“You should.”
“Idon’t.” His voice deepened. “You think I care what some forgefools whisper about me? You’re stronger than most of the court. I can feel it in the bond. You just don’t see it yet.”
I shifted, laying my palm over his heart. “I don’t know how to believe that.”
He kissed me, slow and deep, then said against my lips, “Then I’ll believe it for both of us.”
I closed my eyes. “We keep it quiet. Just for now.”
He nodded, brushing my hair back. “All right. But the second they find out, I’ll be proud. You’remine.”
“You’re such a stubborn ironnecked Silver.”
He grinned. “You like it.”
I didn’t deny it.
39
I fell asleep locked in the strong embrace of Blake’s arms, his heart slow and steady against my cheek, and slept deeply. When I woke, my burdens felt a bit lighter.
He continued sleeping soundly as I slipped his grasp, dressing myself in new clothing laid out for me near the couch. As if the room itself had provided it, knowing I was not in my own chambers.
The fabric gleamed silver in the morning light, the color of moonlit steel, woven with subtle patterns that shifted like liquid metal as I moved closer. A fitted tunic, reinforced yet supple, with intricate embroidery that scrolled toward the emblem at the chest: a coiled tyger encased within a diamond.
The Silver Tyger Dominion’s mark.
I ran my fingers over the tunic’s emblem, feeling the raised threads beneath my touch. I slipped the tunic over my head, the fabric gliding smoothly against my skin. It settled perfectly across my shoulders, neither too loose nor too tight, hugging me just enough to feel secure. The sleeves were long and snug.
I stretched my arms, testing the give. The fabric moved with me, like a second skin.
The trousers were just as finely crafted, designed for movement without sacrificing protection, and cut from a thin, breathable weave. A flowing cloak, clasped with a brooch, lay beside it, made of smooth, strong fabric.
And at the foot of the bench, I found a pair of sturdy boots that were reinforced with steel at the toes and heels, yet supple enough to move with me.
I quickly tied back my hair, before following my usual routine, wanting to settle my nerves. My ribbons were in my own rooms, but I practiced the movements. My mind, usually quiet as I danced, seemed to warm up as well. Thoughts of the day to come swirled.
If the Silver Tyger Dominion was set on using the Raveling to take power, who was to say the other dominions did not plan to do the same? And did we know which ones were already here? The other dominions were no mystery in name, but in truth, we knew next to nothing about each other. The geographical barriers that separated our lands had kept us apart for centuries, along with a deep-rooted mistrust passed down through generations.
A sense of unease wrapped around me like a shadow. The gods had brought us together, but the deep fractures between the dominions wouldn’t be so easily mended. If the gods were showing me pieces of my lost memories, what might they be taunting the others with?
I returned to the bedside, where Blake was still asleep. I felt something tugging me toward him. Was it the Pairing or just that he was so utterly gorgeous?
Part of me wished to wake him, but I knew he hadn’t slept well in some time. I also knew he wouldn’t be able to rest much longer, so I pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, inhaling the scent of his skin, before stepping back and heading out.
The delicious smell of food led me right to the dining room.
Great columns of carved stone lined the walls, each wrapped in silken banners, representing the four dominions: silver for the Tyger, red for the Phoenix, azure for the Dragon, and onyx for the Tortoise.
The long banquet table in the center of the hall overflowed with plates of fragrant food.
On the far walls, open arches revealed beautiful gardens; I wondered if winter was ever felt here. From one arch, the sound of trickling water could be heard, a soft melody that added to the peaceful atmosphere of the hall.
Four circular tables stretched across the room, their surfaces polished to a deep shine. Each one seated five, a table for each dominion.
Malissa, Ire, and Jace were already seated at a table. Malissa and Ire glittered with malice, while Jace lounged in his seat, giving me a warm smile.
“Good morning, Morningtail.” He grinned as I approached. He pulled the chair out next to him in welcome.
