Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Like Domino and me when one of us was spirit and the other flesh, the two of us one?
Shudders rocked me on my feet. Did the statues in Ourland contain the essence of actual beings as well? Entities determined to rule our world as their own?
Deep breath in. “Let’s get this over with.”
Cyrus led me forward with his arm around my waist. The emperor and Mr. Vyle had yet to arrive, but everyone else was present, the royals dressed in formal attire. The trainees wore clean fatigues.
I swallowed a groan. As if I’d needed another reason to alienate them. Although, when they discovered my engagement—and my allegiance to Soal—true separation would come.
Lolli especially stunned in a slinky black gown with less material than mine and a higher-wattage sparkle. A headpiece made of obsidian created a fan of spikes. Beads dangled over her brow, resembling bangs. Rubies arranged to resemble roses circled her neck and climbed both of her arms from wrist to elbow. They also wound around her calves from ankle to knee, glittering with her every step.
Masked waitstaff flittered about, carrying trays with the most delicious-looking delicacies. Desserts, meats, and fruits never served to commoners. Still full from dinner, I wasn’t even tempted to partake. Some kind of pale, sparkling beverage flowed from a fountain, and judging by the laughter coming from the trainees as they imbibed, they loved it.
Roman wobbled on his feet as he saluted Cyrus. None of the others bothered to salute at all.
Lolli spotted us and, with a grin teasing the corners of her mouth, sauntered over, selecting a drink along the way.
“Hello, Cy.” She kissed his unscarred cheek and brushed her fingers over his broad shoulders, seemingly unconcerned when he stiffened. “Send your favorite accessory to play with her friends. There’s something we should discuss.”
I rolled my eyes. This high princess had no power over me, and we both knew it. “They aren’t my friends.” Roman had assured me of that.
“She stays with me,” Cyrus said, tightening his hold on my waist.
I could’ve gloated and remained, but I wanted her to understand I no longer viewed her as a threat. More than that, I trusted Cyrus, my fiancé. “Go ahead, have your chat. You can tell me all about it later.” I grazed my nails lightly over his brand in a mimic of her, and he leaned into my touch. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” he told me, unashamed for others to hear.
Lolli conveyed only boredom.
I sashayed off, expecting Cyrus to release my hand. To my amusement, he gave a little yank and spun me back into him. Impact pushed a laugh from my parted lips.
Expression fierce enough to startle, he commanded, “Stay where I can see you.” He used a hard tone I’d never heard before, and it took the fun out of the exchange.
I gave a terse nod. “Sir, yes, sir.”
He released me, and I pivoted, striding off. My heels clacked against the hard floor as I worked to school my troubled expression. The center statue drew my gaze. Those flowers. The petals appeared as soft as velvet, and my hands itched to touch.
Roman noticed my approach and did his best to sober up as he elbowed the two trainees standing with him. Acting as though we were bosom buddies and he hadn’t ended a man’s life mere hours ago, he looked me up and down and wiggled his brows. “If I had realized you cleaned up this nicely, I would’ve won you over before the HP had a chance.”
His words inspired my second eye roll of the evening. “You could’ve tried,” I retorted, and his companions scoffed.
Unoffended, he blew me a kiss and winked. “It’s easy for you to dismiss my prowess when you’ve yet to experience its potency.”
His boast earned fresh snickers from our audience.
I couldn’t quite pin down how I felt about these guys, especially Roman. But. The bed-hopper was an expert at acquiring information. “Have you heard anything about Winslet’s condition?”
He waved a hand through the air, dismissing my concerns. “She’s fine. Only had a few scratches.”
Um, had we not participated in the same blood battle? She’d had far more than scratches, thanks to a bullet and an arrow. “I got an up-close view of her injuries. If they weren’t kill shots, they were the next best thing.” And yes, I believed in instant healing. Look at what Ember had done for me. But she was a conduit for Soal. Those aligned with CURED were not.
“Either way, Emperor Dolion has access to special medications and treatments.” Roman hiked his shoulders, the incongruity of his words escaping him once again. “I don’t know the nitty-gritty details, but I did see Winslet walking around. Hey, look at this guy and tell me if you see a resemblance.” He hiked his thumb at the statue of a man reaching for the orb.