The Skin Thief

Chapter 82

Kiora

Illyria waits for her outside. Kiora raises her brows in surprise. She thought Illyria would have gone back already.

"Did you really think I'd let you walk these corridors without a chaperone?" Illyria asks as she sees Kiora's shocked expression.

"No," Kiora smiles and falls into step beside her. Ahead of them, the two guards who brought them turn and lead the way back after a nod from Illyria.

They start walking in silence, Kiora's mind still spinning.

"Dare I ask what happened in there?" Illyria asks.

"To be honest, High Lady, I'm not sure even I know," Kiora sighs. "And I'm not sure what I'm allowed to say anyway."

"Can I ask why you were called upon, at least?"

"General Castor wanted to ask me something."

"Huh," Illyria chuckles.

"What?" Kiora asks softly.

"Nothing," she replies, sighing almost sadly.

Kiora pauses and turns to face Illyria, who frowns and comes to a stop.

"We are to return to Alathor Court, Lady Kiora. Come," she urges, clearly uncomfortable after everything that has happened this afternoon.

"Lady Illyria," Kiora begins, biting at the inside of her cheek. Illyria looks around wearily, as though being out of the court for this long will get her into trouble. Kiora sighs and starts walking again, though slowly. Illyria stays beside her.

"What is it?" Illyria asks.

"Are you not tired?" Kiora asks.

"Tired?" Illyria asks.

"Of whatever game this is between us."

Illyria doesn't look at her. Instead, her jaw clenches and she gulps. Kiora continues.

"Doesn't it get exhausting always competing and scheming for the emperor's attention or favour? I am not looking to outshine you. I just want to have a peaceful life. Don't you want that too?" she asks pleadingly, hoping that her moment of vulnerability will speak to Illyria in some way.

Illyria doesn't reply for a moment, and she stares ahead blankly.

"We don't have to be friends," Kiora says, "but can't we just be..." She trails off, trying to think of the word. "Comfortable with each other?"

Illyria lets out a small, humourless chuckle.

"Deep down, I know you're right, Kiora. I would love nothing more than just to have a peaceful life in these miserable fucking walls. But I can't let my guard down. Not for anyone and especially not for you."

Kiora's eyes widen in surprise at her honesty, and she opens her mouth to speak. Before she can, Illyria stops and turns to look into her eyes.

"You and I can never be friends. We can't ever be anything more than enemies," Illyria says.

"Why?" Kiora pleads, her chest aching. Tiredness consumes her at the thought of scheming and fighting off Illyria's wicked plans for the next five decades, if not more.

Illyria meets Kiora's stare, her beautiful turquoise eyes watering with unspilled tears. "Because the way the emperor looks at you is the way he used to look at me," Illyria says, her voice breaking slightly. Kiora gulps, her mind going blank upon hearing the revelation. Illyria smiles sadly and starts walking again. Kiora catches up, feeling cold in the silence that has fallen between them. After a few moments, Illyria takes in a deep breath.