The Skin Thief

Chapter 89

Kiora

The emperor's words play in Kiora's mind as Sorcha gets her ready the following morning. She bites at her lips nervously, wondering if he'll say anything about it today.

"Maybe I can love again."

She gulps and shudders slightly. Maybe he could, but could she? Could she love him? The only person Kiora has ever loved is Alice. Is she even interested in loving a man? She's attracted to Athan, no doubt. He is beautiful, spectacular, even. But Kiora has only ever known a woman's touch. Is it because she only likes women, or because she closed herself off to any sort of love after Alice passed?

Can she like both men and women?

"Lady Kiora, are you okay?" Sorcha asks, seeing the deepening frown on Kiora's face. Kiora smiles softly and lets out a small sigh.

"I'm fine, Sorcha. Just deep in thought is all," she says and straightens the skirts of her dress.

"It's a very serious situation," Sorcha says as she brushes through Kiora's hair once more. "This meeting with the council makes me nervous. I have to admit."

"It is scary," Kiora says, her stomach twisting.

"You should hear how the other handmaidens and palace staff are talking, Lady Kiora."

"I assume it's all bad," Kiora mutters.

"Surprisingly no," she chuckles. "Many think it's a good thing that you're getting more recognition from his eminence and the council."

Kiora nearly laughs out loud in shock. "Really?" she asks, not quite believing it.

"You're a lot nicer to staff than High Lady Illyria is. I think they're hoping that by favouring you, she'll one day be ousted."

"Dangerous words, Sorcha," Kiora warns.

"I know, I apologise," Sorcha says quickly. The two smile at each other before giggling.

They are interrupted by a knock on the door. The guards outside open it as Kiora instructs.

General Castor waits beyond.

"It's time, Lady Kiora."

Kiora takes in a sharp breath and then looks at Sorcha, who gives her a reassuring smile. Then, Kiora follows General Castor out of the room. Nerves pool in the pits of her stomach as they approach the council chambers, walking in strange, tense silence.

Athan, his sister, and the other councilmen are already there when Kiora arrives. As she sees Athan, his words play back in her mind once more, sending another rush of nerves through her.

Does he even remember saying it?

Then, her eyes catch Amantha's. She gazes over her sharp, beautiful features and her chest flutters once more.

Confusion clouds Kiora's mind and she looks away from both of them as she follows General Castor to the empty chairs that await them. She also makes sure not to look at the narrowed, disgusted stares of some of the councilmen.

"Lady Kiora," Athan says, his voice a lot calmer than the last time she was in the chambers. "Thank you for joining us."

"I am always happy to help, emperor," Kiora says, smiling gracefully.

"And your help is greatly appreciated," he replies. Their eyes meet and Kiora can't help but smile, feeling a strange rush of pride mixed with relief flood through her. As some of the nervous tension leaves her, her muscles relax.

"It is wonderful to have another woman in here," Amantha says, leaning back in her chair and smirking cockily. "Too many men make for an echo chamber of ego and dick measuring instead of making proper, useful, leadership decisions."