Page 146 of Fearless

Another yank of the laces. “I’m afraid you will have to get used to it, my Queen.”

I gasp before Ellie finally ties off the torture device and guides me toward the mirror. Navy fabric spills to the middle of my shins, flaring out beneath the cinching corset. Matching tulle peeks out along the square neckline to tickle my lifted breasts. My hair shines above my shoulders, contrasting the dark blue like a full moon against the night sky.

The scar is there, ever on display. So, I stand a little straighter, showcasing it in a way I hope would make the king roll over in his grave.

“You like it, don’t you?” Ellie smiles, and it’s a sweet sort of savagery. “Corset and all.”

“Fine,” I drawl. “I like it.” Tilting my head toward the ceiling, I proclaim, “You hear that, A? I like the corset. You win.”

Ellie giggles, and I allow myself to do the same. Heading for the door, I’m presented with a pair of flat dark shoes that I happily slip on. “I’ll meet Lenny in the hall,” I say over my shoulder. “Thank you for your help, El. You can have the rest of the night to yourself.”

“But it’s your wedding ni—”

“And you will have much to do tomorrow.” I swing open the door. “Rest. I insist.”

I catch her begrudging nod before striding into the hallway. It only takes a few steps before Lenny has found his way to my side. “Evening, Princess.” He winces. “Queen. Whatever it is I’m supposed to call you.”

“You could try my name?” I offer.

“Hmm.” He considers this mockingly. “I don’t think our relationship is quite there yet.”

After elbowing him in the stomach, I allow myself a smile. We turn down another hall, and right as I think I’ve escaped the question, he asks, “You ready for tomorrow?”

That pinch of panic I have been feeling all day grabs hold of my heart once again. “Not even a little bit.”

“Everything will be fine.” This is slightly reassuring until he adds, “Hopefully.”

“You really are such a comfort to me.”

“Hey,” he practically laughs. “You’ll be fine, all right? You always are.”

“Right.” I glance over at him. “Like the cockroach I am.”

Those red curls fall over his brow with a shake of his head. “That does sound less and less like a compliment, I’m beginning to realize.”

I surprise myself with a weak laugh. “You don’t say?”

As we turn a corner, the throne room’s large doors come into sight. I take a deep breath, worrying once again what it is I might see behind them. My determined avoidance of wedding decorations will now come to an end.

We are nearly at the doors when Lenny grabs my arm, pulling me aside. “Hey, uh, I wanted to ask you something.” He fidgets with the mask on his face, running fingers along the freckles peeking out beneath.

“What is it?” I say, slightly concerned.

“Well, when you’re queen”—he gestures to the looming doors—“which will be very soon, I was, uh, wondering if you would do something for me.”

“Of course.” The answer is quick. “Anything.”

He takes a deep breath. “Release me from my post. I’d like to be free of my Imperial duties. See what Dor or Tando has to offer me.”

I blink, stunned. “What? Is that what you want?”

He scratches the back of his neck. “I think? Maybe?”

My hand finds his arm, and I’m forced to swallow before saying, “Well, if that is what you wish. But”—I point a finger in his face—“we are going to talk about this later. Okay?”

His relief is palpable. “Of course.”

I smile at him before turning toward the doors. They are open a handful of heartbeats later, and as I step into the throne room, Lenny’s voice follows. “Thank you, P.”

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