Page 43 of Insurrection
His face sobered, suddenly void of emotion as he leveled me with a pointed look, “No, Princess. You would know if I was threatening you. Consider it a warning.”
I watched him stand and stride out of my bedroom as I finished my coffee and scowled at the empty cup. Then, I nearly face palmed. Why the hell would I ever drink something handed to me by the House of Fallen? Fuck, maybe Colt was right. I would never admit that, but clearly I needed to be far more careful.
After a few more minutes of relaxing, I checked the time, and my eyes widened realizing it was noon. How the hell had I slept so late?
I briefly wondered when Finias would pick me up for the ball but figured he would show up sometime sooner rather than later. At least I hoped so. I enjoyed spending time with the Dark Elf. I liked spending time with a lot of the princes, if I was being honest with myself.
Was it wrong that I had feelings for multiple men? Finias was my cheeky prince who made me laugh and feel carefree. Adrien was a breath of fresh air and made me feel like I was truly being seen for who I was inside. Colt pissed me the hell off, but despite that, I couldn’t deny my attraction to the Fallen Angel. While Nico and Damien were the princes I’d spent the least amount of time with, I still found myself thinking about them and wanting to know more about them.
So far, I knew Nico could charm the pants off anyone with his natural Incubus allure, but I suspected there was more to him than that, and I wanted to peel back his layers.
Damien had immediately made me feel warm and welcomed in a room full of sharks, not giving a damn about what it looked like to be seated next to me as a clear ally. He was kind, and it was clear he had a heart of pure gold.
And then there was Dray...the teenage crush who had broken my heart and created deep insecurities within me with his lies. But the guilt he carried over those things had been clear in his eyes and voice yesterday. I couldn’t deny that my feelings for him had never fully faded, but was an apology enough for me to forgive and move on?
I just didn’t know. I didn’t know what to do with any of this anymore.
I had a few hours to get ready, and I took full advantage, locking myself in the bathroom and blasting music, wanting to get lost in it. Normally, I would have picked something relaxing, but today I blasted classic rock while scrubbing my body and shaving. After traveling and having such an insane first two days, it felt amazing to just wash all of that away. I even took time to wash and condition my hair.
By the time I got out, I felt like a new woman—refreshed and ready to take on this ball and all that would come with it.
Although, about an hour later, my arms were sore and I was annoyed with the amount of hair I had. Sure, every piece had been ruthlessly blow dried and curled into a loose, romantic wave, but was gorgeous hair really worth it if it made my arms feel like I’d just done a work out? Debatable.
The time ticked by as I applied a smokey eye and deep red lipstick to match the dress I planned to wear, my stomach starting to tighten uncomfortably.
Had Fin forgotten we were supposed to go together? And where was Drayven? I nibbled on my lip but tried to put it from my head as I walked towards the closet and pulled on a black lace lingerie set that was cut perfectly to complement the deep-cut, skin-tight dress.
Zurie and I had purchased the dress recently, at the start of the season, and I was really glad she’d convinced me to bring it.
Crimson lace at the top gradually faded into a black ombre material that hugged every single inch of my curves, from the deep v that cut to my navel, continuing over my hips, down to where it fell to the floor in a cascade of luxurious fabric. The slit on the left leg came up to my upper thigh, showing off my legs and black, red-bottomed stilettos. I felt good, and when I crossed to the mirror, my crown settled tightly around my horns, I realized that I looked truly beautiful.
Like, possibly better than I ever had. Which was great, considering my confidence in everything else was lacking. I was just waiting for someone to call me out on not knowing what I was doing. Well, I suppose Colt already had.
When I heard the estate bells ring throughout the building, signaling that the ball was to begin soon, I accepted that Finias had forgotten about our little date. That’s what I told myself anyway, because the idea of him blatantly not showing up hurt more than I cared to admit.
Muttering a curse and trying to not be disappointed, I left my room and walked confidently out of our wing towards the ballroom. Despite arriving alone, I would do so confidently. Well, until I got lost.
About ten minutes later, I was cursing myself because I’d turned down a few corridors that seemed to be going in the opposite direction of where I needed to be. I was about to give up on the event entirely when I heard a familiar voice.Finias.
I walked closer, hearing him right around the bend, but I stopped, something in my gut telling me to not show myself just yet.
“Are you useless, boy?” a man’s voice hissed, filled with hatred. “You had one fucking job.”
“Ama is not a job.” Finias’ voice lacked any warmth. It was hollow. I wanted to see his expression, but at the same time, I was afraid of what I would find.
“Not a job?” A woman’s cold, smooth voice filled the space. “Finias, every interaction you entertain is a job. You are nothing but a weapon for our house, so either do what you are told, or you can face the consequences.”
I didn’t like the sound of that. My back straightened defensively as I felt a surge of protectiveness for Finias. I wanted to round the corner and tell whoever was speaking to him to go fuck themselves.
“No.”
His answer surprised me, but what surprised me even more was the sharp sound of a slap that echoed through the hall. Finias didn’t say anything or even make a sound, but I knew without a doubt that the woman had hit him. A seething rage pounded through me, and I kept my powers wrapped up tight, worried I would do something that would only get Finias in more trouble.
“What was that, again?” The woman’s voice was so cold it caused me to shiver as I gripped the wall. I would not kill her. I would not kill her.
Not yet, anyway.
“Nothing, Mother.” Finias’ whisper was so broken that I felt everything inside of me well with emotion.No!My Finias didn’t sound desolate and broken. That wasn’t him. I wouldn’t allow that to be him.
