As I applied more pressure, he passed out.
I stood, only to find that Daichi was also on the ground and both remaining guards were headed right for me.
My hand went to my pocket and I gripped Gideon’s talisman.
He’d said to call. He’d said he needed an invitation.
Well, maybe it was time to invite him.
I rubbed the stick as I jumped to avoid being tackled.
“Finally,” Gideon said, as he materialized in front of me. He reached down to touch the shoulder of the guard at his feet. Both he and the man disappeared, then reappeared at the entrance.
A second later, Gideon returned, alone, leaving the guard on the opposite side of the room yelling over the crowd between us.
Gideon’s mouth tilted in the slightest smile as he turned toward the remaining guards and said over his shoulder, “I thought you’d never take the hint.”
CHAPTER 47
Arie
IFELT THE SLIGHTweight of the tiny dagger tucked into my intricate braids—the only place I could think to hide it where it was still within reach. It was barely longer than my finger, but it was razor sharp.
I hoped it would be enough. I’d yet to decide on the timing—whether now, in front of everyone when he least expected it, or later tonight when we’d be alone, but it’d be more of a risk.
Either way almost guaranteed my death.
A monarch couldn’t be killed lightly.
The guards held me at the altar like a butterfly pinned down, but over the din of everyone’s strangely idyllic and happy thoughts, I realized Amir was speaking aloud. Channeling my rage, I glared at him, and again, it gave me focus.
“You will be a happy bride today,” he murmured with a false smile. The power of his words flowed over the room like a soft gust of air.
When Enoch repeated it, the strength of the words hit me like a wave. I smiled up at Amir. Why had I been upset? This was the happiest day of my life.
Soft whispers from the minds across the room reached me, of how beautiful I looked, of how lovely the ceremony, the flowers, the sun shining in and blessing this glorious day.
