Page 83 of The Reign of Blood

“I’m sure,” I repeat, waving her off. I’m wearing my combat boots. No one can see them, and they offer me a little extra height anyway, so it doesn’t make a difference. They’re just safer if anything happens to go wrong.

“And do you really need that many daggers?”

It’s my turn to give her a pointed look. “Yes.”

My hands run over my thighs, feeling the outline beneath the material. There are twelve of them strapped perfectly in place. I was going to add two more until Flora told me I was going from overly cautious to insane.

“And you definitely want everyone to see the kiss of amethyst?” she asks, nodding toward where the purple gem glistens under the light.

“One thousand percent.” It was one of the additional reasons I opted for this dress. It may make me look weakened to those around me and show the kingdom that I’ve been restrained, but it only serves to prove to everyone that I can and will rise above it.

“You’re badass, Addi,” she states, a mixture of awe and disbelief dancing in her words, and I grin.

“So are you. Now, let’s go.”

Flora grabs her bag, a shimmering gold to match her heels and jewelry, while I opt to go bagless. I don’t need to carry anything; it’s all on my body. A bag is just an inconvenience at this stage.

She glances at herself one more time in the mirror before opening the door to find Arlo standing on the other side, poised and ready to knock.

“Holy shit, Flora. You look beautiful,” he gasps, failing to discreetly adjust himself beneath his pants. Not that I think Flora sees. She’s too focused on gaping at him.

“You don’t clean up too bad yourself,” she mutters, cheeks blushing under his heated stare until he shrugs, breaking the moment.

“It comes naturally,” he states, running his hands over the lapels of his jacket as he grins at us. The black suit frames his shoulders perfectly, and the pristine white shirt beneath makes his natural tan look even more golden.

“I’m sure it does,” she muses, still gaping at him as he clears his throat.

“Ladies,” he declares, offering his elbows out for us to link him. Flora doesn’t waste a second while I wave him off, opting to take the lead as we head for the stairs.

There’s a buzz in the building, a level of excitement in the air that I don’t exactly like the feel of, but I’m a part of the whole event whether I like it or not. The communal area is busy with fae who are giddy with excitement, and I’m certain there’s already a couple making out in the far corner. I have to admit, it’s nice to see them feel something other than the usual doom and gloom that lurks over their heads.

Tonight, they get to mingle and experience the wonders of a ball, as do I and the other origins. It might even be fun, but I’m not getting my hopes up.

Opening the front door, I get one foot outside before I freeze in place, blinking at the four assholes standing on the pathway.

“What in the fuck,” I breathe, glancing from one to another, before Raiden steps forward, fixing his jacket as he gives me an irritated stare.

“I was here first,” he starts, but Brody shoves at his arm.

“Yeah, but she’smydance partner, so that makes her my date,” he insists, appearing in front of me with a white rose corsage.

“I don’t recall that being in the rules,” Kryll points out, amusement flashing in his eyes as Cassian sighs from the back of the group.

“Are we going or not? You’re boring the fuck out of me.”

32

ADRIANNA

Ican’t tell whether it’s Heaven or Hell, having the four of them standing before me. Hell, because I know they’re going to come with drama and a headache. Heaven, because holy fucking shit, what is this level of hotness burning bright before me?

Where to start the discreet admiration?

Brody slips the corsage over my wrist as I admire the pale gray suit that molds to his body so epically that my core tightens. I’ve seen this man naked, I’ve felt him inside me, but damn, the muscles that are wrapped in expensive fabric are next level.

“Thank you,” I murmur, watching the grin spread across his face, but his eyes don’t meet mine; they’re too busy running over my body from head to toe.

“Don’t thank him. He’s making up stupid rules that don’t count,” Raiden grumbles, shoving his friend aside, and I hear Flora giggle from beside me. I give her a pointed look, but it does nothing but make her laugh louder.

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