Page 64 of Fearless

I swallow. “And did he?”

“Yes.” Her voice is quiet. “And long after.”

We fall silent soon after that, setting our focus on the task at hand. After a cool bath that further wakes me, Ellie ensures I look presentable in record time. She’s pinned half of my damp hair up with the exception of a few pieces that fall around my powdered face.

Next, I step into an elegant green gown behind the screen. The drooping sleeves and high neckline cover my scars, following the requirements I’d given Ellie for any future dresses. Shoving on my heels, I’m hit once again with that fleeting memory at the sight of them.

But Ellie is pushing me out the doors before I have the chance to ponder it further. I set a steady pace down the hall, passing the many emotionless Imperials lining it. They stare, and I stare back.

Soon enough, I’m threading my arm through Kitt’s and watching the large doors swing open. When I look over at him, he nods slowly. And then we’re stepping into the throne room.

The same eyes that watched me last night are watching me now. We walk between the throng of people on either side, faces forward. Reaching the dais, Kitt guides me up before we turn as one toward the court.His fingers reach for mine, lacking all the hesitancy he shows in private. But this is for show, not feelings.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the court, today we gather in honor of Paedyn Gray’s second Trial,” Kitt announces, voice steady. “As you and the rest of Ilya know, she successfully retrieved Mareena Azer’s lost crown. After proving her bravery, she will now prove her benevolence.

“As second of the threeB’s,” Kitt continues, “benevolence has proven difficult in the past, due to our isolation from neighboring cities. But with our borders now open, we must extend peace to the kingdoms. This will take more than a letter detailing Ilya’s changes. It will require action.”

My eyes skim over the crowd, finding Calum among the unfamiliar faces. He’s smiling slightly at Kitt’s words, pleased with every one that leaves his mouth. Beside him stands a girl I haven’t seen since the Resistance meetings at my old home. Her hair is the same blond as her father’s, eyes nearly as blue.

Mira.

When she catches me staring, I’m barely offered a nod, let alone a smile. This is hardly surprising. We weren’t particularly close, and I’m not sure she would give me a grin even if we were.

I turn my attention back to the king when he glances over at me. It’s a fleeting look that just might resemble an apology. “For that reason,” Kitt declares, “Paedyn will be traveling across the Shallows Sea to befriend the city of Izram and open future trade between us.”

My sharp inhale is drowned out by the clapping crowd.

Of course they’re clapping. No one has crossed the treacherous stretch of water in years. And I may not make it back if I dare test the unforgiving sea.

That is why they cheer.

“Paedyn will inform Izram of our opened borders and negotiate peace…”

Kitt continues his speech, but I hear none of it.

No, my eyes land on Kai’s before running over his rigid body.

Fear pulls at his features, and when he dares to meet my gaze, I’m forced to once again wonder why I ever bother looking at anyone else. Those icy eyes drag over my body, feeling heavier than a touch, more meaningful than a word. I revel in his reverence. That is, until it lands on the fingers I’ve laced between his brother’s.

A muscle feathers in his jaw. I can see the anger seeping out from beneath the unbothered mask he’s slipped on.

So he looks away. He turns. He strides from the throne room.

And I can feel myself beginning to drift without him to anchor me.

CHAPTER 24Kai

I pace the worn rug, doing the same thing I’d done when it was Father sitting behind that desk.

Kitt leans back in his chair with a sharp clearing of his throat. Sensing the tension, Easel steps forward to offer, “There is no alternative. This is what the court wants.”

“This is a death wish,” I bite out. “That is why they want her to do it. Not to prove her benevolence but to die trying.”

It’s Calum who speaks next, though I don’t bother looking at the Mind Reader. “I have faith that Paedyn can do this. And traveling to Izram will impress the people far more than even finding that crown.”

I shake my head, failing to hide my frustration. Damn pretending. Damn these Trials. Kitt already suspects that my allegiance to Paedyn runs far deeper than me being her Enforcer. “All of this for what? To deliver some damn roses?”

Easel draws a breath. “Izram struggles to grow them due to their sandy soil. And—”

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