Page 82 of Kingdom of Dance

“In…in battle,” he said, his voice a little gruffer than usual.

Zinnia nodded. “It adds to your appeal,” she informed him. “Enhances the whole dark battle-worn hero effect.”

“With the maids,” he said, his voice even lower now.

She nodded, not taking her eyes off him as she raised her wine to her lips. “Of course,” she agreed, taking another sip. “With the maids.”

The lieutenant’s eyes remained latched on to her. He was definitely rattled now, but still he didn’t drink.

Zinnia shifted even closer, so their bodies were inches away. She tilted her face to look up at him, searching his eyes for some sign of his thoughts. He wasn’t easy to read.

“Are you always so cold, Soldier?” she asked softly. “Isn’t there any fire in you?”

He made no answer, but something flickered in his eyes, and it occurred to Zinnia all at once that she was playing with fire herself. She’d thought she knew her purpose, but a sudden recklessness washed over her, as she imagined what it would be like if the act turned to reality, if she were to lean up and press her lips to Obsidian’s. How would he respond? He would probably push her away. But was there, perhaps, a small chance that he would instead take her in his arms, kiss her back?

She realized she was the one staring with far too much intensity this time. She rocked back a little, needing space, and—at last, at last—Obsidian lifted his chalice again. Realizing that her avid scrutiny must seem suspicious, Zinnia glanced down at her own glass. In the corner of her eyes, she saw him take a sizable gulp.

Hardly knowing whether to be pleased or mortified by the success of her scheme, she looked back up. She studied his face keenly, searching for any sign that those uncannily shrewd eyes were beginning to dim.

She didn’t have to look long. Just as her stomach gave an agonizing twist, the lieutenant’s eyelids began to droop. He looked a little confused, passing a hand across his eyes.

“Are you all right?” she asked, all bewildered concern. “You’ve pushed yourself too hard after your journey. I shouldn’t be keeping you up late. Let me help you get to your rooms.”

But to her dismay, he sank right down into the chair he’d just vacated instead.

“I am very tired,” he acknowledged, still sounding confused. “I’ll go to my room in a minute. Just need a moment to…”

His words trailed off, his eyes drifting shut as his head slumped forward. Zinnia blinked at him, surprised by how quickly the drug had taken effect.

“Obsidian?” she said, stepping forward and shaking his shoulder. “Obsidian, are you awake?”

He made no reply. Zinnia hesitated, unsure what to do. She didn’t know what ramifications there might be of leaving him sleeping in her rooms, but the pain in her stomach was so intense, she no longer had much choice. It seemed she would have to deal with that problem later. Unease swirled through her. What would he think when he awoke? If she’d known he was going to be back in Tola, she could have taken the drug to dinner, tried to slip it to him there. But by the time she’d known of his presence, it was too late. And she couldn’t think of any other way to get it to him other than to invite him to her rooms, scandalous as it might be. She’d never dreamed it would set in so quickly that he couldn’t make it even out the door before passing out.

Moving forward, she knelt before the soldier, searching his peaceful face with concern. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “But I’m also not sorry at all.” She raised an uncertain hand, running her fingers over his close-cropped hair. “You should have no worse than a headache, which is a small price to pay for your life. I had to, you know. For some reason, your safety has become incredibly important to me.”

Of course he made no reply, and Idric’s compulsion was now irresistible. She rose, hurrying through the doorway that connected her suite to Lilac’s. Her sister’s rooms were empty, as were Violet’s next to them. When Zinnia emerged into the nursery, it was to find all eleven of her sisters waiting impatiently for her.

“There you are!”

“Do you think it’s not happening tonight?”

Zinnia shook her head. “It’s happening right now.”

There was a flurry of movement as everyone clustered together. They were all ready, although their sturdy boots didn’t match their fancy gowns.

As soon as Zinnia turned her reluctant gaze to the middle of the floor, the familiar trapdoor materialized. For a moment, she hung back, suddenly overwhelmed by her emotions. It was too much. Too hard. Her thoughts flew to Obsidian, unconscious in her rooms, and tears welled in her eyes. If only he was with her, if only he could know the truth.

But he couldn’t. No one could. She alone truly understood the horror of Idric’s threats, and she’d utterly failed to do anything about it.

“Zinnia?” Violet prompted her. “What’s wrong?”

She turned to her sister, her throat choked and tight. “I don’t want to go down there,” she said desperately. “I can’t.”

Some of the younger girls looked shocked and even a little afraid at her display. But Violet just looked confused.

“What do you mean? Of course you can. The trapdoor is right there.”

“Come on, Zinnia,” said Daisy impatiently. “I know you don’t approve of our fun for some reason, but can’t you ever just lighten up and enjoy a ball?”

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