The room was regal and lavishly decorated, with several massive chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Swirling gold work wrapped around each shimmering light. Aqua fabricsdraped the walls from ceiling to floor, and several statues of various sea life were displayed around the room. My entire home could be squeezed into the space with ample room remaining for at least one of my neighbors.
Hundreds of women filled the area with only a fraction of men, affording me the perfect opportunity to sneak away later. As expected, all the women wore bright, colorful gowns, while mine was gloomy in the best possible way.
The smell of warm bread and roasted meats wafted through the air. I searched for the source and spotted the feast spread over half a dozen tables pressed against the far wall. Most people socialized elsewhere, leaving the area abandoned.
“Come on.” I grabbed Benton’s hand. “Just because those women are too scared to eat, doesn’t mean I am.”
I led him away toward the long, elegant tables, each one splendidly decorated. Assorted meats, cheeses and fruits lay arranged on gold platters, each overflowing. Breads with creamy spreads called out to me, practically begging to crawl into my mouth.
I frowned at the vast variety of steamed and dried fish. Even with our kingdom on the coast, I enjoyed none of the ocean life in my meals. I much preferred beef, goat, or lamb. Even the shelled sea creatures were nauseating. My parents had pushed me to try nearly every fish and varied its preparation, but they finally gave up in my adolescent years.
Pastries, small cakes, and bite-size chocolates topped the last table. Swirled icing in a wavelike pattern decorated some of the offerings, while glazed fruit topped others. My eyes devoured the sweets, each looking more delicious than the last.
“Miss, would you like a drink?” a familiar voice asked from my left.
I turned and choked back a gasp as Jaspar offered a glass of red wine. With his hair pulled back into a sleek low ponytail, his face clean-shaven, and a gold tray with half a dozen glasses ofwine, he easily blended in with the other attendants. Unfortunately, his handsome, rugged appeal was wiped away with a single pass of a razor.
“What are you doing here?” I looked nervously over the crowd and clenched my jaw. Neither the attendees nor the guards had noticed that one of the highest-ranking leaders of the resistance was in their presence, hiding in plain sight. “How did you?—”
“Take the glass of wine and lower your voice,” he warned and gestured the glass toward me once more. “Like you, I have my own endeavors, and I cannot rely on others to tend to them.”
“I’ll take one of those,” Benton casually interrupted as if he didn’t recognize the man standing in front of us. “Might as well get drunk if we’re all going to be acting foolish this evening. Perhaps I’ll strip down and dance naked—which would be less stupid than whatever this is.”
“How did you get in here without getting caught?” I made a concerted effort to keep my voice low and arrange a polite smile on my face.
Jaspar shrugged a shoulder. “I know people.”
If caught, whoever allowed him in could be killed, as well as the person who’d supplied him with the proper attire. There would be no trial, and the king might forgo a public execution entirely—might take advantage of tonight's gathering and kill him right in front of us all.
“Well, before you get yourself arrested, tell me how I get to the king’s chambers?” I mused. If he could be so brazen, so could I, and I’d never have the opportunity to try again.
He didn’t hesitate to give me a short list of directions leading me to the royal quarters. A rumor had spread that the king was confined to his bed, suffering a slow, agonizing death. It served him right for the brutality he inflicted throughout the kingdom; the death I’d grant would be more forgiving than what he deserved.
“Fuck being drunk,” Benton whispered and grabbed a second glass, chugging its contents. “If I’m gonna die, at least I’ll have been plastered on royal wine first.”
I shook my head. “You’re staying here. I won’t let you get involved.” I patted each of my thighs, ensuring the daggers were still secured in place beneath the thick skirts. Searching for the exit, I stuffed the last bite of bread into my mouth and drained my wine. “Wish me luck.”
“She’s serious?" Benton groaned. "Give me another one.” He returned his glasses to Jaspar's tray and took a third as I walked away.
Sauntering across the floor, I watched the women in the room, all giddy and hoping the prince would arrive soon. I gathered every bit of my confidence and approached the double doors. With a guard flanking either side, I offered a smile and reached for the handle. But they simultaneously stepped inward, blocking my access.
“This area is off limits,” the female warned.
Her sleeve had a gold crown patch sewn above the Rivale sigil. Even with her red hair now cut short, I recognized her. She’d accompanied Guard Hunt in the streets on my way to the market. Perhaps she’d imprisoned an innocent fae in order to earn this promotion.
“Guard.” I smiled. “Ma’am. I need to be permitted to briefly leave the area, please.” With my hair down and my face painted with rouge, I was hopeful she wouldn’t recognize me.
“Apologies, Miss. Everyone must stay until the ball has concluded.” The woman glanced over me without recognition.
I batted my lashes. “Are we permitted to relieve ourselves properly? Or must I do so here on the floor like an animal?”
“Disgusting,” the male guard groaned and stepped aside. “Escort her there and back.” I dipped my chin to him in thanks, and he sneered in return.
The woman walked me through the corridor, following thesame path I needed to take to get to King Sutton. With any luck, the area would remain vacant so I could put her unconscious without witnesses. My brother had taught me how to properly apply pressure to one side of someone's neck. It was an effective way to subdue someone without having to kill them.
“Here are the facilities, Miss.” She directed me to a closed door and shifted on her feet.
I glanced around, preparing to make my move, but heard several shouts and rushing footsteps echoing off of the walls. A moment later, two guards jogged down the hall, with several others following a few dozen feet behind.
