Page 47 of Splintered Shadow
“Looking at me is rude?”
“Yes.” His response was so matter-of-fact that it implied she misunderstood something fundamental about social behavior.
“You look at me all the time.”
“That is different,” he said, his voice stiff and formal.
Amusement bubbled up inside her. “Because you’re a prince?”
“Because you are my mate.” He brushed back a lock of her hair, tucking it behind an ear. His eyes went dark. “It pleases me to look at you.”
Well, who could argue with that?
“I like looking at you too,” she said.
* * *
The capital citywas a sprawling mass of gleaming towers, twisting and turning spires that defied logic. Belts of greenery broke through the glass and steel. At first, it was a confusing jumble of buildings, roads, waterways, and green spaces. As the flyer circled the city, a pattern emerged.
The city sat at the juncture of two land masses, spread like wings. At the center was an island, completely dominated by a towering structure. Constructed of a light gray stone, azure tiles added a splash of color as they glistened in the sunlight. Tiered with too many arches and turrets to count, it sat at the convergence of three wide bridges, like a hawk in a nest. Considering the colors, it reminded Sarah of a blue jay.
The palace.
It was stunning and only a wee bit intimidating.
Vekele rested a hand on the back of her neck. It was a crudely possessive gesture, but the touch calmed her. She wasn’t alone.
“You are ready,” he said.
“I feel nauseous.” She wasn’t sure if it was her nerves, the flight, or Ghost, who curled miserably at her feet. He did not like flying.
“We will be on the ground soon.”
The moment they landed, a flurry of attendants descended. They were to dine with the king and court in only three hours. Hardly any time at all to prepare. Stylists drew Sarah away to a private chamber to prepare her. Vekele went in the opposite direction with a cloud of attendants.
A woman with a scanner made a series of alarming noises as she took Sarah’s measurements. Apparently, a tailored wardrobe would be waiting for her in the morning. Until then, Sarah had to make do with outfits the stylists brought.
It was so bizarre, having a team do her hair and makeup. Especially the makeup, as it was created for gray complexions with blue or lavender undertones. The makeup artist had no idea what to do with Sarah’s beige skin. The result was horrific.
Her face had been painted white with blue circles of blush on her cheeks. Her hair had been piled high and powdered with charcoal that turned her fingers black when she accidentally touched her hair.
It was awful, but she could deal. Mainly, it felt bizarre having so many people speak to her at once. It had been just her and Vekele for so long. She enjoyed the quiet.
The owl tattoo on her arm received a dusting of a shimmering gold powder, so it wasn’t all bad.
Then the unthinkable.
A stylist opened a case to display a crystal-studded dog collar.
“No. Absolutely not,” she said.
“The beast—” The stylist held the collar out, letting the light catch in the crystal, like that would sway Sarah.
“I’m going to stop you right there,” she said. “His name is Ghost. He is not a beast, and he is not a pet. I will not put a collar on him.” They were still navigating their bond and what it meant, but she knew a collar was wrong. She’d worn a chain and would never do that to another being.
Ghost made the attendants nervous, but they honored her wishes and never mentioned the collar again. They dressed her in a sleeveless waistcoat over long, flowing skirts. The back laced up, allowing it to fit tightly. The lightweight fabric felt cool against her skin.
As the finishing touch, she was instructed to wear a set of silver talons. They fit over her fingers like rings with a delicate chain threading them together. Sarah flexed her fingers, certain she’d slice herself to ribbons.
