Page 22 of Hopeless Kingdom
The dagger falls with a clattering sound to the floor and I can’t bring myself to look away from the woman. I nod slowly at her until she mimics my nod of understanding.
“The Eminence is not a god,” I repeat for good measure. “Sacrifices are not to be made in the name of,” I pause, the wordsfalse prophetfeeling thick on my tongue, “fae. Fae are not gods. Do you all understand?” It’s then that I pull my hard gaze to the mass of adoring mortals.
Their eyes hold a look of confusion but they nod anyway.
“My Eminence,” the Traveler says, pulling me from my dark thoughts. His feeble hand grips mine with a hum of magic tingling into me and he pulls me to my feet. His cold hand continues to hold mine as he brings it to his lips. Dry, cracking lips rake over my knuckles and that smile presses tighter against my teeth as I beam up at him with renewed, but waning, confidence. “We are ready for you, but you are not ready.”
That smile pulls from my face as his words sink in. Circling whispers grow through the crowd.
“Not today,” I say as if we’re both on the same page. Swiftly, I push that false happiness back into place. My hand clasps his as he still clings to my other.
“I am much too tired today.” I drop his hand and, without another word, I push past him.
He releases me with ease but I feel his attention burning a hole through my back. It only fuels my confidence as I take my place back by my men.
My men.
If, for the rest of my life, everything I ever do is all an act, I can at least rest assured that these men are mine. These people here today don’t know what real loyalty is.
But I do.
They didn’t imprison me; they’re trying to save me. They’re trying to rescue me just like I rescued them.
Tristan smiles and gives a small wave to his people before trailing after me. He joins us, his wife scurrying over to his side. Her white gown clings too tightly to her overflowing chest. A needy look is all she possesses as she waits patiently at Tristan’s side, but his eyes are fully focused on me.
It doesn’t take long for her neglected attention to shift.
Queen Anna’s gaze settles darkly on Ryder and he holds her stare for several seconds.
What’s flashing through his mind right now?
Judging by the look of hate in his narrowed eyes and the hard set of his jaw, I’d say a fine mixture of anger and embarrassment.
Embarrassment sometimes fuels anger. The stupidity you feel from letting your emotions turn you into something weak is a match for the fires of rage.
My fingers drift to his arm, pulling his attention to me. We both ignore the dry blood that coats my fingertips. A line creases his brow as he looks down on that small touch.
“Will you dance with me?” I ask in a shy whisper. With intent, I arch my back ever so slightly until my chest is pushing against his arm.
Curious confusion is all he has in his eyes. His blonde brow rises but he nods anyway.
His warm hand slips down until our fingers our interlocked and he walks me to the center of the room. I feel her attention on us, stabbing right through me. Dancers sway past us. Beautiful gowns of every color swish by, led by crisp-suited men.
Stiffly he holds my hips and I lock my hands lazily behind his neck. There’s enough space between us to invite Daxdyn and Darrio over as well but I don’t think Ryder would appreciate that thought.
The space of the grand room brings back memories. It’s a public space, parties and announcements are held here. I’ve been here a few times before, years ago.
I swallow hard at the thought.
“What are you doing, beautiful?” he asks in a hushed tone, his light eyes sweeping over the busy room like he’s waiting for a trap I’ve somehow set up in my free time.
“I just thought …” I bite the inside of my cheek and consider the best way to phrase this. “I thought you’d want to make Anna jealous.”
Laughter rumbles through his broad chest.
“I’m not a child, Kara. I don’t have to go out of my way to hurt someone.”
I think about how he spoke of a girlfriend when we almost kissed at my aunt’s house.
