Page 110 of Ecliptic

I wasn’t convinced this was necessary, but with no other choice, I stilled and tried not to move a muscle as Thaydril painted my eyes.

Thaydril wrangled Maddock and Dyani into our room, staring at us like a proud mother hen. “I must say, this is some of my best work.”

Rowen and Maddock wore loose pants and scarf-like shirts that folded around their shoulders in layers of light material. Dyani was dressed similarly, but over her pants, she wore a wrap-around skirt. Her arms were bare except for the silver armbands she wore in memory of Demil.

“I think I missed a few things,” Maddock said, standing in desert elve attire, looking fresh, clean, and rested. “I woke up to women undressing and bathing me.”

“Not a bad way to wake up. Though it would be better if we could keep our blades,” Dyani said, her hands fidgeting without being able to rest upon her weapons.

“I’m sorry you aren’t able to take your blades with you today, but they will be returned to you after you meet with the princess and king,” the Keeper replied, smoothing a strand of my hair and adjusting my makeup. It was as if my appearance was cause for greater concern than the drought.

I already felt naked without Mithrion, but what Thaydril had chosen for me to wear wasn’t helping. I was clad in sheer tulle.

The dress was light and airy with a structured silhouette and internal corset. The fabric draped down my body in varying lengths; some pieces were long enough to trail behind me as Iwalked, while others barely reached my upper thigh. There was at least one slit that ran all the way up to my hipbone.

“Why do I look like a human sacrifice?” I asked Thaydril, gazing at everyone else who was fully dressed.

“It can’t hurt to look . . . appetizing,” he replied, gazing at me from head to toe as if pleased with his work.

Rowen’s gaze traced along my body like the gentle trail of his blade. My skin erupted with goosebumps as his jaw and temples flexed. The look was equal parts desire and fury. A desire to banish everyone from the room and take me against the stone wall, and a fury that I was wrapped like a present for another man.

Rayal said I would need to bleed for the king, and it didn’t escape me that red was starkest against white.

The Keeper of the Eye of the Sun led us to a towering stone wall lined with guards. Even though a cloth covered their mouths and noses, their eyes and blades were piercing.

“They are here to see the princess,” Thaydril said, his confident demeanor unchanging. “She is expecting us."

The guards separated, allowing us to pass through the stone wall that parted with ease. We entered a drawing room that emanated wealth. Gold and maroon tiles spiraled upward along the lined columns in mesmerizing patterns while teal tiles covered the floor, giving the illusion we walked upon an oasis. Wide doorways were framed with gauzy curtains that draped down and swayed in time with the desert breeze, and the ceiling was decorated with gilded suns, resembling the emblem on Rayal’s choker.

Though the city was hot and dry, the drawing roomremained cool, and I realized it was due to a constant stream of misters placed throughout the area.

My nails dug into my skin, creating half-moons on my palms.

Why would the king be blasting misters when elves on the streets were begging for water? He must be hoarding all the resources for himself.

Thaydril led us to a seated area where couches, settees, and cushions laid around the room. Plants filled the space, lending a vibrant green that was missed from the city that claimed to be an oasis. I could only guess how much water it took to keep these plants alive and thriving.

The palace was in pristine condition, nothing like the city we had walked through.

Suddenly, Rayal appeared out of a swaying curtain, followed by even more guards. Her hair was a blend of braided and curly textures that surrounded her face and fell to her hips. Gold makeup, bangles, and hair jewelry shone vibrantly against her rich brown skin. She wore a light-weight marigold dress that twisted down her chest and flowed elegantly to the floor. She was decorated from head to toe in regal opulence.

She was truly a princess—no. A queen.

A queen robbed of her throne.

My eyes darted to Dyani, but her gaze was locked on the princess, and she folded at the waist to bow.

“Welcome, friends,” Rayal said, her gaze welcoming yet snapping to Dyani before finding me again. The memory of her bright eyes had comforted me, but as I gazed upon her face, her spark had faded. As if she too were exhausted by the lies and appearances her step-uncle maintained.

When I was locked away in the Crypts, Rayal snuck into my cell and gave me not only food, but hope. Hope in a place Ithought would be my grave. She had saved me in more ways than one.

And now it was my turn to return the favor.

The palace was gold and glimmering, and if I weren’t standing within it, talking with the princess, I would have thought it a beautiful mirage. “Thank you,” I said, offering her as much strength through my eyes as possible. I remembered to keep up the ruse in front of the guards and added, “You have no idea how good it is to see you.”

She smiled and walked to Rowen and Dyani. “I remember you both from the Crypts,” she said with an appreciative nod. “Thank you both for helping save me and all the souls trapped within.”

“It was my honor,” Rowen said with a slight half bow.

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