“Appear pleasant, human,” she demands.
I’m still drowning in thoughts of a place that is lost to me, with a man I will never see again. Despite her gaze, I can’t bring myself to shift my expression. To push away the pain pulsating just under the thin layer of armor I’d thought I could make impenetrable.
Though they all watch me, it is Kiala whose expression bears a hint of pity.
“You look just as soft as a doe primed for the hunt. Innocent. Weak. Remember, whatever softness they admire in you as a curiosity will be eaten on the first night the court sees you,” she says, matter-of-fact. “If you prefer to keep any of it, hide it in places not easily reached.”
“Where?” I ask.
Merlina’s gaze slides down my face, chest, and then to my stomach. I realize after a moment, she gazes at my womb—the place where life might one day take root by some miracle.
“If I were you, I would cast out every inch of softness you possess. This life will not be kind to you if you are weepy over afitting. And that stone in your chest…if they see some symbol of your connection to our enemies, they will be that much more cruel.”
My hand comes up to touch the Fuegorra. “Could we disguise it as jewelry?”
The women look incredulous. Even a quick glance at the silent seamstress elicits a quick frown.
“Glamour? I’ve seen your kind use that. We could apply a little?—”
“We will seek answers with Master Thorne and tell you later.”
My fingers heat as the stone glows just a little. As if it knows that we are talking about it. The others watch me as if I were some kind of animal, and I am raw and uncomfortable all over.
Something doesn’t feel right.
Nothing feels right.
And it won’t while you play pawn for these ugly people.
I turn my attention to Cursed One.
You know, I say,I used to fear you. You made me do terrible things. And yet now…you speak to me almost like a friend. You…saved me twice.
The voice is silent for a long moment.
We are all products of the people who control us, Red. I can’t say I don’t enjoy killing—or that I am not good at it. But I am…remorseful that you had to do it against your will.
You feel?I push.
More silence follows, and I am forced to watch the mirror as my ladies’ maids flit about me.
Chapter 16
ARLET
When I return to my room a few hours later, the elven women leave me at the door. I take a deep breath, but the inside is well lit and the guards are still alive.
I take a deep breath and head inside. I’m greeted by a meal—indigo-silver fish and more of those braised roots—andThorne.
I regard him warily, but he stands at the foot of my bed, assessing me carefully with his bright eyes. I blink and see him slit the throat of my intruder.
But there’s no danger now.
What does he want? Is it time to meet with a physician? I let the weight of a sleepless night and arduous day rest on my shoulders. Perhaps if I look pitiful enough, he’ll just leave.
“You look…clean,” he murmurs.
“You, as well,” I say curtly. I don’t call him a traitor this time.