Page 31 of A Storm of Fire and Ash
I woke up alone.
I didn’t blame the prince, though. He probably didn’t want to be caught slumming it with me in another man’s room.
Stretching my limbs while I sat up in bed, I was taken by surprise when my bedroom door suddenly slammed open, and in walked Kalista.
“Kalista! You scared me. What are you doing in here?” I asked, but she whizzed right past me, moving to the window and flinging open the blinds.
I almost forgot that Fintan mentioned she and Yara would be coming to my room to help me get ready. Even though I didn’t need or want the help.
I hissed as the sunlight poured into the room, filling every dark corner with harsh brightness. She then marched over and ripped the sheets off the bed, exposing my naked body beneath. For a fleeting moment, I tried to cover myself, confusion surging through me.
Kalista laughed, a sharp, mocking sound that cut through the air. “Oh, please, like I have anything to worry about seeing you naked,” she scoffed, bunching up the sheets and tossing them carelessly onto the floor. Her gaze returned to me, her expression filled with a mixture of disdain and amusement. “Besides, when I fuck the Prince, I do it in his room.”
Her words landed like a physical blow to my chest, the breath escaping my lungs as I grappled with the weight. Why had I ever expected the prince to be interested in just me? He had mentioned he wasn’t with anyone since he met me, but her words clawed at my heart, igniting a flicker of doubt.
“Well, get up,” she gestured angrily, her impatience profound. “I’m not dressing you. Or doing your hair. You have hands, use them.”
The anger radiated off her in waves, and it unsettled me. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and climbed to my feet, grabbing the nearest tunic and pulling it over my head. The familiar scent of Zayn clung to the fabric.
“Why do you hate me? What did I do to you?” I managed to ask, my voice cracking. She wouldn’t meet my gaze, her eyes focused instead on the ground. In a fit of frustration, she tossed a tray of muffins and coffee onto the small table by the window. The coffee spilled, soaking into the muffin, turning it soggy and unappetizing.
Bitch.
“Thanks,” I muttered sarcastically.
Kalista’s voice dripped with contempt as she stepped closer to me, her towering figure looming over mine. “You sicken me, Elara,” she spat, her words sharp as daggers. With her striking blue eyes gleaming like frozen sapphires, she pierced me with a look filled with unbridled hatred. “You waltz in here from the slums, and suddenly you find yourself as the prince’s leading choice?! Just look at you; you are nothing. Once the Prince has had his fill, he will tire of you and come crawling back to me. I’m to be his Queen, not you!”
My nails dug into my palms.
The sting of her words ignited a burning sensation in my eyes, as tears threatened to spill over. I fought against the tide of emotion welling up inside me.
Do not cry! Do not let her win!I urged myself fervently.
But as I desperately wiped away the errant tears, a single droplet betrayed me, escaping down my cheek.
Kalista’s lips curled into a victorious grin. “Pathetic.” She shoved past me with a forceful nudge, hershoulder colliding with mine, before she stormed out the door with my dirty sheets in her arms.
Eryn had been leaning casually against the wall. She stepped into my room as soon as Kalista disappeared.
“Did you hear all of that?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly.
“Of course I did. Nothing escapes these Fae ears,” Eryn replied, gesturing to her elegantly rounded ears.
“I don’t understand what I did wrong. She is awful! I hate her,” I confessed, frustration spilling over.
“Hate is a strong word,” Eryn countered, a knowing look crossing her face. I shot her a warning glare, not wanting to endure a lecture on emotional restraint.
“Get dressed,” she commanded, eyeing me up and down with a critical gaze. “Wear something that at least resembles your own clothing. We’re going running. And then, I’m going to turn those scrawny noodles you call arms into something stronger,” she smirked.
“Where are we going running?” I inquired, rushing to gather my clothes before disappearing into the bathroom. “You’ve said I’m too fast; if anyone sees me, it might blow my cover.”
“I said you were too fast while in the castle, not that I couldn’t outrun you. You may be Royal Fae, but I’ve had much more time to hone my skills.” I stepped out of the bathroom, pulling my shirt down as I shot her a challenging look.
“Looks like you had some company last night,” I teased, slipping my feet into my boots and bending down to lace them up.
With a playful shove, Eryn sent me tumbling onto my ass. “Hey!” I exclaimed, laughter bubbling up as she joined in.
“A lady never kisses and tells…” she said through her chuckles.
