Thief of Princes (Kid Blink x Reader)

thirty-five

"𝔚𝔥𝔞𝔱?" You said, blinking. Not wanting to hear what he'd said, not wanting to acknowledge it. Because if you acknowledged it it would become real. "But... when?" You asked, feeling sickened.

"He was going to do it tomorrow. But I convinced him to wait. Only three days... but there should be time enough. If we can get you out, then you can warn them all." He said quietly. "But moving the ball means it'll have to wait." 

"We don't have time to wait!" You stood up, gesturing wildly.

"I know." He said, grabbing one of your hands as it flew past his face and holding it tightly. "We could do it tonight, or early tomorrow morning, or tomorrow night. Hargreen wants to do it tonight still, but that won't work as well. You need to make the choice. It will be more risky if you go tonight... but you could get there faster." 

"Or I could get caught," You finished, sinking back into the couch, mindlessly gripping his hand. 

"Or you could get caught," He agreed. "And I don't know if I'd be able to get you out of it in time." 

You breathed out, long and slow. "Okay. We can wait. Only 'til tomorrow night though." 

"Only 'til tomorrow night." Blink repeated, tracing circles on the back of your hand. 

"Okay." You said in a small voice, watching him draw patterns on your skin. Not pulling away. 

He let out a shaky breath, giving your hand a gentle squeeze and letting it drop. "I guess you'll be attending the ball with me, then." 

"You don't sound put out about that," You noted. 

"I intend to be happy about my time with you, short as it will be. So no. I'm not." He paused for a second, then stood. "They're going to bring your dress in. The ball starts in two hours... I have some things I have to do." 

You nodded slightly, standing as well. "Okay." 

He gave you a very small smile and walked out to the balcony. You drifted along behind him as if compelled to watch how he planned to get back up to his room. 

He gave you a little smirk and grabbed the rope, leaning over and bracing his feet against the wall, using the rope to 'walk' up to his balcony. 

"See you soon, Princess," He called down to you and you waved a bit before going inside, shutting the balcony door behind you. Just in time, too, as the door to your rooms opened, the seamstresses and another girl, who looked to be about your age, entered. They were carrying a silky dress you could only assume was meant to be your ball gown...even though it looked much smaller than the ones you were accustomed to.   

The girl introduced herself as Emily and explained she was assigned to do your hair for the ball tonight. You nodded. "And I suppose this is the dress?" 

"Of course." Jae said. 

You took it and went to change in the bathroom. The dress was, thankfully, floor length, a double-sleeved chiton that fastened tightly around a high waist before flaring out around your legs. It appeared black, but when you turned to catch the light the skirt turned a glimmering violet. And despite yourself, you loved it. 

"You are very talented," You commented as you exited the room and took a seat at the vanity as directed. Emily began arranging your hair into a skillful topknot. 

"They are, aren't they? And you wear this dress beautifully." She mused. Once your hair was up, she freed a couple strands to let them hang artfully into your face and handed you a pair of obsidian earrings, fastening matching necklace around your neck. The cold stone rested right on your collarbone and enhanced the look even more. 

You nodded your thanks to the compliment, a little surprised the bracelets masquerading as handcuffs hadn't made a reappearance. Little did you know your prince had left very specific instructions on that matter. 

"Look at the time-- you'll be late. Emily's going to show you where to go." Dia explained, rushing over. You nodded again and stood up, ready to follow. 

And follow you did, out the door and into the maze of hallways, keeping track of the turns as best you could, until you stood in front of the doors to the ballroom. You could hear the murmurs of conversation and the music already beginning from inside. You were late. 

But, then again, wasn't it considered fashionable?