Page 36 of Chaos and Destiny
“It is made from a fabric that I’ve created to be whatever you need it to be. If you are hot, it will cool you. It’s as light as silk and as hard as metal.”
It was such a dark black material, the details on the bodice, the textures all melted into the shadows, sitting in the middle of a well-lit room. It was a full-piece black suit with intricate metal that covered the chest and various spots along the legs, arms and bodice. The metal wrapped along the back and resembled wings that did not extend beyond the frame.
“Will I be able to move in the armor?” I asked, reaching out to feel the seductive material.
“It is quite light and not restricting.”
“Can I try it on?”
“As if I’d let you leave here without seeing you squeeze your hot ass into this,” Nadra said from behind me.
It fit like a glove, and just as I had asked, it could carry all my weapons easily.
“Why hasn’t the king stolen you away from us?” Gold flakes trimmed the full-length mirror I stared into. The reflection did not do the material justice.
“Oh, I work for him when he demands it, but he lets me stay in the shop. As long as I’m easily accessible, apparently that’s good enough for him. No one with magic is immune to the capture of royalty.”
“Right.”
I strapped my weapons on, added the cloak, and told Nadra she could keep the prince’s clothes. She awkwardly hugged me, and her mother did the same. And then I left, promising I’d see them again one day.
Chapter 12
TEMIR
“Tell me, Temir,” the bitter king asked from his elevated seat at the head of the table. “Why the hell do I even have a council when no one fucking councils me?”
It was our third mandatory meeting in a week. The king was interchanging the wielders and his council. Probably because they were dropping like flies around him no matter what he did.
“I can’t speak for the rest of the fae here, but I cannot, in good conscience, offer council on a subject I know nothing about.”
“So, you’re worthless?”
I didn’t want to respond. The words didn’t even sting. His negative opinion of me was irrelevant. I was only here for the rebellion. “Perhaps. I will try to speak up more frequently.” I pinched my knuckles under the table to try to keep my face neutral.
“Yes, well, if everyone would come with that conviction, maybe we would get somewhere.” He turned to look at Ragal.
His cousin did not waver.
“May you all be as ambitious as Temir,” the king said, leaning his elbows on the table and looking between each member.
A pointed foot crashed into my shin. While I was confident it had come from Gaea, she didn’t appear to have moved at all. Sneaky little vixen.
“I need a replacement for Thane. Temir, since you’ve decided to speak the fuck up finally, who should it be?”
I looked around the room and considered my options. There weren’t many. I looked to Ragal first, but the barely perceptible shake of his head was enough of an answer from him. The dark twins were new, I couldn’t rely on what little I knew of them.
“Today,” King Autus shouted so loud I jumped.
“Eadas,” I said instantly, choosing a random member.
“Why?” he asked firmly.
“What else does he contribute?” The words were out of my mouth before I could filter them, and while I’m sure Eadas was infuriated by my comment, Bolgan’s laugh filled the chamber, and I thought even the king raised a corner of his mouth.
Eadas turned his nose up. “I do a lot more than you, Temir. I give my king anything he needs.”
I bet you do.
