Page 46 of Song of the Dragon Rider
“We should probably head back before others start to question where I’ve gone.” Jacob stood. “They should have removed the body by now.”
“Right. The body,” I murmured as I followed behind him.
13
CAT
By the time we returned to the ballroom, it was as if nothing had ever happened. People were merrily talking and dancing, eating and drinking their fill. It was nauseating. Even more so when Jacob plastered a smile on his face and greeted his friends as if we hadn’t just witnessed an innocent girl being murdered over asong.
“Jacob?” I gently pulled on his sleeve.
He peered over his shoulder at me. “Hmm?”
“I’m going to go relieve myself,” I whispered so no one could overhear.
“Do you need a servant to accompany you?” he asked, because as my so-called brother, it was inappropriate for him to come with me.
I shook my head. “Nah, I’m okay. I’ll be back soon.” He watched me disappear into the crowd before turning back to his friends.
Jacob was a good brother. I wondered how Arya treated him.
I didn’t really need to use the bathroom; I just wanted to get away from all the preening hypocrites. Their repulsive behavior made my stomach roll. Even so, I hadn’t eaten all day,so I meandered over to one of the tables laden with goods. Casting a speculative eye over the strange appetizers, I grabbed two handfuls and started stuffing my face without a care for how unladylike I appeared. Honestly, after the travesty we all watched go down earlier, they could all fuck off, for all I cared.
“Well, look who it is,” a slimy voice sneered behind me.
Instead of giving him the satisfaction of seeing how much the sound of his voice annoyed me, I rolled my eyes and audibly sighed. I didn’t feel like dealing with him tonight. I turned around to face Prince Julian with my mouth and both hands full of food. With a curtsy and a clumsy bow, I lazily offered, “Your Highness.”
Prince Julian grimaced in horror as crumbs and spittle flew out of my mouth. “You look disgusting.”
I smiled broadly, presenting the half-masticated food in my mouth with glee.
He frowned again and looked positively scandalized. “Have you no manners? You’re in the palace, for immortals’ sake!”
I quickly chewed the food in my mouth and swallowed. “My bad.” I held up a hand in apology. “Being a witness to cold-blooded murder makes me hungry.”
His eyes widened in shock and he pointed a finger at me. “You—!”
I smirked. “What? Cat got your tongue?”
“Hmph!” He crossed his arms behind his back and stood tall and proud. “You’re quite daring, for ahuman,” he sneered. “You never used to be that way. It seems your dance with death truly did make you fearless.”
I frowned for a moment before realizing he was referring to Arya’s boat accident.
He leaned in and lowered his voice to a menacing whisper. “But beware, Arya… Fearlessness in the face of death can often lead to it.”
I straightened and wiped my hands on a napkin before unflinchingly meeting his gaze. “Is that a threat, Your Highness?”
“No, it's a warning,” Julian retorted. “The palace is not kind to those who don't know their place. And you’ve made alotof powerful enemies.”
I wondered who those so-called powerful enemies were. “Good thing I'm not looking for kindness, then,” I shot back, edging into his personal space and feeling the tension between us charge with tense energy.
“There’s a fine line between bravery and foolishness,” Julian retorted, his tone sharp.
“Guess I’m walking that line, then,” I shot back with a smirk. “It’s more fun than standing safely on the sidelines.”
Julian’s expression tightened, a mix of irritation and begrudging respect flickering across his chiseled features. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Arya. Don’t come crying to me when it all falls apart.”
I chuckled lightly, the sound tinged with defiance. “Don’t worry about me, Your Highness. I’ve always been good at playing games. Especially the dangerous ones. And you’re thelastperson I’d come crying to.”
