Page 138 of Fearless

“That is a problem, isn’t it?” I agree.

With a growing grin that showcases those dimples I love to hate, he reaches into his boot to retrieve—

“My dagger,” I breathe.

Its swirling, silver hilt winks at me in the dying light. I take it gently from his hands, smiling as I’m reunited with this piece of my father. Until I’m reminded why I didn’t have it in the first place.

I stare down at the clean blade. “You… pulled it from his chest.”

“He had no need for it.”

My gaze falls to the calloused palms at his sides. His nails are rimmed with dirt, though his hands are scrubbed clean of the mud that once coated them. That sight alone sends me back to the Whispers, where a cocky prince once buried a girl for the sake of another. And again, in the slums of Ilya, another littered body of mine was put to rest by the man meant to drag me to my doom.

“You buried him.”

It’s not a question. But it’s not a surprise, either. Not anymore.

“Nothing gets past you, Little Psychic.” Kai sighs out the words before adding, “Out in the poppy field. I figured that was a good place for him to rest.”

“Thank you.” I choke on the words. “I only wish Adena was there with him.”

His fingers find my chin. “I know, Pae. I wish I knew what happened to her after that Trial.”

I nod quickly, not wanting to dwell on that thought more than I already do. “Thank you,” I say again. “You really are becoming quite the gentleman.”

“Only for you, darling.” He flicks my nose gently before backing away with a wry smile.

I blink at his retreating form. “Where are you going?”

His palms rise as if accepting defeat. “Somewhere you cannot torture me, Gray.”

An exasperated sound tumbles out of my mouth. “Torture? I haven’t even raised my dagger to you yet.”

“Are you completely unaware of how devastating you are?” Kai chuckles darkly. “You don’t need a blade. I would bleed if only you asked.”

“Then I wouldn’t ask,” I retort sternly.

“No, you wouldn’t.” He steps out into the hall, tossing his next damning sentence over a shoulder. “As my queen, you would command it.”

CHAPTER 51Kai

The sound of muffled voices slips beneath the throne room’s looming doors.

Kitt stands beside me, straightening the golden crown that bleeds into the hair beneath. “She should be here by now.”

I get the strangest sense he wasn’t speaking to me. My gaze sweeps down the hallway, searching for any flash of silver hair. “She will be here soon. Probably.”

The king runs a hand over his face, eyes blurry. “Well, the court is growing restless. We should head in there.”

Sighing, I turn toward the door.

“What?” Kitt asks skeptically. “Spit it out.”

“I’ve just never been dead before.” I shrug a shoulder. “It was kind of nice.”

Kitt’s laugh bounces all around us. His stare seems to clear suddenly. “Peaceful, I’m sure.”

“I should die more often.”

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