Page 24 of Trial By Fire

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A knock at the door wakes me. I didn’t realize I drifted off after I stuffed myself full of fruit and toast. I guess I closed my eyes after I returned to the plush chair by the fire, and the rest is history. I turn toward the door, finding the breakfast had been cleared away, so they must have come in here whilst I slept. Well, that makes me feel a bit uneasy, but then I realize that Dravyn is watching, and I guess subconsciously I felt safe.

As the door opens, I expect more attendants to scurry in, but my stomach clenches at the sight of Maurelle sashaying through the door. She’s wearing gold from head to toe. A black metal crown with six spikes twisted and curved like twigs at each tip is adorned with what looks like onyx. I stare transfixed as they sparkle like black stars. This must be the crown of the Night Court I assume, as my eyes travel down toward the deep V metallic gold body con dress. I mean, if she wasn’t a queen, I would think she worked nights at Maxwell’s Boom Boom Room. I have never been to the nightclub before, but Ms. Banks used to complain about the music being too loud. I guess with shifter ears it was. Thinking of her now made me grieve her loss even more. I never got to say goodbye.

The sharp taps of Maurelle’s spikey stilettos brings me back from the brink of sadness as I quickly stand as she approaches. She stops just as my father is ushered into the room. Gone is the strong, robust man who gave me a quick tutorial in all things Fae magic yesterday. In his place is a frail, broken-down man I first thought he was. Now I know he’s fully charged, and this is just a ruse, I don’t respond or show any concern whatsoever. To Maurelle, I’ve never met the man, and I want her to continue to think that. Two guards trail behind him, their silver armor gleams unnaturally, considering there is no sunlight around to illuminate them in that way. My father wears a black tuxedo that looks two sizes too big, his feet shuffle along the floor like he doesn’t have the energy to pick up his feet. He looks pathetic, and I almost laugh at his dramatics.

“Cordelia, you look absolutely dreadful.” She scans me from head to toe with a look of disgust. I guess she is not pleased with me wearing a t-shirt. Well, tough.

“Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you. Next time, I will receive you when I am a little less hormonal and more inclined to give a fuck,” I say with the biggest smile I can muster. She, on the other hand, sneers at me.

“No matter. We will sort you out.” At the mention of sorted, two attendants rush into the room carrying several garment bags in their hands. I shoot a quick glance at my father, but his eyes are downcast. I have a feeling I am about to be ambushed, maybe she’s decided to kill me after all.

“I’ve decided to give you a proper welcome to our court. You were right when we first met, I failed to give you a proper welcome.” Maurelle begins to walk back and forth as she continues. Slowly, my father’s head rises, pretending to give her attention but looking right at me.

“So tonight, there will be a ball held in your honor. You are a queen. And a queen needs to be introduced to society. I heard Maddox attempted to do the same but failed miserably.” She laughs, and I almost lose it at the mention of my adopted grandfather. It was her fault that every dinner he tried to hold was ruined by her actions, indirectly at least.

“So, pick a dress.” She gestures wildly, with arms spread wide, her dress riding up her thighs as she turns on a dime to leave. “I promise, it will be a night you will never forget.” She laughs, and it sends a chill down my spine. I have a bad feeling about this, and my Dragon stirs inside me. I think we both feel it.

“Can I meet my father?” I call after her as she reaches the door. The man in question curls his shoulders forward, looking unthreatening as Maurelle turns and looks from me to him.

“Well, I did promise, didn’t I, Dain?” She walks up to her brother, and her eyes narrow as she searches him for any deception. We wait for a long moment, I know it was a long shot to ask for a moment alone, but I had to try.

“Fine. I will even give you some privacy.” She nods to the guards, and the attendants lay their bags over the nearby chairs, and they close the door behind them after they exit. Dain holds up his hands, stopping me from speaking as he listens. Satisfied that we can speak somewhat freely, he approaches me quickly.

“I can’t stay long,” he whispers, looking over his shoulder at the door.

“What is she planning?” I whisper back, trying not to let my nerves show.

“She has kept her plans close to her chest. I know nothing. You must be prepared for anything, Cordelia, and I do mean anything.” He starts to walk away, keeping our meeting extremely brief.

“Dravyn is here,” I tell him as he reaches the door.

“Good, then all the players have arrived.” He sighs and turns. “Whatever happens tonight, you are the most important. You need to go to the location I told you about yesterday and get out of here. I am no one. Just a man who wishes he had more time.” Before I can say anything, he opens the door and leaves.

I really hope that wasn’t a goodbye. Because that would suck if it was.

CHAPTERNINETEEN

THADDEUS

“My Lord, we just received word that the Regents have taken the palace.Saphir, Panlongia,Kaeluma, andCresceriahave all taken up arms against you. Most of the Barons and remaining Council members have been imprisoned or fled into the Barren Lands to await your instructions.” I run my hand down my tuxedo, attempting to maintain composure. My attendant, Mauro, shifts nervously from side to side, stepping away from me as I stare at him stoically. His mouth opens and closes like there’s more, but he is afraid to say anything.

“Well, what is it, Mauro? It’s obvious you have more to say. Open your fucking mouth and tell me,” I hiss. Cowards. I am surrounded by them. My council, Barons, and even my goddamned assistant need to grow some balls.

“They’ve declared you are public enemy number one. You’re to be captured, and, ah, and charged with, um, treason.” He stumbles through the last part, and I lose all patience. I strike him like a viper, lightning fast. The back of my hand stings, but I welcome the pain. Mauro’s neck has snapped to the side. His hands go up to grab his cheek, but I don’t give him a chance to recover. I grab his navy-blue tie and wrap it around my hand, then pull him toward me.

“The next time you bring me news, good or bad, bring it to me with confidence, with your fucking head held high. Not like a fucking dog with his tail tucked between his legs!” I growl and push him away from me. He quickly fixes his tie and straightens out his charcoal grey suit jacket.

“My sincere apologies, my Lord. I will endeavor to be better.”

I groan at his reply. I just can’t right now. The news I just received is making me feel murderous, if he keeps sucking up, I will kill him.

“Leave.Now!” I say with as much venom in my voice as I can gather. His eyes go wide, but he stops just before he backs away.

“What should I tell them, my Lord?” Mauro holds his head up, rolling his shoulders back, trying to correct his earlier mistake. At least he is trying.

“Tell who?” I snap. I need to be left alone with my thoughts.

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