Page 57 of Fearless

I claw at his arms, anger clouding my vision. It’s not until another figure blocks my view of Blair that I still. Lenny’s face hovers in frontof me, free of its usual Imperial’s mask. Without the leather obscuring it, I can see the worry that clearly crinkles his brow. “Paedyn, you can’t touch her, all right?” His voice is part plea and part command. “This isn’t worth it. You’re going to be queen. Think of what would happen if you tried to kill the general’s daughter in front of your entire court?”

Kai’s arms slacken around my waist, leaving me panting up at Lenny. “It’s not worth it,” he says quietly. “Please, don’t make me stand between the two of you. Because I will.”

His words have me taking a staggering step back. I shake my head at him. He must see every bit of hurt and hatred on my face because his falls into an equally torn expression. And yet, he chooses to return to his spot at Blair’s side. Her brown gaze flicks to mine, face placid in a way that makes it difficult not to shatter the facade with my fist.

“Keep her out of my sight,” I order evenly. “Because you won’t be able to stop me, Lenny. You know that.”

I’m walking away before a reaction can form on their faces. I hear Kai’s long strides behind me, likely following to ensure I behave myself.

But that is the last thing I want to do tonight.

I grab a flute of champagne from a servant’s tray and gulp down the liquid in a matter of seconds. Then I exchange that empty glass for a full one and do the same. Warmth spills into my stomach, coating my body in an intoxicating fuzzy feeling.

That is all I want to feel tonight. Not anger. Not hurt. Not queenly. Just this contentment beginning to thrum through me.

“Do I even want to know what you’re planning?” Kai sighs from where he towers over me.

I give him a smile, noting the way it affects him. Then I shove my empty glass into his hand. “I’m planning on having fun.”

CHAPTER 22Kai

She’s lost her shoes.

Well, she had.

That was before I’d scoured the ballroom for them, knowing Paedyn would not. Seeing that she flung them off her feet with a declaration of discomfort, I’m sure she was quite content to never find them.

Now, swaying in time to the music, she hardly notices the heels hanging from my fingers. I lean against the pillar, watching her with a smile that has rarely left my lips all evening.

Her familiar silver dress clings to the body beneath, rippling with each of her movements. She’s hypnotizing—every laugh, every smile, every sway of her hips. Her cheeks are flushed pink beneath the strands of silver hair falling over her face. But despite her glistening skin, Paedyn doesn’t remove the thin shawl around her shoulders.

And I may be the only one in this room that knows why.

Lifting my eyes from where I know Father’s parting gift to her lies beneath the fabric, I find her lifting yet another glass of alcohol to those distracting red lips. I push off the pillar, halting her arm before the liquidcan slip down her pretty throat. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I may need to cut you off for the night.”

Her eyebrows rise comically, every movement exaggerated. “Youcuttingmeoff?” She leans closer, tilting her head at me. “That seems a bit ironic.”

“Trust me, darling.” I sigh. “I’m well aware.”

She waves her glass at me, sloshing champagne over the brim of it. “Aren’t you the one who loves to get drunk at these boring balls?” With her free hand, she shoves a finger into my chest. “Then you’d beg for a dance with me. And occasionally unlace my dress afterward.”

I chuckle at her sly grin. “You know why I did that.”

“Yes, but what I don’t know,” she says innocently, “is why you haven’t since.”

“Are you…” I shake my head at her in disbelief. “Are you flirting with me, Gray?”

She giggles in a way I’ve never heard before but would beg to again. “I’m simply thinking out loud.”

Now it’s my turn to tilt my head at her. “Then I would certainly like to hear what else it is you are thinking.”

“Why aren’t you drinking with me?” she shoots back with a mischievous grin.

“Someone has to look after you.”

She takes a step closer. “I have a fiancé.”

“And yet…” I dangle the heels in front of her. “I’m the one carrying your shoes. Though, I am worried about what it is you’ll be taking off next.”

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