Page 68 of The Curse of a Kingdom
“Well, it affects all of us fae much like a full moon affects lycans. We gather to celebrate the longer days, for healthier crops, which means a healthier kingdom.” Leela rubbed at the yellow dress, not paying attention to Nava’s fidgeting.
“I wonder, if I say I’m sick, would that work for me not to have to go to the celebration?”
“They will send the healers, and they will know if you are in fact ill,” Leela warned. “Are you feeling unwell?”
“No. Maybe?” Nava pulled the belt on her robe, deviating her gaze elsewhere. “The healers weren’t nice when they tended to me last time. What’s with the people of this kingdom hating humans?”
“We’re split in between the ones who dislike humans, especially after the queen—” Leela cleared her throat and wandered around the room. But Nava could fill in the blanks now.
The queen had stolen their heir away. A precious prince who wasn’t easy to replace, not if what Arkimedes had told her about the royals having difficulty making babies was true.
“But these last ten years, the hate has grown like a rotten thing. The king used to trade with your kind. We used to get delicious chocolate from the Gold Kingdom.” Her expression turned dreamy. “And traveling musicians from the Pearl Islands used to tour our land.”
Nava’s heart shrank at hearing about the islands, where Cameron, Gavin, and Violet were, searching for knowledge about how to battle the Iron Crown and the Society of Crows. Trying to find ancient laws set eons ago that would protect magic-wielders over the crown’s army drafting and coupling laws.
It was Gavin’s and Violet’s hope that there had been a law signed by all kingdoms at some point that protected things like soulmate bonds or families’ rights. It was a long shot but worth researching.
“I saw a lot of humans in town yesterday.”
“Oh, yes, our locals have always been here. However, they’ve grown more resentful over getting pushed to the edges of the city. Most of the homes near the castle are fae homes,” Leela continued.
“That’s horrible, the king shouldn't have so much hate toward his own people.”
“I don’t believe he does. Not truly.” Leela’s gaze searched the room. Nava remembered the first day Leela had come to keep her company. How the room had reacted when she’d spoken ill of the queen. Nava wondered if she was waiting for a similar reaction. “He made a human his queen, after all,” Leela added after a moment of silence, taking Nava out of her musings. “It’s said he loved her, making the betrayal even more heartbreaking.”
Nava wasn’t sure the king could love anyone or anything. Not if he’d kidnapped his son, erased his memories, and forced him to stay here against his will. “Why are they so sure she betrayed him?” Nava asked.
Leela pressed her lips together, shrugging one slim shoulder. “The king says so, and it must be true since he defended her for years.”
If her instinct was correct—and it usually was when it came to her mate—she was sure Arkimedes didn’t agree with the sentiment. Something was off, and he was determined to find it.
“I will fetch some needle and thread to fix this monstrosity before the ball. I’m not amazing with sewing, but I know a little, miss. I can help you if you allow me to do so.”
“Have at it, Leela. You will make it one hundred times better.”
If what Devon and now Leela had told her was true, the way magic worked with soulmates during the solstice would make her irrational when it came to being intimate with her mate. She needed to stay away from Arkimedes B. Valeron, and maybe this dress would help her with that.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
NAVA
Nava caressed the top of the box, her fingers slipping over the red polished wood. The emblem of Marni’s boutique was etched on top with gold foil accents. She undid the clasp, and soon her eyes encountered a feathered, canary-yellow mask to go with her dress. “Does the king allow himself to partake in the ball?”
“Yes, the whole court will be present. He always has his hands full with his ladies . . .” Leela lowered her gaze back to the gown.Riiiip.She pulled away one sleeve of Nava’s dress with a grin. “I have a good feeling about this, miss. She built it so poorly, I’m able to remove these layers with almost no issue.”
“That makes me feel better.” Nava grabbed the sash, using the small scissors Leela had provided to cut some of the thread that attached it to the dress. Once the sash was off, it revealed a nice, narrow bodice.
Leela walked to the closet, opening the doors and examining the gowns hanging in there.
Nava stared, curious. “If you are looking for a new yellow or gold gown to magically show up there, I hate to break it to you but I already checked, multiple times.”
The redhead laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, no, I want to borrow some pieces from some of the gowns you have already worn.”
“Are you looking for something specific?”
“A sash . . . some tulle, anything really.” Leela’s delicate brows met in the middle. Her lips pursed as she moved the gowns around. “I don’t remember them being so dark before.”
“Dark?”
