Page 31 of Blooms of Darkness

Kalliah knelt on the other side of me, her hand moving around my waist.

“It’ll be okay, Lana,” Kalliah assured me.

Ian’s grip tightened. “We’ll get through this together, like we always do.”

I peered up at Ian, quietly asking, “What am I going to do? Everyone will find out I’m magicless.”

We remained sitting together until my legs started to cramp from the position. When I shifted, Ian rose first, holding out his hands to me and Kalliah.

He pushed a strand of loose hair behind my ear. “We’ll find a solution.”

“Even if I’m being stupid with how mad I am at you?” I asked.

Ian smiled at me, kissing my forehead. “Your anger at me is deserved, but it will not make me change my mind. We’ll work through it. And this, too.”

Tears streamed down my face, and I buried my head in the warmth of Ian’s chest, while Kalliah rubbed my back.

They let me cry, out in the open, without rushing me.

When I leaned back, lifting my chin, I looked at each of them. “We’ll get through it together,” I repeated Ian’s words.

“This calls for one more round,” Kalliah said.

Kalliah’s uncanny intuition made me believe she had a higher level of magical abilities, lesser Fae or not. She always succeeded in distracting me when the pressure of Court, or the fear of my lack of magic, overwhelmed me.

“I let you win before.” I grinned, willing a bit of strength back into my body.

We picked up the swords, practicing each position Ian had taught us. The movements were almost soothing as we circled each other, sparring and smiling.

While I may not have control over my future, one thing I knew for certain—I wouldn’t be going down without a fight.

Chapter 10

Ischooled my features, presenting the happy princess everyone had come to know and love while I stood on display for the Court. This mask portrayed my reserved and complacent demeanor, always worn with the hint of a smile upon my face.

My mind protested the act we were portraying to the world as anxious energy crackled inside of me. A delicate smile, and a small wave of my hands to the subjects of our kingdom was all they would see. While inside, I so desperately craved to be anywhere but here.

It had been five days since my father told me the marriage trials would be taking place.

Five days.

It was all the time it took for Fae to gather from across our entire kingdom to attend this evening’s ball to witness which men came forth to try to win my hand.

From where I stood on the royal dais, I studied those gathered, chatting, and mingling together. To them, it would appear as though I enjoyed seeing the crowd tonight.

Inhaling, I bit back a sob at how happy everyone seemed to be. At my expense. Any tear escaping would be mistaken for oneof eternal gratitude and joy at the offering the king made in my honor. All it would take was a hand on my heart to make the act complete.

Kalliah had outdone herself preparing me this evening. My tiara glistened, a solid purple sapphire, surrounded by diamonds and other purple and violet gems. She had twisted my hair up in a braided crown, aware I hated my long hair flowing down my back when I had to dance the night away.

I caught her attention across the room as she motioned how perfect she thought she did.

The only way to keep from laughing aloud was to avert my gaze and try not to glance her way again.

I knew I looked beautiful. Like a trophy on display. Her intent hadn’t been to make anyone else awestruck, but for me to feel battle ready in a different kind of armor. For me to know my power may be lacking in magic, but I could command a room with, not only my title, but my poise and grace.

The doors swung open with a breeze as the king and queen glided into the room, every Fae bowing, including myself. They strode slowly down the gold and purple velvet runner lining the middle of the white marble throne room, their subjects staring at the pair with admiration.

I kept my gaze cast downward, focused on the way my navy-blue dress pooled around my feet. The small, clear crystals along the top layer of tulle shimmered in the soft lights. The lights were a show of power, cast using the king’s magic throughout the massive throne room.

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