Ryon laughed almost silently behind his closed lips and stroked her hair. “You’ve passed the test. I’m proud of you.”
“What?”
“I never would have let you come with me, Adele. You just needed to see how much you belong here and I applaud your friends. They truly are loyal.”
“Will you ever grow up enough to stop the games?” I asked.
He laughed. “Probably not but you can’t say I didn’t help. Now you know what to do and nothing will stop you.”
“Thank you.” Adele replied.
Ryon nodded lightly, almost as if he bowed to her and he was gone from sight.
“Good to have you back.” Ruby said.
“It’s the dress. It brings evil.”
“Quite lovely though.” Darius smiled, looking her over.
“Watch it. It seems your new Queen is an evil genius.”
He looked at her oddly. “Kathryn?”
“She made me where it.”
“It’s still nice.” I said. “And the top is just gorgeous.”
“Oh, yeah.” Darius smiled happily.
Adele laughed and had to turn away. “Okay. That’s enough.”
“So, this plan?” Troy asked. “What exactly is it?”
Adele looked back like she had no intentions of spilling anything but Ruby smiled. “It’s about Bianca.”
“You’re really going to kill her?” Darius asked. “I’m just assuming that’s where this is going.”
“Smart assumption.” Adele smiled. “Just ask yourself what you would do.”
Darius paused for a moment and looked at Ruby. “Yeah. You’re right. Kill her.”
“Then I will but I’ll wait till after the banquet and catch her alone. Please don’t make it obvious or breathe a word of it.”
“Of course we won’t.” I said.
“Good. You can go back. I’ll be up here waiting.”
“You’re not coming?” Ruby wondered.
Adele huffed and turned away. “That’s the last thing I want to see. Just go. I have to get out of this dress before it brings me more bad luck.”
Ruby looked over at me and we both smiled. “Bad luck, huh? Like your kiss with Trever?”
“That was just an act.”
“Didn’t really look like one.” Troy said.
Adele sighed with a long breath. “Okay. So it may have been good. So what? It didn’t mean anything. Now would you please just leave before people get suspicious as to why you’re gone?”
She was right and she won—as usual. We left.
Chapter 9
Ruby
After the banquet had long carried into the night, the guests eventually started to leave and everyone went to their rooms for the night. Darius and I walked into his room and he took off his jacket. “I better go check on Zayden one last time. He seemed to be feeling a little off before we left and I mean more than we’ve noticed.”
“Okay. Hurry back this time.”
He was gone but I heard the door just moments after.
“That was quick.” I turned around and saw who it actually was. “Trever? What are you doing here? Darius is going to be back any minute. If he catches you in here, you’re dead. You have to leave.”
“This will only take a second, Red, calm down. I just came to say good-bye.”
“Good-bye? Where are you going?”
“The Kings have issued for the news of peace to be spread and the lighting of the beacon explained. I’m going to travel to all the nations in their stead.”
“But that could take you away for months. Years even.”
“I know.”
“Well, why does it have to be you? It’s a dangerous mission to be talking of peace in enemy lands. You could be easily killed if they don’t believe.”
He laughed. “Easily? I appreciate your confidence in me.”
“You know what I mean. Why does it have to be you?”
“It won’t just be me. By sending a company from both countries the chances of your worry are much slimmer.”
“Trever, you can’t. We’ve already lost Ryon and Kole, I can’t lose you too. You’re needed here.”
“You don’t need me, Red. You have Darius to look after you now and I trust he’ll take just as good of care of you if not more.”
I couldn’t help myself. I was getting upset about talking like this and I hugged him. “Doesn’t mean I can’t miss you. You’re the heir. You shouldn’t be going. Stay.”
He put his arms around me. “I cannot. Don’t worry about me. It’s time for you to start living your own life—here.”
“Have you told Jaylyn?”
“Not yet.”
“Troy’s room is the next door down. You should. She’ll want to know too.”
There was a short pause and Trever sighed. “I know. I will.”
“Good. So—I’ve noticed that you’ve been acquainted with Bianca.”
Trever kind of laughed and turned. “Ah, yeah. She was the only other person that knew who I really was.”
“So, are you close? You seemed to be.”
“Why are you getting upset over this now? We were never really together, right?”
“Oh, no. Of course not. I mean it’s probably because I’m not a Princess like her.”
Trever laughed. “No. I was never for you. You’ve always known that.”
There was another pause and I started thinking about Adele’s plans and turned back. “You’re not with her, are you?”
He started to get a slow smirk on his face like he was reading my thoughts. “Because of Adele’s plans?”
“Maybe. Well, are you?”
“Together? I wouldn’t really say that but we have been in the past.”
“Even when you were—you know, sleeping with me?”
“Yeah, she knows about that and got over it because she knew there was nothing she could do. I’ve told her everything so she knows that I was your protector.”
“Oh, well, I guess you better go before Darius gets back and Jaylyn will want to know you’re leaving.”
“Yeah, I will. Good-bye, Red.”
“Not good-bye. Just until you get back.”
“Of course. You’ll be here?”
I looked around the room and shrugged. “I’m not really sure.”
“Of course you will be. You know it’s the right place for you. This is where Darius will be. I don’t see him wanting to go back to Kalu.”
“Okay. Just go. Please. I don’t want anything to happen.”
It was true. With the more we talked, the closer Darius could have been from seeing him even near his room.
Trever turned around to the door just as Darius opened it. It was too late. He instantly got angry and easily crushed the crystal doorknob.
Trever took a slow step back and I got in between them. “Darius, no. It’s not how you think.”
“What is he doing here?”
“He just came to say good-bye, that’s all.”
“Get out and don’t even think about coming back here, ever.”
I slowly moved Darius aside and nodded to Trever. “Go.”
He nodded back and slowly made his way to the door. Their eyes were fixed on each other the whole time in an obvious hateful stare until Trever was safely out in the hall. He didn’t say a word to Darius so the matter didn’t get worse and Darius slammed the door shut.
He turned from it and I pushed him away for his behavior. “What’s wrong with you?! Why do you hate him so much?!”
“You know why.”
“Well, just so you’re aware, he’s leaving and I may never see him in this world again and neither will Jaylyn. So maybe you should know what’s going on before you just assume.”
I wanted to cry about it but kept it all to myself and Darius left the conversation alone. He even let me get in bed fully clothed and did after me only to lay a couple feet away in complete silence. I knew he hated Trever, that would never seem to change and I would ne
ver understand it but I would still be upset about this and I would still worry. It would be dangerous for Trever no matter what he said. I didn’t like the idea of him travelling the world without Ryon and Kole but who could I talk to about it? Darius wouldn’t want to hear about it and Jaylyn would just get more emotional than me. I wondered how she would take it.
Chapter 10
Trever
I hated leaving her like that. I hated it even more that they were probably fighting right now because I was there. I kept myself from going back when I actually heard the yelling for myself and went to Troy’s room and knocked.
Troy answered it and was somewhat surprised to see me. “Trever?”
“Where’s Jay? We need to talk.”
“She’s in here. Come in.”
“Thank you.”
He closed the door behind me and Jay turned around with a sigh. “Trever. Not now. I’m really not in the mood to fight with you about whatever it is you have to say. It’s late.”
I tried not to laugh at her assumption that I was here to argue. “Don’t worry, Jay. I’m not here to fight with you either. I just came to say goodbye.”
“You’re leaving?”
“I’m being sent to announce peace to the other nations.”
I waited by, examining her expression for some kind of reaction but it was much worse than Red’s.
Her eyes watered instantly. “Trever, you can’t be serious. You know what the talk of peace does to people. There’s a chance that something could go wrong and you could be killed.”
“Why does everyone assume that about me? I can handle myself just fine.”
“Well, why should you have to go? It could take months! There’s no reason for doing something this foolish! You want to join Ryon and Kole that badly?”
I laughed honestly. “That’s not it and I won’t be alone. There’s obviously going to be a company traveling with me. I’ll be protected to an extent but I have to go because I’m second to the King.”
“You are the King.”
“No, I’m not. Not for a long time. For now it’s better that the world thinks I don’t exist.”
“Trever—”
“Look, Jay. I have to go. Aleks can’t do it so it has to be someone of authority that can and that’s me.” Jay fell back on the bed with tears in her eyes and was breathing heavily. I went over to her and sat next to her as Troy did the same. “Don’t start acting like you care now. You’ll be all right without me. I always knew that. I just didn’t want to believe it. You’re strong, Jay. Father would be proud.” I touched her shoulder while sharing a look with Troy then got up to walk to the door.
“Wait!” I turned and Jay unexpectedly ran into my arms. “I’m sorry. I never meant to act so hateful toward you.”
“I know, Jay. I only wanted the best for you and now you have it.” Jay looked over towards Troy as he got off the bed and finally smiled because she knew I was right. “But if I don’t return, there’s something you should know.”
“Trever—”
“Just listen.” She took a breath and let me go on. “I won’t make you wait. I’ll come to you like Ellie does.”
Now she started to cry. “Don’t do this.”
“You won’t be obligated to do anything. The line will end with me. You belong here.”
“That’s not going to happen.”
“I think I’m the one always saying that but I’m glad you’re starting to agree. Oh, and here.” I took the chain off my neck and handed the small vial of gold to her. “You take them for a while.”
Jay looked at it, almost in shock. “Lex and Rouge? Really? Won’t you need them?”
“I wouldn’t be able to use them around this group of people. Just keep them with you. Use them if you need to.”
“But how—”
“Only your blood will do it. Don’t be afraid. If you bring them, they’ll only listen to you. It’s the least I could do. Not that I don’t have full faith in Troy, I just want to guarantee that you’re protected.”
“Okay. I’ll hang on to them until you get back.”
“Good-bye, Jay.” We hugged again.
“Good-bye.”
We parted and I looked to Troy. “Take good care of my little sister, would you, Troy? You’re truly an honorable man and she deserves everything you can give.”
I winked at him, speaking without words and Troy took my hand and we embraced. “Thank you and I will.”
“Farewell to you both.”
I left the room.
“Trever?”
I didn’t take a step down the hall before I had to turn around to Bianca’s voice. “Bee.”
“You’re leaving?” She sounded worried.
“I have to.”
“But—”
I looked around quickly and took her wrist. I pulled her into a spare room so we weren’t talking out in the hall but still spoke softly. “Everything is going to be fine. It’s the plan isn’t it?”
“Yes, but—”
I took her head in my hands passionately and looked her in the eye. “You don’t have to be afraid. I will come for you.”
I kissed her and she didn’t want me to pull away but I did.
“You drank it, right?”
“Yes, when I gave Zayden his.”
“Bravo on the act but was the licking thing necessary?”
Bianca smiled and leaned in closer. “Jealous?”
“Maybe.”
“Think of it as payback for kissing Adele.”
“That’s why you did it? Fair enough but speaking of her, Red confirmed Adele’s plans for tonight and Zayden’s spell will break the moment of your death.”
“You went to see Ruby?”
“I told her that I was leaving.”
“But why? You don’t need to be around her anymore. She has another protector now.”
“I know but I still see her as my friend. She’s not you.” We kissed again and I changed the subject back when we parted. “You did the right thing. Our plan will work.”
Bianca’s words were shuttered as she had her hands in mine. “I’m scared, Trever. I’m afraid to die. I’ve never been so scared about anything in my life.”
“You won’t have to worry. I know Adele. She’ll make it quick then you can come back when you know it’s safe.”
“What if it doesn’t work? What if I don’t come back?”
“It will. You got it from Madam Carla. She knows what she’s doing. You just have to keep this up for just a little longer until I find you and you’ll finally be free.”
Bianca nodded and regained her poise. “Okay. I’ll try.”
I kissed her again and this time it was longer with more passion while I held her close in my arms. She felt relaxed in them but clearly wanted me to stay longer.
“We can’t.” I said, gently turning her down.
“Why not?”
“You’re supposed to be with Zayden tonight.”
“Oh, Trever. He’s sweet but he’s so young. I don’t know if I can give myself to him.”
“You might not have to. Adele plans for it to be tonight. Just try to keep Zayden’s focus on you for as long as you can, with whatever you have to do.”
“I hate this plan.”
“I know but it’s the outcome that will make it all worth it. Now I have to go but I will see you again.”
Bianca nodded and let me leave the room first so we weren’t seen together. Everything was going to work. It had to. I needed to finally start my life now that I’ve gotten peace out of the way and she was a big part of it.
Chapter 11
Adele
I had been waiting for the banquet to get over and dressed in black, arming myself with just a single dagger. It’s all I needed.
My heart was steady and calm. I wanted Zayden back and would prove to do anything for it.
I left my room and started to sneak around the empty halls to Zayden’s room where I heard voices coming from insi
de. I listened at the door and knew Bianca was with him.
The door opened.
I quickly moved up against the wall as a maid with a cart came out and I snuck into the room before the maid had a chance to turn and close the door. I stayed quiet when I moved to a secure spot to hide and it was a good thing Rift was already passed out in a chair or else my cover would have been blown. I tried not to make a sound so he wouldn’t wake and get wind of someone else in the room but I made sure I could see Zayden. My heart began to beat faster. He stood by the balcony door looking out and Bianca came out of the closet.
That immediately caught my eye and I watched her climb onto Zayden’s bed, the same bed we first made love on. “You should come to bed, Zayden.”
Zayden stayed by the window and only looked back. “Not yet. I’m not tired. I feel—something’s wrong.”
Bianca got up and walked up behind him when he looked back outside. “You just need to relax. It may have been from all the wine.”
“Yeah. Maybe. It has been a while for me.”
“Then come to bed and we can fix it.” She put her hands on his shoulders and started rubbing them.
I was clenching my fist. I wanted to stop it so bad but the moment still wasn’t right.
“I’m sorry.” Zayden moved Bianca back away from him by his own choice that I was thankful for. “You’re really beautiful and a real nice person but this feels wrong somehow like I should be somewhere else.”
“You don’t. You belong here. With me.” Bianca turned him around and started kissing him.
I was getting even more mad while I watched but worst of all, Zayden wasn’t stopping it. He continued to let Bianca kiss him and soon started kissing her back. Tears gathered in my eyes.
They continued and moved back onto the bed. Zayden was laying over her and she held him tight and close to her. I knew I had to do something before this went too far.
There was a knock at the door.
“Zayden? Could I get you to—” Ruby walked right in as a usual thing of mine after a single knock.
Forgotten Days (Fate's Intent Book 6) Page 3
