Page 71 of Rising Out of the Darkness
Everyone burst out in infectious laughter again, as Declan’s scowl only grew deeper as he grumbled behind us.
“A night of drinking sounds fantastic.” I bounced giddily as we walked. “Can I invite Clara? Also, will there be whiskey?”
Liam pat my back. “You can always count on whiskey with us, little lady.”
Nayla pulled me into her side and whispered, “You should definitely invite Clara. I know someone who would beveryhappy.”
Glancing between the three men with curiosity, I noticed one in particular with rosy cheeks. Killian shot me a shy smile.
Oh, tonight is going to be fun indeed.
Chapter 27
Elena
As soon as we parted inside the castle, I ran up the stairs and down our hall towards Clara’s room. She accepted the invitation, on one condition—I had to let her help me get ready. There was no argument from me. Even the gods knew I needed help in that department.
After taking an extremely long, steamy shower, I made my way over to the armoire to find something to wear tonight. Pulling out a pair of black leather leggings and some high-lacing boots, I thumbed through the different tunic options I had. I settled on a black one with flowy arms and lace around the plunging neckline. It needed a little cinching around the waist, so I found a black corset. Clara would have to help me put it on when she arrived.
Just as I was finishing lacing up my boots, I heard pounding at my door. I shook my head as I made my way over to the door. Before I could open it all the way, Clara shoved her way in.
“Let’s get you ready for tonight! Full disclosure, I brought wine.” Her face dropped. “Oh, and Alaric wanted me to bring this to you as well.”
In her hands was a small envelope sealed shut with a wax stamp bearing the king’s crest. With trembling hands, I opened it and read the contents.
Clara pushed me over to the small blue velvet chair next to the desk where Eloise had helped me get ready the night before. “Well, what did His Majesty have to say?”
Tossing the envelope onto the desk, I sighed.
“Tomorrow begins my first parade of the dignitaries. An early brunch, and I must wear one of those hideous dresses.”
Her eyes darted to the open wardrobe and cringed at the sight of some of the feathery gowns. “Does he want you to literally embrace the Phoenix?” We chuckled in unison.
“That is a lot of extravagant feathers.”
She shook her head while she helped me lace up the corset. “Declan is going to have averyhard time concentrating tonight with you wearingthat.” She began working on braiding parts of my loose hair.
“Your cousin doesn’t look at me in that way.” I smiled weakly, knowing that was a half lie. “Even if he was, it would be forbidden. Also…” I sighed heavily as Will rushed through my mind. “I’m not sure I’m ready to open my heart again.”
The brush stilled against my hair and she held my gaze in the mirror. “Elena, you’d have to live under a rock to not see the way he looks at you. In fact, I haven’t seen him look at someone the way he looks at you in…well, I don’t think I’ve ever seen it. Until now,” she mused, until she noticed me gnawing on my lip. “The Flame, the one who lived in your town. Is he the reason you don’t want to open your heart again?”
“Yes.” My stomach churned just thinking of it all again. “We were friends. Well, until one day when it became…more.” The memory flashed before me. “Everything seemed great, until he—until he blamed me for ruining his life and being the reason he has his dynamis.”
“That’s horrible, Lena. You don’t believe that though, right?” she hummed from behind me. “Right?”
“No.” The lie was barely audible as it fled my lips.
Clara must have felt my mood turn sullen, because she didn’t say another word. As she finished arranging my hair into a beautiful half-up, half-down style, I observed my transformation from peasant to courtier. She spun me around and told me to close my eyes as she began to work on my face.
“Speaking of people being distracted tonight…” I stole a glimpse of her biting her lip. “What do you think Killian is going to think about whatyouare wearing?”
Her chestnut locks were braided into a similar style as mine. The rest hung loose and curled down around her waist. She wore a long satin dress that was a deep shade of plum, setting her bright eyes alight. “Changing the subject, I see?”
“Can you blame me?” I shrugged. Clara chuckled to herself, as she applied a vibrant peach shade to my lips. “You know, he was blushing when I asked if I could invite you to go with us tonight.”
“Really?” she whispered.
“Really.”
