Page 63 of Fearless

I’m handed a glass of water next, which I eagerly drain in the hopes it will rid me of the horrid taste in my mouth. The king watches me closely, looking far from the title with how casually he sits beside me. “How are you feeling?”

I assess myself before determining, “Better, actually. Thank you. I didn’t…” I’m feeling annoyingly awkward. “I didn’t think you would come and see me.”

“Someone had to ensure you were still alive up here,” he says simply.

“I’m glad you cared to check.”

There is a long pause. It’s as though he hadn’t considered that to be true. Then comes his curt change of subject. “I’m addressing the court today about your next Trial.”

I straighten. “Already?”

Kitt nods. “Testing your benevolence will take longer than your bravery, so I’m getting you started sooner.”

“I’ll be in another Trial within the next few days.”

The words are deafening, and yet, I had hardly whispered them. A familiar sense of panic eats away at my composure. I may have completed the first Trial, but that does not guarantee I’ll make it out of this one alive. And just as I have been my entire life, I’m afraid.

“At least you’re plenty rested,” Kitt offers.

I lean my head against the wall where it continues to ache dully. “When did I get back to my room last night?”

“Nearly five in the morning,” he states. “Kai carried you up here.”

I practically wince at his words. There is no bite to them, and that almost makes it worse. Talk of Kai has always been, and always will be, unbearably awkward. So I attempt to avoid it. “Plagues, how much did I drink?”

“Enough to not remember much, I assume?”

I blow out a breath. “Yes, it’s all very… blurry. I remember bits andpieces of the ball.” Cutting him a glance, I add, “Well, I certainly remember why I started drinking in the first place.”

The sight of Blair flashes in my mind, managing to boil my blood even now.

“I’m sorry that her being there was so upsetting,” Kitt states, not sounding too torn up about it. “But I need you to get used to her being around. I can’t simply make her disappear.”

“Oh, I could.” There is not a hint of a smile on my face. “Allow me. Please.”

“You know that’s not possible, Paedyn.” He runs a hand down the back of his neck. “But you seemed to be having fun despite her being there. Even managed to get the court to have a good time, and that is no simple feat.”

“Yes, the dancing,” I say slowly. “My feet are sore.”

“Well, I hear you discarded your shoes rather quickly.” He nods to the heels that were hastily strewn beside my bed.

I stare at them, a memory struggling to surface at the sight. But before I have a chance to recall, Kitt is standing to his feet. “You made another decree as well. Very impressive.”

I laugh. “Don’t mock me.”

That almost manages to earn me a smile before he clears his raspy throat and stands. “I’ll send Ellie in to get you ready. I have a meeting to get to.” He points to the bedside table, drawing my attention to what sits there, steaming in the sunlight. I hadn’t noticed the bowl in my foggy state. “Kai said you might want some of that. Again, he knows you rather well, so I took his word for it.”

Despite myself, I smile at the porridge decorated with fruit. Fruit that Kai despises. Blueberries sit among the steaming oats, reminding me of that long night under the willow. “Thank you,” I murmur, lifting my eyes to his. “For bringing it for me.”

He gives me a quick nod of his head. Then he coughs into an ink-stained fist. “You have two hours. I’ll see you at the throne room then.”

Stepping out the door, he’s quickly replaced with Ellie. I scarf down the porridge while she readies the room, eying me from afar. “What is it, Ellie?” I finally ask between bites.

“Nothing,” she answers quickly. “I’m just happy you’re feeling better. You were very out of it when Prince Kai dropped you off last night.”

I feel my cheeks redden. “Yes, not my finest moment.”

“He insisted on staying in here with you.” She glances over at me bashfully. “Said he would sit in that chair until he was sure you were asleep.”

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