Corrupt

Chapter 21

We walk through a corridor later that evening, hand in hand. Nikolas has said that it'd be nice to "show the castle their new Queen." What he means is that we - I - must maintain that perfect lie for the rest of Carcaseau. It's not too busy, but the few people milling around step aside as we near them, offering warm words and congratulations. I dip my head in return, face aching from my false smile. 

Earlier, my dinner had been brought to me on a golden, embellished tray in my room, and my heart had throbbed with guilty pain. I desperately longed for just one more normal dinner, in the big hall with the girls, all the girls, chatting and joking about nonsense. And the rebels... Golden tray in my lap, Daeva's furious outburst echoed through my mind. 

"You eat more in a day than we do in our fucking lives." 

If there were a way I could change it all, I know I would. But all I can do to help is play my part. Nikolas' pet. 

I tuck a little closer to him as we enter the courtyard, like a lovebird snuggling under a wing. Though the edges are lined with citizens, a quick scan returns no sign of Drea, Eloise or Ashia. Either way, this is my opportunity. In front of all of these people, who are pretending not to watch us intently, he has no way to refuse my wish. 

"Nikolas?" I ask innocently, lifting my eyes to his. 

"Lynette," he answers gently. Swallowing, I drop my gaze; it is these moments where I doubt myself, where I doubt Daeva. In these moments, he is... Gentle. Beautiful. Caring. 

But only in these moments.

"I was thinking... If our wedding shall take place in a week..." Out of my peripherals, I see a few heads snap towards us at that. Good. I need them to look.

Bring him down.

"I need to travel for the perfect dress, and everything. I've heard about wonderful places to shop. Would I be able to travel to Iridius? It'll only be for a few days." 

"I need you to be safe, Lynette," he says. A twinge of satisfaction sparks in my stomach as I watch him flounder. 

"I will be safe."

"The rebels-"

"You've got all your best people looking for the rebels. Remember? They can't hurt us again. We don't need to worry about them." 

Silence, across the entire courtyard, as we wait for his answer.

"I suppose..." 

"Thank you," I reply quickly, with a perfect smile. 

"Then... When will you be leaving? And, more importantly, returning?"

"Tomorrow? And... Saturday?" 

"Tomorrow?" He echoes. I try not to show how much I'm enjoying being the one to lead him. 

"If I packed now..." 

"I... Of course. Well, I'll walk you back to our chambers." 

"Thank you," I say again, and we share a smile as though we are the only ones here.

As we return through the corridors, our walk carries us past the servant's tower, and my soul aches to dash up the familiar stairs. I could navigate that tower blindfolded. To know Drea is so close is painful, like an agonising blade pulled slowly down my skin. Nikolas' hand tightens slightly over mine.

With a jolt I realise that the pain is exactly what he's intending. 

So I lift my chin and continue. 

An hour later, my luggage is packed, with far too many clothes and supplies for one girl. If everything goes to plan, that's because they won't just be for one girl.

I exile the thought as Nikolas enters my room, as though he can read my mind. Better to be safe than sorry.

"The guards have arranged for your transport. A carriage will be arriving in the early morning, just after breakfast, for your departure. The same carriage will pick you up on the Saturday morning."

"I see. Thank you."

"I'll leave you to sleep." The moonlight filters in through the thin lace curtains, painting the room a ghostly silver.

"Goodnight, Nikolas." 

"Goodnight, Lynette." 

I carefully carry my bags towards the door, where they are taken downstairs by the guards. Over my shoulder, Nikolas appears.

"So, I'll see you in a few days." 

I nod. 

A moment passes, and then his lips gently caress my cheek, a hand delicately brushing my face. Is that fire I feel burning my skin, or am I imagining it? Is Daeva wrong? Whose story do I believe? Whose is the truth?

"Goodbye," I whisper hurriedly, tearing my eyes away from his, my skin away from his fingertips, as I rush towards the stairs, towards the outside world, for the first time in years. 

Whose story do I believe? Whose is the truth?

I need to find out.