“An attack?” Tarnan inquired, concerned. “Were there any losses?”
“The number of casualties hasn’t been confirmed, but word is that it was the biggest attack on royalty in the last twenty years. None of the kings or queens have been permanently harmed,” the guard assured them.Damn.Karwyn was like a cockroach.
Amira moved forward, her hands clasped in front of her tightly. “What about the advisors?”
“Some have taken to the sky.”
“Turosian ones?” Amira asked eagerly. Her olive skin had turned pale. Was she asking about Rhay?
The guard shook his head. “No, Turosian has been lucky.”
Amira’s face relaxed as she exhaled. Tarnan put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I’m sure Rhay is fine.” The princess put her hand over his. “I’m afraid I’ll have to head back to the palace to hear the full report,” Tarnan said, stepping back after giving Amira a reassuring smile. “You’re more than welcome to keep exploring my city. I’ll leave the guards with you.”
Amira glanced at Elyssa briefly. She returned her gaze with a challenging one.Come on, princess. I dare you to stay.
“All right. Thank you,” Amira replied, her hand smoothing her dress. Tarnan gestured to the guards, and once he’d filled them in, he walked back towards the palace, the third guard in tow.
As they continued their walk, the guards close by but not within hearing distance, Elyssa asked, “So you and Rhay…what’s the story there?”
Amira didn’t look at her, but Elyssa didn’t fail to notice her hands wrinkling her dress. “He’s an advisor in Turosian, and we used to be friends.” Her head dropped, dark locks shielding her face.
“And you’re not friends now? He’s the reason I’m here, after all. He’s looking after you in his own, drug-encouraging way.” Elyssa rubbed her chin. “Yeah, on second thought, he sucks.”
Amira’s lips twitched, but she quickly lost that spark again. “He didn’t do it so I could escape my life there. He did it for himself. He doesn’t want to deal with me.”
“Why not? What’s not to like?” Elyssa said it half sarcastically, half truthfully, leaving an air of mystery. Amira stared ahead—in disinterest or avoidance, Elyssa wasn’t sure. “Except for that pesky drug habit. Not your strongest trait. Bit of a turn off.” Elyssa smirked as Amira’s gaze snapped to hers. She had the princess’ attention now.
“I guess you’re not any better then, giving me pills and all.”
“I’m helping you get off, aren’t I?” The smirk was still plastered on Elyssa’s face, and she got caught up on the slight flush to Amira’s cheeks.
Amira jerked her head to the side. “Only because I asked you to.”
“Well, you can ask me anytime, sunshine.” Amira almost tripped over her feet. It only widened Elyssa’s grin. She was so easily flustered—it was delightful.
“You know what we should do?” Elyssa asked, drawing Amira’s attention back to her. “Explore this city in earnest without these goddamn guards.”
Amira lowered her voice. “We can’t ditch the guards.”
“Why not? No one knows you here. Without the guards, we’re nothing more than a rich fae and her awesome maid.” Amira’s face said no, but her eyes told a different story. Having read Amira’s letter, Elyssa could tell how badly Amira wanted freedom. Her eyes said as much now, a thirst for discovery and adventure shining through as her gaze darted between the stores up ahead.
“Come on, princess. What do you have to lose?” If Elyssa could get Amira alone, she was sure Amira would lower her guard and embrace that secret side of herself.
The princess chewed her lip. “I’m not sure—”
She never finished her sentence as Elyssa grabbed her hand and started running, catching Amira and the guards by surprise.
Chapter29
Lora
Lora’s cheeks were still flushed when she made her way back to the heart of the party. She didn’t need to turn around to know that Eyden was right behind her. There was something about his presence that always made her keenly aware of him, her skin tingling as she felt his gaze on her.
She didn’t know what had come over her, pulling Eyden into that study, completely giving in. Maybe the attack in Quarnian had reminded her that she wanted tolive,for as long as she could. Lora knew she shouldn’t have done it. But dancing with Eyden, hearing him tell her how much he craved kissing her, she couldn’t help herself. She had almost forgotten that they were doomed, thatshewas doomed. She didn’t regret pulling Eyden closer, only that it would damn him too.
“Where is Varsha meeting us?” Eyden asked, now walking beside her. His voice had lost its freeing, teasing tone, turning gravelly. Lora could still hear it whisper in her ear, but instead she focused on the music filling the ballroom. Drunk fae were quickly surrounding them, laughing, oblivious to their mission.
Lora’s gaze travelled to where Varsha was leaning against the wall next to an exit. Guards were stationed at the door, yet Varsha seemed unbothered, her hips faintly swaying to the music.
