When It Reigns (Cursed Reigns, #1)

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

AERYN'S POV

A chill came over me, and I shivered at his ominous tone that sounded just like his younger brother.

"That's what Zoran always says," I whispered, rubbing my arms.

"He knows you well enough to determine the one thing that can actually kill you, and you're still going to tell me you're just Champions?"

I was thankful for the pink blush I'd brushed over my cheeks masking the blood rushing to my face. "Yes. Now get dressed, we have a banquet to get to."

Shade smirked and I turned away, sitting on his bed with an exaggerated huff of annoyance as I pushed the similarity of his mannerisms to Zoran's out of my head.

It didn't take long for Shade to put on his crown, hand over mine, and fasten his robe around his shoulders. 

"Is that all you ever wear?" I wondered.

"We all do. Our translucent skin is far too fair to be exposed to excess sunlight and it covers the random patches of bones growing on us, including the unpleasant veins bulging with venom, and our sickly skin tone. The material also doesn't hold onto the scent of smoke when we use our powers."

"Oh," I said, looking down at myself. "I'm going to be overdressed."

"I'll have one tailored for you, if you'd like," he suggested, keeping his expression neutral to measure my reaction.

"Sure," I agreed, but it sounded ingenuine to my own ears. I wasn't fooling Shade nor myself; I was never going to wear the robe that signified my enemies.

The prince opened his mouth to respond, then his lips thinned, fangs poking the fuller bottom lip. He knew I still didn't trust him despite Elora's presence and Bastion's explanation.

"Let's just go," he said, careful to avoid drifting near me as he left the room.

I dropped my hands to my sides and stared at the ceiling for a few moments to calm my breathing as an idea occurred to me. I rifled through my bag and snatched what I was looking for, satisfaction spurning me to chase after the prince. I caught sight of his wintry hair down the hall and lifted my dress, allowing my booted feet to carry me with speed toward Shade. 

When I was close enough to touch him, I reached an arm out to do just that and remembered it would kill me, so I drew back my hand and said, "Shade, wait. I have something that could help."

Without breaking stride, he asked, "What is it?"

I hitched my dress up higher to keep up with his much longer strides. "My gloves. They're a bit worn since I wore them to hide my absent Insignia, but they block the bearer from using their power. Maybe if you put them on, you wouldn't have to worry about...you know."

He paused and I nearly barreled right into him. I skidded to a halt and held up the fingerless gloves, saying, "Here. Try them."

Shade looked from my eyes to the gloves and back to me again. "Those won't fit."

"Oh." I pursed my lips. "I could have Bastion steal you a pair from the empire."

"I am untouchable right now; that is the greatest power I have. I refuse to make myself vulnerable."

"Listen, I know your power is hurting you. You accidentally killed someone close to you – "

"Enough. I am not wearing such shackles." Shade spun on his heel and continued on his path. I didn't know what to do with the gloves and I didn't want to wear them for the same reason the prince didn't; there was no chance I was going to willingly make myself defenseless in the Ravos Kingdom. Queen Radarys was perhaps my greatest threat which meant I'd armed myself with all the weapons I could fit against my body underneath the dress.