Alpha King's Healer

21

The Eclissi festival was upon us. It had been just a few days after everything with King Martell and Prince Demios. I did as Thaddeus said, locked myself away from everyone. I stayed put in my room, avoiding both of the men with expectations out of me. Although, it didn't stop Martell from sending me little reminders.

I take the top of the box off, finding a golden dress. The silken fabric brushed against my skin as I pulled the dress over my head, its deep golden hue shimmering in the dim light of the chamber. King Martell's choice.

A symbol of his damned Gods control over him, and his control over me. King Martell wanted me to dress as the Sun for the ball, which felt oddly ironic; the warmth he wanted me to portray starkly contrasted the cool distance I have maintained toward him, Demios, and even Thaddeus.

The mask, delicate yet suffocating, sat atop the vanity. I reached for it, fingers trembling as I lifted it, seeing the intricate golden filigree that matched the design of my dress. It was beautiful, yes, but it wouldn't truly hide me. Not as much as I wanted to be hidden anyways.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, my green eyes framed by the delicate gold accents of the mask. The woman staring back at me was someone I didn't recognize. A puppet in a kingdom that was not hers, surrounded by people who wanted things from her that she couldn't even begin to understand. The truth was, I was scared. Scared of what this night would mean, of what I was about to face.

But I had no choice.

The festival was about to begin. The pounding of drums and chants echoing in through the open window of my chamber. I couldn't see the streets that the commoners filled, but I knew they were filled with dancing, costumes, and rites that stretched back generations. Here in the castle held a more distinguished air. It would be filled with an extravagant masked ball, a tradition steeped in both reverence and revelry. And Martell will be here, in his glory, until he won't.

I did not know Thaddeus's plan; I fear I don't want to know it. I just hope he can pull whatever it is off. Covey's life depends on it.

I closed my eyes and took a steadying breath, trying to silence the thoughts racing in my head. This was not the time to doubt. I would not allow myself to falter, not in the face of this kingdom's greatest upheaval.

The door creaked open behind me, and I spun around, startled, only to see Cónán standing in the doorway. His face is obscured by a violet mask, though his expression was unmistakable. His lips stayed lightly together; his chin upwards as he holds his head high. I stiffened at the sight of him. Did he also want something from me?

"Lady Aurelia, from your golden hair to your warm skin, you look just like the Sun." Cónán gives me a half smile, but it wasn't a happy one, rather, it was a smile of defeat. He was exhausted, angry, and scared, just as I was.

"But with dressing as the Sun God, you must display his strength. Do not allow my father's threats to let you falter. I know my father, he has something bigger at play here, something Thaddeus and I have not figured out yet. Do not let it cause you to make any rash decisions. Thaddeus and I will do everything we can to stop him."

I wanted to ask him, and what of Demios and his plan? But, Thaddeus had told me not to tell Cónán of Demios's betrayal. He claimed it would ruin their shot at dethroning Martell. He claims Cónán will become blocked with anger, making him the one to lash out with rash decisions that could disrupt the secret plan.

He could end up taking Demios's offer, in order to save his Kingdom and mate, even if it means signing his own death sentence.

My chest swelled with guilt, a lump in my throat. I wanted to tell him, he needs to know, yet, I found myself keeping my promise to Thaddeus.