Page 66 of Fearless

“But you have a kingdom to rule,” she continues steadily. “And if you want me to return to it, I need some protection.”

After a long moment of scrutinizing, Kitt finally tears his eyes away. “All right,” he says, voice hushed. “Kai will go with you.”

I nod curtly despite my sudden relief at his words. “I’ll ensure she makes it back to you.”

“I’m sure you will.”

“When do we leave?” Pae cuts in, sensing the slight tension.

It’s Easel who answers. “Day after tomorrow. Early.”

“You’re making the right decision, Kitt.” I swallow. “For your future bride.”

Everything inside me recoils at the words, but I utter them all the same. He seems to notice how much it pains me. But he plays along, giving a slow nod to the door. “You two have some packing to do.”

Not a very subtle dismissal, but I can’t say I’m surprised. So I take the hint along with my leave. Reaching the curved staircase, I climb the steps two at a time, following the familiar route toward my room.

My pace is even, hopes oddly high for one who may be sailing to their death. But I am no stranger to drowning. I’ve been doing just that since the day I looked into her ocean eyes.

A power shifts beneath my skin, growing stronger with each step. It feels familiar, harsh in the same way it has been since we were children.

I know who awaits me even before I round the corner.

Her lilac hair is braided loosely down the back of her simple blouse. It’s jarring, seeing Blair look anything but lethal. Yet here she stands, face free of its usual dark makeup and clothes surprisingly plain.

“What are you doing here?” I ask as way of greeting.

She raises a dark brow. “What am I doing outside my door?”

My smile is sharp. “Why aren’t you behind it?”

“Oh, I see!” She says this with more than a hint of disdain. “You’re asking because, apparently, I’m no longer allowed to set foot outside of my own room.” A slight pout forms on her lips. “We can’t have our future queen hurting herself trying to kill me.”

I run a hand down my face, already exhausted by this conversation. “What are you doing out here, Blair? I thought Lenny gets you everything you need.”

“Not everything, unfortunately.” She sighs. “If you must know, I was sharpening my knives. You know, for throwing at little children outsidemy window.” Her eyes roll. “Or whatever other twisted hobbies you think I enjoy.”

“Just…” I gesture lazily to the door. “Get back in there. Please.”

“Hmm.” Her gaze travels over me. “It seems the Slummer taught you some manners. How ironic.”

“Don’t, Blair,” I warn.

“So will you share her with Kitt the rest of your life? Or find another Ordinary on the streets?”

The words have barely left her mouth before I snap.

I throw her back against the wall with nothing but my mind and the use of her borrowed Tele power. She gasps in surprise, straining slightly beneath my hold on her body. No Elite appreciates their own power being used against them, but I have little concern for her feelings at the moment.

Each step toward her pinned body is slow, deliberate. The glare she gives me is dull, seemingly unconcerned by her current situation. But when I loom over her, she fights to tilt her head up and meet my icy stare.

“Talk about her like that again,” I murmur slowly, “and you will be begging to stay locked in that room, safe from me.”

Something about her gaze gradually softens in the seconds after my threat. And that concerns me. “Shit,” she breathes, mouth gaping. Her lashes flutter as she stares up at me, equally shocked and amused. “You’re in love with her.”

I step back abruptly, releasing my hold on her and the power I’d clutched tightly in my mind. She slumps against the wall, free to move her slackened limbs. And the first thing she does is shake her head at me in disbelief. “I always knew there was something between you, but…” Her laugh is slightly crazed. “You’re completely in love with her.”

My eyes wander to the floor, chest heaving with each breath. I can’t even find a convincing enough lie to spew. I’m not even sure I could bring myself to deny it if I had to. So I stand there like an open wound, letting her examine the weakness she’s discovered.

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