Chapter 38 STABBED
"Since when did you learn how to tie a proper corset?” I ask as Auren fastens the last rope and steps back. Through the mirror, I catch the satisfied smirk tugging at his lips.
He folds his arms across his chest. “Since a certain someone nearly passed out last two days ago because she insisted she could tighten it herself.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks. “I did not nearly pass out.” I clear my throat. " Besides I grew up not dressing this fancy and classy, so how well I'm I expected to tie a corset.”
To be honest I find all these royal dresses pointless and useless. Back at Edenvale once you put on your chemise, your garters and maybe try on your dress and you are set for the day.
Besides,”, he reaches out, brushing a stray curl behind my ear, “You sent Nerisa on holiday, so you should not be too proud when I'm offering free services.”
“I didn”t," I protest, folding my arms. “ You just invaded my dressing room and decide you were going to dress me.”
“Tying to help you with your dress isn't barging in,” he says with a shrug.
I pick up my dress and slip into it. Once everything is in place, I turn to him. “How do I look?”
Auren freezes for half a second, his eyes roam over me, slow, possinsistingessive and warm.
“Beautiful,” he says. “If not for the elders on meeting me, I'd have you pinned to this bed, worshipping you in ways no man can “
I blush hard.
He's been making subtle moments ever since that night he taught me how to use my magic to control the fire.
During those days, I've been feeling restless. His touches ignite something in me I don't want to put a name to. Each time he gets near, or touches me, my body instantly lights up and it's like he should take me that very instant.
Fighting back my desire, I roll my eyes. “Go to court, you peacock.”
“Peacock?” His brows shoot up. “That’s new.”
“With how much you pride yourself? Absolutely.”
He steps forward, leaning down to whisper near my ear, “Just admit it. You like when I look at you.”
I glare up at him, but my voice betrays me. “Maybe.”
Auren smirks, entirely too pleased. “I’ll be back after the meeting. Try not to set anything on fire while I’m gone, and have a good day at the market.”
“No promises.”
He pauses at the door, gives me one last lingering look, and murmurs, “Be safe, Haven.”
And just like that, smirk and all, he’s gone.
I make final touches to my hair to my hair and adjust the hem of my dress before stepping out of the bedroom.
I walk toward the dining hall, the servants bowing slightly as they pass by. The corridor opens into the wide, chandelier-lit room, quiet, warm, filled with the soft clatter of servants preparing the table.
I barely make it three steps inside before Zimora steps directly into my path.
Her arms cross, her chin tilts and her eyes sweep over me with that familiar, venom-sweet smile.
“Well, look at you,” she says, circling me like she’s checking for cracks. “All dressed up like you belong at his side. But we both know what you really are.”
I lift my head, waiting for what she has to say next.
Zimora’s smile widens, sharp as a blade. “You’re just a toy to him. A distraction, and nothing more. Do you really think Auren would ever love a woman like you? Weak, soft, and confused. A little flame that will burn out the second he gets bored? Your predecessors died and so will you.”
My fingers curl at my sides, but I force myself to breathe and be calm.
When I speak, my voice is calm and steady in a way that surprises even me. “You’re right.”
She blinks again, startled.
I step closer until we’re almost touching, and she has to lift her chin to keep eye contact. She might be the brave dragon lieutenant, but I'm still two inches taller than her.
“You’re right,” I repeat softly. “I am a distraction to him.” I lean in just a little. “A beautiful one.”
Her jaw tightens.
“And as for being a toy?” I tilt my head. “Funny. He’s the one chasing me through hallways and training courts. He’s the one who can’t take his eyes off me.”
Zimora scoffs, but her voice wavers. “Delusion doesn’t suit you…”
“What doesn’t suit you,” I cut in, “is pretending you understand anything about me, or what Auren feels. You see strength only in claws and cruelty. I don’t.”
She opens her mouth, but I’m not done. “I’m not weak, Zimora. I just don’t waste my strength on tearing other women down to feel taller.” I smile, slow, sharp, controlled.
“And if Auren doesn’t pick you, again, that’s not my problem.”
Her face twists, fury rippling across her expression. I step around her, calm and steady.
“And one more thing,” I add without turning back, “if you’re so sure he’ll never love me… why are you so threatened?”
With that , I walk to the dining table like nothing happened at all.
Lyra, and Amelyn are already halfway through their meals by the time I take a seat beside Lyra.
“Thought you had no plans of having breakfast today," Lyra comments.
“I had to take care of some…pests.”
Amelyn stifles a laugh, and clears her throat. " Okay eat up so we can go shopping and have time to do other fun things.”
Three hours later I find myself in the familiar streets of the Emberlight markets. Today the market was even busier and noisier.
People shouted out their wares, calling passers-by to get something from them. I already got a scarf, a red dress that Lyra and Amelyn say will look good on me, and a beautiful emerald necklace that had me falling in love with it at first sight.
But ever since we stepped out of the castle, I'm unable to shake off the feeling that something or someone is following me, but when I turn around, no one looks suspicious enough.
Everyone seems to be busy buying or selling to probably follow me, especially since I am here incognito.
But no matter what I do, no matter what I say, I can't seem to shake it off and it clicks to me like a second skin.
Then it happens.
Everything occurs in the blur of a second, I don't have time to properly process.
One month Lyra is laughing, holding up a beautiful diamond trinket, the next she pushes me to the side and an ear piercing scream escapes her throat.
“Lyra!!"