Page 55 of Xeda

She found it hard to speak. The sinking feeling was still there, falling into her gut. She had to do this for them. If they wanted to win. She closed her eyes and willed herself not to feel anything more about it. "Y-yes," she said, ignoring the sharp pang that hit her chest. "Go ahead. And...thank you for your help."

Zachary smiled. "Excellent. Let's hope tonight will give him some needed relief. And then we can get him back on track."

Ophilia opened her eyes, wishing she could feel just as casual about this as Zachary. She also hoped Xeda wouldn't be too offended by the idea either. He would be taken to the room, but he didn't have to do anything if he didn't want to.

Zachary left to make the arrangements, leaving her alone to think over everything they’d just discussed. Technically, this was a better scenario then what she had originally thought when she worried he might be injured in some way. And yet, she didn't feel much better.

They were here to win and do what had to be done...

She watched Xeda, imagining him pulling some woman to him, biting, scratching, and possessing, desperate, hungry, and wild with need. Taking out his hot rage on them one beat at a time. Her face burned at the thought as she felt a slow ache between her thighs.

No, never her. She had to let it go.

* * *

She let the water spill down her head and shoulders as she leaned against the shower wall. She’d let Xeda stay in the training yard for longer, to give him something else to focus on and to give her a moment of peace before the party. Afterward, she gave him some time to prepare in his room alone while she did the same. She had gotten very close to telling him what she knew but then backed out each time. If he hadn't told her himself, then he might not like learning that she found out some other way. She didn't want to embarrass him. Tonight she would act like nothing was amiss, tell him it was for the party and nothing more. Let him enjoy himself.

She closed her eyes and let the water fall along her face and neck. She imagined the laps of water like a warm tongue, if Xeda were to—

No. Enough.

Frustrated, she turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. She used the heat vents above to dry herself quickly, then stepped into her small room. The marbled floors were cool on her feet as she padded over to the closet. She threw it open and looked for something to wear.

She eyed the kelva outfit first. And felt now it wouldn’t be appropriate. She found a slim black dress instead, with gold thread along the sides, and went with that. She fixed her hair and even did a little make-up, not something she usually wore but felt compelled to this time around. It was to be a semi-formal affair, but they'd also expect her to be dressed appropriately. She was sick of the uniform and deep down maybe for once she wanted to be a little seen.

Because tonight she would be alone. Waiting around for Xeda to return to see his calm, ecstatic face. Her stomach twisted, and she waved the thought away. Or maybe she would actually try to find company this time. She might not like any of the people around her, a bunch of thugs and criminals in fine suits, but surely someone could keep her company.

She thought of Zachary then. Maybe they could just spend a night talking. He seemed pleasant enough. He was suave and charming. Maybe it was him she should be thinking about.

She tried to think of him in a more romantic way but found it wasn't the same. He was also too secretive. There was something about him that he hid well and that rubbed her the wrong way.

Still, he might be someone to make good conversation with, and that was all the distraction she would need.

There was a sharp tap at her door as she fixed herself in her mirror. Heart flipping, she went to the door and opened it to Xeda.

He peered down at her quietly, his mouth widening slightly. His eyes drifted over her dress, and she tried not to let the heat of his gaze affect her. "Ready?" she asked.

His eyes met hers. He wore his kelva pants and a single armband but nothing more. "If we must. It's too late to ask if we can stay behind, is it?"

Oh, how she wished she could say no to that.

"I wish we could," she said softly. "But they'll be expecting us for at least part of the night. But it doesn't have to be long, if you don't want."

He grunted. "I don't."

She nodded and passed by him quickly to the outer door. "You're going to have to be on your best behavior with Sal. He's still pissed about the showing."

Xeda blew out a breath. "I gather as much. His son better stay away."

"I'm sure he plans to." She lifted her hand to the doorpad, then turned back to him. "Just...try to enjoy yourself tonight."

He scoffed. "Doubtful."

Oh, you might be surprised, she thought, feeling a moment of bitterness, then quickly shoving it aside as she turned and pressed on the doorpad.

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

Xeda

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