Elara wanted nothing more than to believe that, to sink into the safety of his arms as she had in the carriage ride back. To feel protected and comforted as he held her like she was all that mattered in the world.
But a few weeks couldn’t change a person entirely. How many of their midnight meetings would it take to fully capture his heart? To make him abandon everything he’d worked for with his Souverain?
“Why?” she asked, because she needed to know the truth.
“Why what?”
“Why hurt Lafontaine to help me?”
“I don’t want to hurt him,” he replied, tapping the paper against his free hand. “I just want the truth.”
“I see.” It was foolish to think he had any other motive.
Without warning, he crossed the parlor in two long strides and threaded his fingers through her hair, broad palms cupping her heated cheeks. It was what she’d wanted earlier tonight when he’d found her huddled in the corner, and it was every bit as wonderful as she’d imagined. She clutched his coat to steady herself and pulled him closer, leaning into the warmth of his fingers that outlined the shape of her ear.
He was going to kiss her.
And she wanted it so badly.
Instead, his forehead pressed against hers, their breath mingling.
“This is the best I’ve got,” he whispered.
He brushed his nose against hers.
“I’ll be back. Stay here.”
“I can’t just wait around while everyone solves my problems for me.”
“Elara.” His voice rumbled as his fingers pressed desperately into the back of her neck. “Promise me you’ll stay here. Wait for me.”
Like he needed her.
Like she was the only thing keeping him tethered.
“Fine.” She closed her eyes. “Okay.”
“Thank you.”
The door closed behind him, and she watched as he sneaked past the guards and down the street. Elara shut the curtains with a snap.
As if from a nightmare, the faint chime of the Objet d’Art envelope rang out from the kitchen. It was probably a dismissal. At least now the whole damn thing would be over, and she could—
CHEFELARAROUSSEAU,
This evening, your fate as a contestant, not to mention your status as a citizen, was under great scrutiny. The Counseilhas determined that you arenotguilty of treason but instead, a victim of a terrorist’s deceit. It is in the spirit of support for all citizens that the Counseil has granted your continued participation in Objet de’Art.
“The crowd loved you,” Chantal explained. “After your starvation tart? After Gaetan practically confessed? The Souverains would risk public favor if they turned you away.”
Elara’s throat tightened as she continued to read.
Throughout the festivities, you have enchanted some of the most renowned Directeurs and Professionnelles in Anespérer. But as the finale approaches, let us not forget those a Souverain truly serves: the people. With unrest knocking at our door, it is important to show our citizens that we are united in their pain, and they are united in our victory. The final event will be hosted at the week’s end in the Restes Market, where you will be joined by two assistants to create a banquet not only for the Counseil, but for the people. You will have six hours to do so. After which, a new Souverain will be crowned for a new future.
All of Anespérer be with you,
THECOUNSEIL DESSEPT
The Restes?
