Chapter 35

35

E mpty-handed, we arrive back as the sun is setting, bathing the diamond castle in a sparkling orange glow. We each break off, retiring to our chambers to dress for the first night of King's Fair.

I bring Igrid up to speed on the events of the last two days while she weaves a few thin braids throughout my unbound hair.

A soft knock sounds from the door. Marideth doesn't bother to wait for a response before trudging in, wearing a gorgeous, if not scandalous, red dress with matching shoes dangling from her hand. She scuffles directly to my bed, turns, and falls back, stiff as a board.

"Kill me," she drones, flopping her arms out beside her dramatically.

"What's wrong with you?" I ask as Igrid begins to clip tiny silver cuffs into my braids.

"The honorable Lady Wyneth "—her face contorts in a nasty expression—"will be in attendance at tonight's party at the behest of her and Dover's parents." She heaves a loud sigh. "If you have any trouble spotting her, she'll be the wallflower in the corner, refusing to have any fun whatsoever. Dover is to escort her, as the engagement will be announced tonight in front of the entire court."

"Which means you have to behave."

"I don't know what that word means," she mumbles, gazing up at the canopy. I am quiet for a moment as I think.

"Have you talked to Sorscha about this? Maybe she could pull a few strings and have the engagement ended."

Marideth shakes her head. "Her father doesn't want to anger the nobles. Wyneth's parents are rich as hell and big in the diamond trade. The king needs their support—he signed off on the match personally. Anyway, I came for a distraction. How's your dra?—"

She cuts herself off, noticing Igrid's presence. "Your puppy?" she finishes smoothly.

"It's fine. Igrid knows about me."

Marideth sits up and stares at her for a moment.

"She's my friend," I tell her. Mar slides off the bed and comes to stand beside Igrid, looking at her through the mirror.

"Well, any friend of Serena's…" she mutters, toying with a strand of my hair.

"Pleased to meet you, my lady." Igrid lowers her eyes in the mirror and curtsies.

"Oh, don't do that," Mar says, pulling her upright. "You're among friends. My name is Marideth."

"Hello, Marideth." Igrid smiles brightly and moves over to the wardrobe as Mar continues idly fiddling with my braids.

"Quite a dress," I nod to her.

"It's called eat your heart out red ." Her eyes flicker up to mine in the mirror with a sardonic smile.

"Really? I thought it was called fuck you, Wyneth red . "

She barks a loud laugh and comes around to face me, leaning against the vanity.

"Be my date tonight?" she asks, her slender shoulders sinking in.

"Obviously," I answer with a smile. In the mirror, I see Igrid laying out a garment on the bed. Pulling my robe tighter, I move closer to examine it.

"I had it made for tonight," Igrid says, excitement brimming on her face. "Actually, I had a whole collection made for the next four nights."

I run my fingers over the silky black piece that looks more like a scrap of fabric than a dress.

"I thought it would suit you."

"Igrid." I give her hand a grateful squeeze. "Thank you."

The dress is strappy and slinky, clinging to my every curve like a second skin. A choker made of thick silver chain splits off into two panels of glossy black material that barely covers my breasts, leaving a long slit of exposed skin down the center of my chest. The breast panels form a downward "v" and knot together below my navel, where the skirt tapers out to rest on my hips. My entire back is naked down to my tailbone.

"So is the theme of the party skin?" I assess myself in the mirror. I have more flesh on display than I have covered.

"The theme is gluttony and extravagance. King's Fair makes every ball you've been to so far at the castle look like a backwater revelry," Mar says.

I sit on the bed and lace up the ties of my strappy heels, the scandalous slit parting over my thigh in the process. I smooth the dress and wiggle over to the mirror.

"Now that "—Marideth stands behind me, hands on my shoulders as she eyes me in the mirror—"is eat your heart out, set it on fire, and chop it up into tiny pieces, black. "

I break into a wide grin. I look hot .

Igrid passes me a pair of dangly earrings and slides two silver cuffs onto my wrists. The final touch is a thin metal circlet around my forehead. It makes me look exotic and sensual.

Zadyn knocks on the door, and my mouth almost drops as he appears, pushing his wet hair back off his face. A single rivulet streams down the side of his chiseled jawline, and I bite my lip instinctively. I drink in his bare arms, braced on the doorframe, the low-cut leather vest that hugs his well-defined chest, and the tight black pants tucked into high black boots.

Zadyn looks sexy .

I burst into laughter at the thought, clapping my hand over my mouth.

"Is it too much?" He raises an eyebrow and gestures to his outfit. "Igrid picked it out—I feel a little ridiculous."

Igrid beams from behind us, lips pressed together to suppress the girlish smile that Mar and I also share.

"It's just enough," Marideth says suggestively. Zadyn's eyes zero in on me in my scrap of fabric. His mouth parts slightly.

"Nice…dress?" His brow ticks up. Marideth shakes my shoulders at him.

"Doesn't she look delicious?" she says wickedly. Zadyn's eyes flicker to the ground, those long lashes casting shadows down his cheeks. When he lifts them again, they twinkle a touch brighter.

"One last thing." Igrid dips her finger into a small glass tub and dabs a pigmented liquid onto my lips. I look into the mirror at my strong, sun-kissed body—the glamoured fae ears, the daring dress, and the dramatic lip stain. I turn to Mar and link my arm through hers.

"Come on. I want to dance."

I hear the drums long before we reach the doors of the Grand Hall. At every other ball, the music was classical and cultured to match the composed, demure choreography. Tonight, there are no set steps. A mass of uninhibited bodies entangle on the dance floor, writhing languidly in time to the steady rhythm. The effect is hypnotic. Primal. Ancient.

The entire space is bathed in a hazy, dark red glow, creating an intimate, sensual ambiance. Fixtures of blood red rubies dangle over the crowded dance floor. A mild breeze trickles in through the open patio doors, setting the red gossamer curtains aflutter. Silk dancers and aerialists twist and twirl overhead, dressed in nothing but gold paint. They dangle from ivy covered hoops and glide through the air on swings.

Taking in the swarm of party guests, I realize that Igrid's wardrobe choices were more than appropriate. My outfit is modest compared to the sea of skin and lace and gold dust surrounding me.

We find most of our friends on the patio as the sun sets over a blazing red sky. The princess is dressed as the angel to my dark, sensual devil. Her slender silhouette is on display beneath a low-cut, white gossamer shift, belted with a delicate gold chain around the waist.

Kai is absurdly handsome in nothing but a pair of loose, low slung black pants of the thinnest material and a thick chain around the nape of his neck. His black hair is gelled to look wet and black kohl lines his eyes, making their vibrant blue-green stand out even more.

We make light conversation, and I am acutely aware of how close Cece stands to Zadyn, her near-naked body angled slightly toward him. When she leans in to whisper something in his ear, her metal bra grazes his arm. A wave of envy ripples through me as I clutch the drink in my hand, threatening to melt the goblet beneath my warming fingers .

Marideth elbows me, and I snap out of it—my limbs cooling immediately.

I spot Jace making his way onto the patio. He wears a sleeveless black mock-neck shirt and pants similar to Kai's. The onyx sword he is never without is sheathed at his hip. His intense, molten eyes lock on mine, and my heart strains toward him. Sorscha perks up as he reaches us, beaming with youth and vitality. I watch his gaze shift to the angelic fae.

He bows gallantly before her, and I try not to cringe as he presses a kiss to her delicate hand. She drifts closer, flirtatiously sliding her hand onto his chest. I force myself to look away. Ilsa momentarily distracts her while Jace slips into the vacant space beside me.

"Really?" He gives me a sly once-over and drops his voice so that only I can hear.

"What?" I slide my eyes to him without turning.

" That's what you're wearing?"

"Yes, Jace. This is what I'm wearing," I say through a gritted smile. "Problem?"

He shakes his head with a soft sigh.

"I swear you were sent from hell to torture me, witch."

The words float to me on a phantom wind that kisses my ear so gently I want to melt. I can't stop myself from looking up at him. He faces away from me—jaw clenched, eyes fixed ahead. I study his profile, that of a Greek god. Classical and proud.

He turns to Sorscha, offering her his arm. As he leads her inside toward the dance floor, his fingers brush against mine so feather-light, I wonder if I imagined it. The whisper of longing.

Marideth eyes me with watchful eyes. I give her a sad smile, and she gives my hand a small squeeze. My friend.

Her eyes drift to the garden where Dover holds the arm of a slight, brown-haired fae. She is pretty, if not a little plain for High Fae, dressed in a modest gray gown. Her only decoration is the diamond necklace around her delicate neck. She scans the party with weary eyes, her expression bordering on pained. Dover speaks to her every so often, clearly making an effort to put her at ease.

"I suppose I should go say hello," she sighs.

"Keep your fangs retracted," I warn. She nips playfully at me before disappearing down the steps toward her mate and his betrothed.

I find myself standing alone with Kai after Cece lures Zadyn to the dance floor with bedroom eyes, and Ilsa flits off to flirt with a scantily clad male.

"Excited to see your brother?" I turn to him, taking a sip of cherry wine. Kai drapes himself over the railing, making even the stone beneath him look good.

"Not particularly." He swirls his wine before bringing it to his lips and draining it. I watch him carefully, noticing the tense mood overshadowing his charm. He's not his usual quick-witted self tonight.

"What's wrong with you?" I ask. He holds up his glass in answer.

"Need a refill. Care to join?"

I nod, figuring it's better than being left alone among the rising debauchery. With every second that creeps toward dark, the party grows more and more risqué.

I take hold of Kai's arm as he leads us through the wild throng toward a table of refreshments. He wordlessly hands me a short glass of clear liquid, taking what's left of my wine and draining it before reaching for another short glass of his own.

"What is this?" I give the liquid a tentative sniff.

"Temporary reprieve," he mutters, clinking his glass against mine roughly. He shoots the knuckle full of liquid and wipes his mouth on the back of his hand .

"I'll drink to that." My eyes helplessly find Jace among the crowd. He and Sorscha dance, their bodies close together—her hands on his chest, his resting on her hips. I shake my head, trying to rid the image from my mind. I know how those hands feel on my hips. I still feel them, like a brand on me even now.

I redirect my attention to Kai, who's staring off, stone-faced, at the bawdy crowd. He looks so…depressed. It's almost disturbing to see someone so full of life, full of wicked fire, with an extinguished flame.

"Wanna dance?" I suggest. He gives a nearly imperceptible shake of his head. I try another approach, hoping to milk some life from him.

"Aren't you going to comment on my dress? Or lack thereof?" I poke.

He slides a lazy glance my way. "I wasn't aware you needed anyone to stroke that ego of yours."

"I don't. I just thought you might like to know what kind of undergarments one wears beneath a dress such as this." I gesture to the length of my body.

"Not tonight. Excuse me," he says disinterestedly, making to move through the crowd. I follow him, a bit concerned, as he slides into a secluded alcove with plush red velvet seats. He says nothing as I scoot in beside him.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a tiny vial no larger than a knuckle. He uncorks it and sprinkles a neat line out on the table, not even bothering to check for onlookers. I glance around at the swirling crowd, but no one is even remotely phased. Kai lowers his nose to the table and swiftly snorts the line.

"Kai?" I ask gingerly as he discreetly dusts the remnants of powder from his nostrils.

"Did you want some?" he offers, casting a quick glance in my direction as he pours out another line .

"N—no," I stammer, horrified, as he repeats the action. He tips his head back and blinks his eyes a few times.

"Kai, are you alright? You don't seem like yourself." I put a hand on his shoulder, and he casually shrugs out of my touch, eyes fixed on a scantily clad fae female passing by our table. She stops mid-step and slowly turns to him, transfixed. Her hips swish as she draws closer, and I glance between them, noticing Kai's eyes peering out from beneath his lowered lashes. I know that look because he once tried it on me. The female leans over the table and kisses him wordlessly.

He's using his siren tricks on her, I realize. I smack his arm, appalled.

"Ow," he blurts in annoyance. Slumping back against the cushion, he waves an idle hand, sending the girl on her way, completely unfazed.

"What is the matter with you tonight?" I shake him. He wrenches his arm away.

"Go bother someone else with your holier-than-thou act." He sneers, two little fangs extending from his canines.

"Kai," I start, but he's already bounding out of his seat and darting away. I jump up to catch him, not bothering to watch where I step. That's when I slam into a wall of rock and rebound from the force. I am steadied by two large hands around my waist. Blinking wildly, I stare up into familiar ocean eyes.

King Kylian is quite possibly the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. The face a more mature version of Kai's, with the same black hair and ocean eyes, he stands taller, with more muscle and an air of power that rivals King Derek's. Even in silence, there is a subtle arrogance about him. I drink in the golden crown atop his head, the light dusting of gold powder over his broad shoulders and bare chest, and the delicate body chain that skims his hard torso. His skin is luminescent, with a deep tan, as if he'd spent an ample amount of time on a beach beneath the radiant sun.

"Brother," Kylian regards Kai without so much as a glance in his direction. If his looks weren't proof enough of his siren lineage, his voice would be. Spun straight from the darkest bedroom fantasies, the deep rumble sends a wave of chills down my bare arms. I discreetly step out of his steadying grasp to stash them behind my back. The movement earns a sharp gaze from him, his eyes threatening to swallow me whole as they scan from my head to my toes and back up again. I try not to squirm as that gaze lays me bare.

Kai's expression is unreadable when he pauses, turning back toward us.

"Oh, hello, asshole," Kai says flippantly, sidling up to me. Kylian huffs an unamused laugh, finally breaking our intense eye contact to assess his younger brother.

"Miss me?" Kylian's eyes glint sardonically.

"Not really." Kai shrugs, his tone effusive.

"Is that any way of greeting your dear older brother? Your king?" Kylian tuts, his mesmerizing stare circling back to me. "I must apologize for my brother's rudeness. I don't think we've been properly introduced."

"Don't worry. Your reputation precedes you, my King ," Kai pipes, brushing the underside of his nose with his fingers. Kylian takes a slow, deliberate step away from me to stand directly in front of his brother. Kai stares up at him, chin high, defiant.

"Are you high?" Kylian's voice is a gentle caress before he abruptly takes hold of Kai's chain necklace, wrapping it around his fist, and slams him against the wall. I gasp as his head makes contact with a loud thud, causing a small crack to spider out above him.

"You're a disgrace. A worthless little waste of royal blood," Kylian breathes—his tone calm, cool, and collected despite the discreetly violent display. No one seems to notice. Kai's expression as he feebly grips his brother's iron fist is truly heartbreaking. Shame and defeat haunt his downcast eyes. Having seen enough, I stomp forward, marching right up to Kylian.

"Hey. You." I snap my fingers in his gorgeous face. "Don't talk to him like that."

The death glare he slides my way almost sends me skittering back to hide in a corner. But I hold my ground.

"Do you know who I am?" he purrs temperately.

"I don't care if you're the Queen of fucking Sheba." I inch closer, both compelled and repulsed by him. A slow smirk spreads over his cruel mouth, but he releases Kai, allowing him to slump back against the wall. I briefly notice the mangled, dented chain around my friend's neck before he discreetly slips it off and stashes it in his pocket. Kylian assesses me, siren eyes dancing.

"Brother, if you don't marry this creature, then I will be forced to."

"Then we'll have a queen at last," Kai slurs dryly. "Whoopee."

"My lady." Kylian reaches out slowly to take my hand. I rip it back before his fingers even brush my skin and fix him with a tight, phony smile. His answering laugh is musical.

"Would you honor me with a dance?" he asks, suddenly the portrait of charm. This guy is a certified psychopath. Beneath that godly exterior that likely fools just about everyone, lurks a Patrick Bateman of the worst degree.

I should know. I can smell a narcissist a mile away.

Crossing my arms, I make a show of looking toward the dance floor, where the music leads the throng in primal, lusty choreography.

"I don't think so," I sigh, tossing him an uninterested glance. Kylian folds his hands behind his back as I wrap my arm around Kai's elbow. His movements are slow, heavy, and lethargic, no doubt from the drugs.

"Kai, shall we?" I elbow him in an attempt to rouse him before tugging him away from his brother.

"At least honor me with your name," Kylian says, stopping me with a possessive hand around my upper arm. I stare up at his intimidating height, the crimson shadows of the hall bathing him in a sinister red wash.

"I told your brother once, and I will tell you now. You will ask before you lay your hands on me." My voice lashes out, cold and demanding—a voice I've never been able to summon despite my best efforts. It is the voice of a queen.

I don't waste another breath on Kylian before I tow Kai through the crowd, past the patio, and down into the empty garden. We reach the fountains, and I sit him down on the stone bench beneath the alabaster likeness of Myr the Huntress. He goes limp, eyes glazing over, jaw slackening.

He's so fucked up.

"Kai." I hold his face, trying to get him to focus. I give his cheek a gentle slap, but it doesn't even begin to rouse him from his near-catatonic state.

"Kai, what the fuck did you take?"

God, I hope the fae aren't capable of overdosing.

His arms dangle lifelessly at his sides as I dip my hand in the fountain to dampen his forehead. It does nothing. With a frustrated groan, I flip him onto his belly and dunk his head beneath the cool water. He seems slightly more alert when I bring him up, blinking the water from his eyes. I dunk him again. The moment I feel his resistance, I release him, and he pushes himself upright. Turning sharply, he expels the contents of his stomach onto the cobblestone beneath us, scarcely missing the fountain. He slides onto the ground, resting his cheek against the cool ledge. My hands are on his back, patting gently as relief washes over me.

"You're okay," I breathe, my heart rate coming back to normal.

Laughter sounds from around the corner, and I glance up in time to see our friends step into view. They stop short when they see us, eyes going wide as they take in the scene.

"Kai!" The princess breaks away from Jace and rushes forward, dropping to her knees beside him.

"What happened?" Jace comes around Kai's other side, voice tense.

"I don't know. I think he overdosed," I explain. "He had a lot to drink, and then he snorted this pink stuff."

"Stardust," Cece supplies. Sorscha shakes her head, smoothing the dripping hair from Kai's face.

"Let's get him up," Jace says, helping to ease him into a seated position. He tips his head back against the fountain and breathes heavily. Still a little out of it, he turns his head to me, eyes sleepy.

"My hero." He smiles beatifically. I laugh in relief.

"You're an idiot," I chide affectionately.

"So I've heard," he huffs, giving his eyes a rest. I get to my feet, noticing how drenched my own dress is as it clings heavily to me. The girls huddle around Kai as Jace and Zadyn come to stand on either side of me.

"How did he get that messed up so quickly?" Jace asks for our ears only.

"He seemed off all night, and then he started pounding drinks and snorting lines. I think it had something to do with his brother."

I recall how Kai could barely look him in the eye. He didn't even try to resist as Kylian tossed him against the wall. He didn't lift a finger .

"Kylian is a sadistic bastard. It wouldn't surprise me." Jace's eyes darken.

"I had the displeasure of running into him earlier." I shake my head at the memory of his stinging cruelty. Kai is now talking more, some color returning to his pretty face. Cece and the princess help him to his feet, draping his arms over their shoulders.

Once we get Kai inside and back to his rooms, we stay long enough to order a detox brew from Gnorr and to get some food in him. When he is sound asleep, we slip out the door and disband for the evening, no longer in the mood for an afterparty.