Chapter Seven
Joy
Ari's demand that I perform like a trained dog struck a nerve. I wanted to slap that smirk right off his face. But the way the courtiers and queen looked at me—with such dismissive doubt, as if a dirty half-blood couldn't possibly possess real power—made my anger burn hotter.
I thought of Enzo. If I wanted to escape this place and get back to him, I had to play their game.
I took a deep breath and reached for my power. My chest fluttered and tingles moved through me, growing stronger and stronger. I held my palms up, calling to the shadows lurking in the corners of the great hall. They responded eagerly, flowing toward me like dark water.
I flashed her a devious smile that made her shaking hand fly to her throat protectively. With a flick of my wrist, I flung the shadows toward the massive crystal chandeliers overhead. The darkness slid around them like serpents, setting the heavy fixtures swaying. Courtiers gasped and ducked as crystal chimes rang out and chains groaned under the strain. The guardsimmediately surrounded the queen, flanking her throne and raising their swords defensively above her head. Queen Alanna’s eyes widened and her face paled as her gaze fell on me. Her disdain for me had vanished, replaced by genuine fear.
One of the guards broke from formation, his boots echoing against the marble as he approached. My pulse quickened. His hand went to the hilt of his sword, fingers wrapping around it with practiced ease. The blade sang as it cleared the scabbard, polished metal gleaming in the palace light. “Stop this dark magic.”
I was through with being intimidated. My anger exploded outward. Shadows erupted around his blade like black flames, ripping the weapon from his grip and hurling it upward. The sword struck the vaulted ceiling with a resounding clang, its point embedding deep in the ancient stone.
The guard stared at his hands, then backed away rapidly. I wasn’t the scared little mouse he thought I was. This mouse had razor-sharp teeth.
Ari grabbed my arm. “Stop, you fool.”
I turned to face him, shadows writhing around my feet. Fury and satisfaction carried inside me. For once, I had the upper hand and wasn’t going to let Ari beat me down again. “You wanted them to see my power. This is what it looks like.”
He narrowed his eyes as his fingernails lengthened. “Don’t make me hurt you.”
Blood thundered against my ears. I’d just thrown a sword into the ceiling—let him try to intimidate me now.
Queen Alanna held up her palm. “Enough. You’ve made your point, Ari.”
Ari released me. The courtiers and soldiers had backed away, leaving a path back to the double doors. I again thought about escaping, but where would I go? It’s not like I knew how to get back to my world, back to Enzo.
Panic suddenly moved through me like ice water. I could only open the portal with Marsha’s spell.
Ari straightened and bowed slightly to the queen. “I have a proposition for you, Your Majesty. One that I would like to speak privately with you about.”
“Absolutely not, my queen,” the guard next to her said, his hand moving to his sword hilt. “It’s much too dangerous.”
Queen Alanna tapped one perfectly manicured finger against her chin, studying Ari with shrewd eyes. “I will consider your offer and will see you in my private chamber. But first…” Her gaze swept over my torn dress and dirt-stained skin with obvious distaste. “Make this girl more presentable. A creature with such power shouldn’t be dressed in shambles.”
My hands clenched into fists.Creature. The word burned in my ears. I wasn’t some animal to be groomed for her amusement. Being reduced to property again brought back memories I’d tried to bury—memories of being bought and sold. I’d escaped that once. I wouldn’t let it happen again.
Every inch of her screamed privilege—from her spotless gown to her perfect posture—while she looked at me as if I was there to cater to her every desire. Not a chance in hell.
She arched one eyebrow at Ari. “Or do you not know how to treat your pets?”
Heat flared in my chest. “Pets?” I gritted my teeth and glared at her. “I’m not his pet.”
I wanted to refuse her offer out of pure spite, but I’d been wearing this dress for what seemed like days. The fabric clung to my skin with sweat and grime, and I could smell myself. As much as I hated to admit it, I desperately needed clean clothes.
She waved her hand dismissively. “Guards escort…” She paused, frowning slightly. “What was your name again?”
I held my head up high. “Joy DuPont.”
“Ari, you look like you should freshen up as well.”
“If that’s what you would like.” Ari nodded stiffly. His words didn’t match the coldness in his eyes.
I hid a smile. Obviously he didn’t like to be told he was unkempt. I wasn’t sure if he actually was, but I suspected the queen wanted to poke holes in his arrogance—and I was enjoying every second of it.
“It is,” the queen said with obvious satisfaction.
