Page 61 of Fearless

I think I hear myself giggle. “Yes.”

And with that, I’m grabbing them both by the arm. I don’t bother trying to comprehend their persistent protests as I drag them toward the dance floor. The sea of people parts for us, amused enough to turn to their neighbor and gossip.

When I halt in the center of the dance floor, I turn to the boys. “As future queen, I hereby instate a new tradition.”

I might have yelled the words. Oops.

Kai is now pinching the bridge of his nose, swallowing the laugh in his throat. “Plagues, I hope you remember this tomorrow.”

“Shh, I’m making a decree,” I scold.

Kitt might have smiled. “We’re listening, Paedyn.”

I like that he said my name. That feels like progress.

I clear my throat, ignoring the many wide gazes surrounding, and—

Hmm. I feel like I should be taller for this. Establish my strength and such. So where the hell are my heels when I actually need them?

“I declare,” I say slowly, my spine straightening, “a dance between the three of us. Unified as one.”

I don’t even give them the chance to argue. How very queenly of me.

I’m wrapping an arm around each of them and swaying to the lively music. This is the fun I wanted. This will bring us together. What better way to force the king into friendship with me?

I laugh and laugh and, Plagues, have I ever laughed so much? A safe bet would be, no, I have never laughed so much. And I think it may be that very reason that gets the boys’ feet to move with me.

They share a single glance. It’s that brotherly bond that can never be broken—except by perhaps me, but what a grim thought—that has them communicating in a language I can’t hear. And the silent conclusion they come to is clearly for my benefit. Not rooted in pity, no, but in caring. Kai for me, and Kitt for Kai.

Soon enough, their arms weave around my back, wrapping around each other. We spin in our makeshift circle with any series of steps we desire. I’m pulled and spun and laughing louder by the minute. They laugh with me, at me, maybe, but I don’t care. This is a happiness I’m willing to sacrifice my dignity for.

We break out of our circle, dancing however we please. I’m spun between them, passed from arm to arm. I barely even notice the groups of people beginning to dance beside us, all following our lead. Clustersof bodies spin and dance among themselves, laughing at the informality of it all.

And I dare say it’s the most fun this court has ever seen.

Teetering on my toes, I throw both arms over the king and his Enforcer’s shoulders, beaming at the room around us. There is such beauty in chaos and I—

I’m being lifted off the ground.

I squeal when arms wrap around my waist and hoist my feet off the floor. I’m now a foot taller than the boys holding me up, and this is exactly the height I wished to be when making my impulsive decree.

I look down to my left. Kitt—crown crooked atop blond hair, smile shockingly wide, demeanor that of the boy I befriended so long ago, not the one I’d betrayed. I see hope when I look at him in this moment. A blooming companionship.

I look down to my right. Kai—black hair curling over his brow, eyes bright, and dimples that I curse beneath my breath. But above all, love. It lingers in his gaze, in his touch, down to the very curve of that smile I know belongs to me alone.

The room spins around me, but it’s him I focus on. Him I cling to.

Long after our dance and long into the next life.

The night passes in the form of hazy flashes.

My mouth hurts from smiling. My feet ache from dancing.

But I’m not on my feet in this flashing moment.

No.

I’m in strong arms, pressed against a broad chest, smiling up at a handsome face.

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