Loveless/ a POWERLESS fanfiction story

Chapter 42: Brian

Oh, my darling, cling to me

For we're like creatures in the wind

And wild is the wind

I watch as the Silver Savior flirts with the heir once again. This time, they head toward the kitchen—to that same cook who seems to know every secret in this palace while somehow managing to remain invisible. It's both good and bad news. Good, because the girl isn't straying from the expected script, and every move she makes only confirms my suspicions. Bad, because both princes are clearly taken with her.

That's bad news for Blair—and therefore, for me.

Over the past weeks, bleeding into months, her well-being has become inseparable from my own. The thought slips into my mind and leaves behind a strange aftertaste, like it doesn't quite belong to me. For a fleeting moment, it even feels as though I heard it from someone else's mouth.

Shaking off the unnecessary thoughts, I head toward Mrs. Hope's chambers, where Blair is currently visiting. I imagine her sitting beside the old woman, who gently strokes her shoulder, and despite myself, I smile.

Because maybe, just maybe, these small moments of care can stitch her back together, help her hold on long enough to do what needs to be done.

I stop at the door, but before I can knock, I hear approaching footsteps. The door swings open, and there stands Blair. Her face looks fresher than it has in days. Her eyes are still red, but no longer swollen from tears. Behind her, I catch sight of Mrs. Hope, who discreetly wipes tears from her cheeks.

Blair shuts the door behind her and steps into the corridor.

"I need training," she says, giving me a faint nod.

I raise an eyebrow.

"Training?"

"Yes. With you," she replies, holding my gaze firmly.

I study her for a few seconds, assessing.

"And where exactly do you want to train, if you don't mind me asking?" I inquire, because holding a training session in plain sight of the other participants, revealing her advantages, is a foolish idea—and she knows it.

"How about the far end of the garden?" she suggests.

"I don't think the king would approve," I smirk, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Don't worry," she rolls her eyes and gives a tired smile. "I won't tell him about us."

We exchange knowing looks. A small secret. In the long list of rules we've already broken, this one doesn't feel so grave.

"After sunset?" I ask, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

"After sunset," she confirms.

She turns to leave but then pauses, glancing back over her shoulder with a serious expression.

"Meet me by the old willow."

Then she spins around and walks briskly down the corridor, her footsteps echoing softly in the silence. I watch her retreating figure and can't shake the feeling that something inside me has shifted.

Running a hand through my hair, I take a deep breath.

"After sunset," I murmur under my breath before following her path down the corridor.