Page 95 of The Never List
Wait.
Since when did I start seeing a future with them? A real future with a true partnership between the five of us? I look down at the ruby ring and sapphire bracelet on my right hand, the tokens a searing bond of connection that zaps up the center of me, spinning visions of a happily ever after.
I hold back a laugh.
Happily ever afters aren’t destined for people like me.
Liars.
The thought has me automatically searching the ship for Jax, my heart dipping. Kal and Axl are fond of me for who I am…they just don’t have all the specifics. Maybe they’ll overlook the details I’ve kept from them. Maybe they’ll hate me regardless. Jax is certainly halfway there, though we did have a moment last week on this very ship, which gives me the slimmest glimmer of hope.
“Have I told you how absolutely ravishing you look tonight?” Pierce’s voice is warm and fluid, sending delightful shivers over my skin.
I can’t hide my smile as he settles beside me against the railing, his own emerald suit fitting him like a glove. There isn’t a piece of fabric out of place, not a sharp line hidden. He looks regal, the most princely of the Legends, and has this sophisticated air that naturally radiates from him, likely due to his incredible gifts.
“You have,” I say, turning to face him. “Thank you.”
Pierce leans a little closer, lowering his voice between us. “I’m sure the entire kingdom won’t be able to take theireyes off you, either. Just think of the illustration that will be in the royal post tomorrow.”
My eyes flicker toward the half dozen Occuli across the ship. They stick out among the nobility mingling and sipping sparkling wine, their unblinking eyes and green flames ensuring they’re given a wide berth among the company. Oddly, I’ve gotten used to their presence. So much so that I’m careful in my words and actions when they’re around and relish the times they’re not. Luckily, they’ve never crossed lines and tested me with their magic again like they did in the Ruby Aire. Whatever Kal said to them obviously worked.
“You handle yourself like royalty around them,” he continues, nodding toward the Occuli. “It’s a massive adjustment, having everything you do in public observed and reported on, but you’ve adapted so quickly.”
I huff a laugh. “I couldn’t let a little thing like being stalked deter me from you Legends,” I tease.
Half true. I also couldn’t let the Occuli or the kings or anything stop me from trying my best to survive and uncover answers about my sister.
Pierce furrows his brow, the sexiest little wrinkle forming there. “Of course not. And you’re the first potential to stick around as long as you have,” he says, eyeing the tokens from his friends on my right hand and wrist.
I swallow hard, unable to soothe the slight worry prickling in my stomach. He’s right, and I can’t help but wonder what will await me from here. As no one else has made it this far, there’s no history for me to read and know what to expect.
The kings have already tested me twice—first withBaydel’s attempt to claim me, then with my reaction to the execution. What will come next? What will they attempt in an effort to see if I’m a worthy mate for their sons? A worthy future queen of Lumathyst?
He keeps his voice low. “Are you wondering why Baydel and the other kings have been so quiet tonight?”
I straighten, apprehension blooming in my chest. “Reading my mind, Pierce?”
He wets his lips. “Only if you ask nicely, darling,” he says, his voice liquid and velvety. A promise of what’s to come.
I smile up at him. “Truly?” I ask, though we’ve spoken on it before. “You’re not rummaging around through my head?”
He draws closer to me. Goddess, he smells like amber and violets, intoxicating and riveting at the same time. “I told you before,” he says, brown eyes scanning my face. “I actively try to stay out of the minds of those closest to me, but from the first moment I met you, you’ve been an enigma.”
I swallow hard.
“You’re different,” he continues. “And while I’m dying to find out exactly why, I won’t force myself where I’m not welcome.”
“How very gentlemanly of you,” I tease, relief unraveling some of the tension in my shoulders.
“You didn’t answer my question,” he says casually.
I sigh, pressing my lips together. “Would you think me a coward if I admitted I’m worried about what the kings will test me with next?”
“Never,” he says, shaking his head. “Like I said, you’rethe first to stay this long, to attempt to know us as well as you have.” He glances across the boat, where Axl and Kal are speaking with a handful of nobles, before returning his focus to me. “You’re strong,” he says. “Courageous and bold. Worrying about the unknown is the most natural thing any of us can do.”
I nod, taking comfort in his words. “Do you know what’s to come?” I hedge.
He smiles. “I can’t see into the future, darling,” he answers. “And I’m not privy to the kings’ plans, either. We’re all in uncharted territory now.”
