Page 66 of Kiss the Filthiest King

“Godno. I’d like to be happy. I don’t think Loch would ever be content with something as simple as happiness.”

I smile indulgently. “You’re likely right.”

“You were right too, when you said I was settling for Ben,” she says after a second. “Taking what I could get. In our world, men aren’t particularly interested in girls like me. I’m the norm. Here, they look at me. Some are seriously creepy, but at least I get noticed."

"You were always beautiful, Rachel," I tell her. "I'm sorry you didn't see that. And if Loch helped you realize it, then I'm glad."

Flushing harder, she adds. "I suppose I also get why you and your guy were so…into it yesterday. I mean, it looked like he was choking the life out of you. But fairies are intense, huh?"

Oh, dear. "Yes, they are.And I think some of them aren’t as twisted as others. Us," I reword.

Relva snorts, no longer able to ignore the conversation. "Nah, we're all twisted. Some are just better at hiding it. There, all done."

"How do I look?" I ask, smoothing the fabric with my hands.

"Scary," Rachel replies.

At the same time, Relva says, "Beautiful."

"Scary beautiful it is," I quip with a smile.

"I wouldn't dress your hair much. It'll be easier to set the crown."

Relva only braids half of it down to keep it into place.

She does, however, powder my face, with whites and reds and kohl and a smooth pot of something like lipstick, except she uses it to make my cheekbones look sharper.

When she's done, I recognize myself; it's not the kind of makeup I'd wear to a party, made to highlight my best features. It covers and reshapes them, making me look different.

Powerful.

I wouldn't mess with someone with that face. And that's exactly what I want, what I need to project right now.

"I have no idea what I'd do without you," I tell Relva.

All of them have been helpful to me in their own way, and essential, but I feel like Relva understands me and what I need more than anyone else. Maybe because she's a woman. Maybe because she's the least powerful, and therefore the one who's worked harder for her place. Ryther's the king; Caenan, his second, and often his replacement at court; Loch does whatever he wants, and is owed favors by anyone who's anyone. Relva may be a princess, but I don't think she has much direct power.

I've barely seen her, busy as she's been preparing everything, and so far everything she's had her hand in has been perfect.

"You do know that I will repay my debt to you," I say earnestly. "What do you want that I can give?"

She smiles. "There'll come a time my mother will die. My siblings will squabble over who will succeed her."

"You want her crown?" I guess.

"I want your protection. Allyoursiblings died at each other’s hand when your mother fell. The sea court is a little less dramatic, but there's no love lost between us."

"And you wouldn't want to rule it yourself."

She wrinkles her nose. "It sounds like rather a lot of work. I wouldn't mind a spouse ruling something of consequence, I suppose. But I'm interested in party planning and fun, myself. For now, I'm more than happy to serve you. You're certainly the most entertainment we've had in ages in Ilvaris."

Entertainment. Given the last few days I've had, it's baffling to hear her say it.She's not being insensitive, exactly, just very direct. Fae.

"Well, you're a lady of the high court. Of course, you'll have my full support and protection. As long as I'm alive by then, that is."

"So here's to keeping you that way another day!"

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