Chapter 26

TWENTY-SIX

Tempest

Whatever miracle Briggs and Nyx had created, it did the job. Tempest had never recovered so quickly. The next two days that followed passed by in the blur. Tempest did her best to blend in with the goings-on of the palace, listening to conversations and gossip and taking note of every person who came to stay for the masquerade. By the time the ball itself was mere hours from starting, she'd learned three things.

First: she wasn't alone in her doubts about the Jester. Several people were of the same opinion as her—that he was too brutal, that he had no plan past taking the throne from Destin. They wanted a concrete strategy for after the war was over, but there was none. Others, by contrast, thought Pyre wasn't being brutal enough . She'd have to look out for the bloodthirsty ones. They were a slippery lot.

Second: not a single person was willing to do anything about their feelings of dissent. They were content to grumble and bicker in the shadows.

Third: supporting the Jester was their best—and, seemingly—only option. Which meant she had only to provide a viable alternative, and she could likely steal a chunk of his allies, maybe his whole operation.

That both pleased and unnerved her. Were people so easily turned, so easily won? And if so… how easily would they sell her out?

She shuddered.

"Temp?"

She turned at the sound of the voice. Nyx stood there, a gentle smile on her face as she held out a hand for her.

"What is it?" Tempest asked. Only then did she realize how low the sun was through the open balcony. "Oh. It's time already."

"Yes." Nyx laughed. "It is time to get ready."

"I… did not bring anything to wear," Tempest replied, bashful and somewhat ashamed. She had felt so proud, standing up to the Jester by refusing to bring a dress. But this masquerade was more than simply an opportunity for him to show her off; she needed to look like a calm, collected, striking queen if she was going to rally people behind her, not a tired and bedraggled girl in worn leather trousers.

Nyx grinned, her eyes dancing. "Trust me, I expected that. As did my brother. Come, follow me. I have a surprise for you."

She swallowed a gulp as Nyx led her to the bedroom.

Here's hoping she has good taste.