What Lies Beneath

Chapter 3

When I got back downstairs, Dax and Callum were not where they were a few moments ago. So I went back to the throne room where the ball was being held, and found Callum sitting in his throne. "Where is Dax?" I asked, still not wanting to speak to him after he'd hit me.

"The floor," Callum replied shortly. "He'll be with you in a moment."

I stayed standing, knowing I was probably going to be taken away from the festivities in a few moments. Soon enough, Dax came toward Callum and I, and placed his hand on the small of my back. "Let's go, Princess. That's enough partying for one night."

"Yes, Dax," I whispered. He led me away from the ball, and back up to my room. I didn't know what was happening, and I didn't dare say a word.

Once the door was closed, I pulled off my mask and set it down on the bed beside me. Dax just looked at me for what seemed like hours.

"Why did you break the rules?" he finally asked.

"I knew Callum would have said no," I told him. "And I didn't want him to do that."

"Astra, you know things like that are not up to you."

"Nothing is up to me!" I cried. Dax didn't respond. "Did you know he's Axel's brother?"

Dax's eyes went wide. "You should not have said that," he said quietly. He was probably right, but I couldn't take it back now. "Did you tell him why his brother was executed?"

I looked at the floor. "Yes," I whispered.

Dax sighed heavily. "I know Callum reacted aggressively earlier, but you must be punished for all of tonight's events," he declared.

"What are you going to do?" I asked timidly. Dax gave me a sad smile, and went to root through the drawers in my vanity.

"You will be wearing a mask until Xavier departs."

"Dax, please—"

"Hush," he ordered. "You do not get to argue with me, not after your indiscretions tonight."

"Sorry," I whispered, staring at the floor.

Dax gave me a small smile, and kissed my forehead. "Goodnight, Astra. Get some sleep."

~ ~ ~

When I went to get Xavier for breakfast, he was not in his room. My eyes widened, and I wondered if he had left. I hoped not.

I hurried down to the grand hall, where we always ate, only to see Xavier already there, along with Callum and Dax. "How did you—"

"I fetched Xavier before you could," Dax cut in. "Come sit, darling." It took a moment for his order to register, but then I hurried to sit down. Xavier was in the seat next to me, whereas Callum and Dax were across the table, as usual.

"Good morning," Xavier said with a smile. "I like your mask."

"Thank you," I said politely. I knew we were going to be close, so I chose one that covered most of my face. It was a dark red and white, matching the burgundy dress I had chose that day.

Xavier did not question why I was wearing it. He did not ask to see my face, either. He knew the rules, it seemed.

"You two may spend the day together, if you wish," Dax permitted. "Feel free to show Xavier around the palace, princess."

"Yes, Dax," I said obediently.

"Your brother and I have some important business to attend to, but it should only take a few hours," he continued. I snorted at that, knowing exactly what 'important business' they were going to be attending to.