and she strode back into the hall.
