Page 98 of Spirit Trials
“No.” She shakes her head. “You are already beautiful; we just enhanced it.”
I smile at her. “Thank you.”
“We will leave you now and send your prince in.”
They disappear, and the room quiets for the first time today. I want to just enjoy the peace, but a knock sounds on my door. I walk over to the door, marveling at the slippers I’m wearing. They’re soft but supportive. I take a nervous breath and open the door and take in the man standing before me. He looks every part the warrior prince in all black with a cape attached to his shoulders and various weapons stashed all over his body. I watch as his eyes leave mine and slowly trail down my body. His gaze feels like a caress on my skin, and I resist the urge to shiver. When his eyes meet mine, I’m taken aback at the heat in his eyes. “There are no words to describe how you look tonight.”
I smile. “They worked miracles on me.”
“No, Farrah. You could show up in a sack tonight, and every eye would still be on you because of your beauty.”
His words shock me speechless. He reaches out and touches one of my curls. “About that kiss from last night,” he starts.
“Don’t even think about it,” Vallis says, appearing out of literally nowhere. “No messing up my work.” He claps his hands. “Let’s go people, or the Champion is going to be late to her own ball. I will not have the great Vallis name attached to someone that can’t even arrive to their own ball on time.”
Rysden’s eyes meet mine, and we both barely contain a laugh.Later,he mouths; and I know I’m not going to focus on anything else the rest of the night.
Chapter 49
“The wolf is going with?” Vallis nearly screeches in horror.
“Yes,” Rysden says.
Vallis mutters some colorful words under his breath before turning to me. “Do not sit by the wolf, do not pet it, don’t let them come near you, don’t even...” he waves his hand with a flare.
“Breathe?” I offer with a smile.
He narrows his eyes at me. “Your sarcasm is noted.” I bite back a smile and settle in the coach. Rysden gives me a look and then begins to close the door.
“Wait, you’re not riding in here?”
“Nope.” I glance at Shade next to his side. “And Shade’s not either?”
“No, but we’ll stay close.”
“How come I can’t ride?”
Rysden gives my outfit a onceover, and I settle back in the seat. “Fine,” I huff out.
He smirks. “See you there.” He closes the door and hits it twice, and I hear him and Hector mount up. I nearly fall back in my seat when the coach starts moving forward. I bounce in my seat and try to find something to hang on to. The last time I rode in one of these, Harper and Kinsley were wedged in on either side of me, keeping me from bouncing all over.
“I’m pretty sure I would have been better off riding a horse,” I mutter after a particular bump that nearly launches me from my seat. On the floor, Solace gives me a look and then goes back to resting or whatever it is she’s currently doing. The ride takes longer than I expected, and I start losing my mind worryingabout tonight. I really wish Harper and Kinsley were with me, but we all agreed it was best to keep them out of sight. Even though the other banished will be there tonight, we didn’t want to bring attention to them. Rysden says Kaldar will take them with him when he leaves. I know it’s the right decision, but I miss my friends and wish they could be with me. I hate being the center of attention and really wish we didn’t have to even do tonight. “Why can’t they just congratulate me, hand me my award, and send me on my way?” We hit another bump, and I nearly lose my seat.Again. “This is ridiculous and much worse than riding a horse,” I grumble. Solace doesn’t even lift her head. I finally feel the coach begin to slow down. I blow out a breath and push back the hair that’s come lose from my sides. I tap my foot and wait for the coach door to open. Finally, it comes to a complete stop; and the door opens. I grab my bow and quiver and throw them over my shoulder. Rysden looks up at me. He pauses a moment, and his mouth does something. It’s somewhere between a smirk and a smile. I take his hand and step down.
“What?” I demand.
“Was it a little rough in there?”
I blow a hair out of my face. “I would have been better off riding a horse.” He bites his lip; I’m pretty sure it’s to hide a laugh. “Laugh it up, Prince,” I say, pulling away from him and walk towards the steps.
“Heavenly moons and stars, what did you do?” I turn at Vallis’s exclamation. Horror stretches across his face. He glances down at Solace at my side. “Did you fight with the wolf?”
I scowl at him. “No, I just rode here.”
“And did what?” he asks, exasperated.
“I just rode in that death trap!” I nearly shout and then quickly quiet my voice when I notice people are staring. “I should have just ridden a horse.”
Vallis gives a dramatic shudder and takes a calming breath, closing his eyes. I shake my head at his drama. “Good thing I am always prepared.”
