Page 109 of Crown of Chaos

“You keep that up, and you’ll have a fire started beneath your feet.” Esme smirked when I turned my glare on her. “Are you upset that they did not invite you to the party?”

I hadn’t been able to go anywhere without seeing the posters announcing the upcoming nuptials of the king of Norvalla to the princess and crowned heir of the Hecate bloodline.

“You know, I probably should’ve let Ember eat you.” Sitting on the cold stool, I exhaled the uncertainty of leaving the others alone so that I could rush off to learn about what I was.

“I doubt I’d taste very good.” She chuckled, but when I remained silent, she bumped her shoulder against mine. “Spit it out, Aria.”

“He kept telling me to use my brain.” I had been turning his words over inside my head repeatedly, getting no closer to figuring out what he meant.

“You have one?” I cut her a sideways glance, telling her I was being serious, and she sobered.

“I don’t understand him. He said she was marrying the king of Norvalla. That’s him, even if Brander is his proxy.”

“Wait, he called in a proxy?” Esme sat up straighter, placing her elbows on her knees. “You’re sure?”

“Yeah. He named Brander as his proxy before we got married because, if he died, he didn’t want me to become the actual queen of Norvalla.

“Is he still the proxy?”

“As far as I know,” I muttered, frowning. “I cannot see why it matters.”

“A proxyisthe king while he holds the kingdom in another’s stead. Therefore, if Brander is currently holding the title, even by default, he’d be the king.”

I blinked slowly, turning to face her fully. “Son of abitch!”I slapped my forehead. “How would I know if Brander is still holding the title?”

“You’d have to go to Knox and ask him that yourself.”

“He’s at what may or may not behisengagement party with the heads of the Nine Realms in attendance. I’d have to be insane to go to him there.”

“We leave at the first sign of daylight for the passes, Aria. It’s now or never,” she stated, making my forehead crease. “I think if you can fight Hecate and come out on top, then getting away from Knox and the council if you need to should be child’s play. Or is it you’re afraid to talk to him and find out the truth?”

“It’s not so much fear—well, maybe a bit. But you don’t think it’s a trap?” I considered it but would he expect me to crash the party after what I’d said to him?

“It could be, but do you think whatever they tried would stop you from escaping?” Esme asked, peering up at the stars. “There’s a dress inside and a mask for you to wear since they were thoughtful enough to make it a masquerade ball. It’s almost as if they were inviting you to show up.” She grinned and winked at me. “I also scrounged up some of your old shampoo that hid your scent. I found it in your bedroom at the sanctuary. The only thing I couldn’t get was shoes.”

“Why would you get me all that stuff?”

“You mean, other than the obvious?” I nodded because the obvious was that I was going to show up at that party dress or no dress. “You can’t go through that trial and then to see your father while you’re in heat, Aria. Desperately horny is a terrible first impression.”

“Very unflattering, indeed.” I paused before adding, “If anything happens there, I will get us out and back here. I promise you that, okay? We will escape if they seek to cage us.”

“I know, which is why I trust you to get me there for the answers we both need. You’ve already proven that you won’t leave me behind, and I trust you. You’re the most stubborn, boneheaded, and loyal person I’ve ever met, Aria.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“I did not mean it as one.” She lowered her head and scratched the back of her neck before facing me again. “Look, I’m glad I took a chance on you in that alley when we first met. You’re a lot to deal with, honestly, but I’m thankful that you came into my life.”

“Same, and even though you’re the worst best friend in history and still won’t admit it, I’m glad you’re mine,” I admitted, enjoying her awkwardness. Pursing my lips, I fought the queasiness of what I was considering doing tonight. “If I go to the party and am captured, I’m screwed.”

“Really? You went there?” She shook her dark head, rolling her eyes before addressing the worry I’d expressed. “If that happens, I’ll come for you. I may not be as savage or as deadly as you are, but Iwillcome to get you back. Hell, I’ll bring Hecate straight to their fucking door as a diversion so I can sneak in and get you out.”

“Wow, straight to the sadistic bitch card. Didn’t see that coming.” I joked even though her sentiment caused warmth to spread through me. “Few care what happens to me anymore, Esme. I’m glad you are one of them. In a world full of people who wait for a moment to strike and betray you, it’s nice to know someone is in my corner.”

“Don’t go getting all sentimental. We’re still not best friends. I won’t help dig ditches to bury bodies in.”

I burst out laughing. “We’ve already had this conversation, Esme. There’s no ditch and no body to bury. It’s about trusting the one person who you know you can always count on to be with you when they’re needed.”

“Still”—she huffed as if the conversation made her uncomfortable—“I’m not your best friend.”

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