Page 87 of Hidden Kingdoms

There was no makeup, all I had to work with was having brushed hair and clean teeth. So, I ensured there was not a single tangle and my breath was minty fresh, grateful for the distraction.

Twisting the rings on my fingers, I waited as time slowed to a crawl. I had lost the book of stories I had been reading at some point yesterday, so there wasn’t even that to occupy me. I considered asking Alouette in for someone to talk to but thought better of it. I was sure the whole day had passed before the knock, and I answered it, finding Alouette grinning at me.

“Looking good.” She nodded, a red braid falling over one shoulder.

“Why the dress? I know I look good, but is now really the time?”

“If not now, then when?”

“Thanks, very reassuring.”

“You’ll be fine.” Alouette laughed, nudging my arm as I slumped against the doorframe before gesturing to the hall behind her, and I slipped on the soft shoes by the door.

“Why the long face?” she said, still smiling and I rolled my eyes at her, surprised by how easy she was to be around.

“Because nothing good is going to come out of this.” I walked next to her down the corridor, wondering if that was the last time I would ever lay eyes on the hideous fruit painting and finding myself a little sad at the thought.

Alouette led me to the same black door that Kaius had a few days prior, the one my mind had thrown itself through—listening in to a conversation that I’m pretty sure was about me. This time, my mind stayed firmly within my skull as I straightened my back. Holding myself high, I smoothed out the silk that flowed over my body.

The fabric draped over the swell of my breasts, before fitting snugly at my waist, silk bunching slightly at my hips before falling to just above the floor. The heat that always radiated through the palace kept me comfortable despite Alouette’s choice of material. Kaius’ pendant sat nestled hidden between my cleavage hidden from view, a steady beat thrumming through it.

That’s probably in my head.

I couldn’t go in there with anything other than a level head, and I forced down deep, calming breaths to wrangle the knots of anxiety I was now made of. Magik simmered gently beneath my skin, as though to remind me I wasn’t some weak human who needed to cower to the people on the other side of that door.

I hadn’t expected to be taken here. Surely any punishment I was to be given would be more… public? The small, intimate room threw me off a little.

“I’ll be out here. Are you ready?” Alouette asked, her hand hovering over the handle.

Not trusting myself to speak, I nodded, and she pressed down, sending me toward whatever fate lay beyond.

34

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

ELODIE

Iwas almost certain my ribs were going to crack from the pressure the unknown was wrapping around me. Assessing the room I had walked into as quickly as I could, the layers of rugs covering the floor muffled the sound of my steps.

Flame lights cast a dim glow, enhancing the rich colours of tapestries that adorned the walls. Adding to the ominous weight that pressed down onto me, as I made it a few steps further.

Dark leather armchairs were grouped together on one side; one was occupied, but the muted light wasn’t enough for me to make out who. Before the doors had closed behind me, they stood. Stepping into my path, my stomach swirled as his presence was enough to fill the entire room.

Eyes that glowed almost white were locked on mine, a predatory hunger in them I couldn’t look away from. I didn’t want to. Faint whispers floated to me, whispers that reached into my, teasing at the intimate corners of my mind.

Someone else moved in the room reminding me we weren’t alone.

Marcellus was dressed all in black, the same dark cloak that he wore when I first saw him was wrapped across his shoulders,the swirling patterns woven into it almost pleading for my attention, but I kept my gaze on his.

“Hello,” I breathed, barely breaking the silence that loomed around us. A moment passed before he inclined his head, a small sweep of wind blowing through my hair that had my body alive with energy. I wanted to cross the distance between us, feel his hands on me like they were yesterday. But yesterday he was saving me—or stopping me.

No matter how much I would have preferred it just be us in this room, I knew I was here for a reason. With reluctance, I turned away and willed each step to remain steady as I headed towards the person I wanted to see least.

Bastian’s eyes blazed in the dim light as they followed me. Staying focused on my face despite the fact the dress I was wearing highlighted every dip and curve of my body. His mop of golden ringlets looked a little wilder than the last time I had seen him, the circlet of rubies he wore practically obscured, though I could still feel the pull of the precious gems sat atop his head. I stopped as I made it to the centre of the room, keeping the biggest threat directly in sight.

The prince shifted slightly in his seat, both his hands resting on the arms of the large chair, and I fought the urge to twine my fingers through the bands at my wrists as his silence gnawed away at me. I waited. Waited for him to pass the sentence, to say this time I was being sent to the dungeon.

I would need something else to wear, this dress wasn’t suited for dungeon life.

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