Avenged

♛ Chapter 1b

“What is that supposed to mean?” I questioned defensively, then I hesitantly bit my lower lip to show I rejected my hasty retort.

The move had its intended effect. His eyes were drawn to my lips, lingering there while he spoke.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you as it was, in fact, a compliment. The other ladies would be glad to avoid competing with you. You are lovely.” He stepped closer as he replied and was now standing right beside me at the balcony railing, so close I could feel his body heat. His eyes were still drawn to my lips.

The last time I saw him this close, he was 18 and I was 14. He was a cocky little rat half the time, yet I still loved him. It surprised me that he was not the playboy Prince I’d expected him to become. That honor went to his sister. Whatever alliances Adonis had, were not widely bragged about.

“Oh.” I replied, letting my mouth hang open in a slight ‘o’ for a moment before snapping it shut and sending him a shy smile. “Thank you,” I eventually replied. “Why are you hiding out here?”

Over the years, the rumors for the reason why I — or in this case, the girl I was pretending to be — was removed from the public eye had grown quite wild and were never flattering. I had not enjoyed dealing with the gawkers on the rare occasions I had left Devendale Castle in this guise, and I wasn't looking forward to it in the future either. Still, this identity was my only option. I would have to make it work. And hopefully, break down some of the old, ingrained prejudices while I was at it.

He paused to think for a moment. Perhaps he thought my question was too impertinent.

“Same as you. Taking a break from the crowds,” he replied vaguely while removing his cloak. On instinct, I stepped back as he stepped closer. “I’m not going to hurt you. You’re shivering. May I?” he asked, holding his cloak toward me.

When did he become so thoughtful?

I nodded, déjà vu hitting me hard. Actually, he’d always been a charmer. In our youth, I jokingly called him my Prince Charming all the time when he was only a Duke's son. That was before his father stole my father’s throne and gave him the title of Prince for real.

Gently, he placed the long velvet cloak on my shoulders, carefully tucking my wings through the holes on the back. The cloak radiated warmth and smelled like home and comfort. His hands lingered on my shoulders for a moment. Glancing over, I smiled and murmured a shy thanks. Thankful that the spell hid the patterns of my wings. A fairy’s wings were like fingerprints. I was able to use my abilities to mimic Ella’s wings but using my powers to constantly change my appearance required concentration. I was thankful to avoid any extra distractions that could split my focus tonight.

He’d dressed quite plainly tonight, presumably to disguise his rank. That was another thing that surprised me. Yet, I could feel the quality of the cloak; it was exquisitely made despite lacking the usual rich embroidery and other trimmings.

“You’re welcome, Lady….”

Damn, I was hoping to avoid introductions. My smile almost slipped. Recovering quickly, I slipped it back into place. Uh, nope. Still not ready to respond, I bit my lip, this time on reflex. I’d spent years learning to control my emotions. I’d become a master at carefully concealing myself behind my Lady Devendale mask.

“Who are you?” I asked instead of answering his question, knowing he wouldn't answer either.

“You really don’t know?” he answered, amusement clear in his tone.

“Apologies, my lord. I’m still tired from the journey. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“Journey?” he asked.

“It’s been many years since I’ve visited this court, my lord,” he did not correct my misuse of his title. He was enjoying this game.

“And your father sent you here to find a husband. Though, you don’t sound thrilled at the prospect,” he framed it as a statement, but I knew it was a question.

“Not particularly thrilled, no. I love my father, but he has old-fashioned notions about choosing a mate. I have no intention of finding a husband just because he says it’s time I do.”

“Don’t you want a family?” the Prince asked.

“Of course, one day. But I’d like to choose a mate who loves me for me, not my title or my money.”

“Don’t those things interest you? I hear the King is pressuring his son to choose a bride this year.” I could tell he was feeling for my response. I was sure he was used to women throwing themselves at him for the chance of becoming the next queen.

“I have a title. I have money. I’m simply here to placate my father’s wishes since spending the season here will allow me to tell my father I tried when I finally head home.” I shot the Prince a cheeky grin before continuing. “But I’ve no interest in any noble man just because he is noble. Especially the Prince and his crown. I’m sure plenty of young ladies here would happily embrace that headache.”

“The Prince is a headache!?” he chuckled.

“I think being royal would be, don’t you? People think being royal is all about extravagant parties and getting everything you want,” I waved my hand indicating the extravagant ball beyond the balcony. “But I imagine there’s a lot more to it than that. Can you imagine the work and politics that must go into running a kingdom and keeping all the lords appeased? My father has his hands full with our vast lands. Also, I imagine you’d never know who was with you for you, who wanted you for your crown, who your real friends were…” I let my sentence fade out and watched the emotions in his eyes flicker. Conflict and regret... that couldn’t be right.

“There you are!” Marissa’s voice squealed behind us as she ran up to her brother and hugged him from behind. She was touchy-feely with all men, so this PDA in itself did not reveal his true identity. I seized the opportunity to slip out while they were distracted as I needed him to think I didn't know who he was and that I liked the man, not the prince. I wanted to leave him intrigued, with just enough information to want to do some digging. He knew I was a lady whose father held vast lands somewhere and one who hadn’t been to court in a long time. I was confident he could put that together. He always was a smart one.

Crossing slowly to the far side of the ballroom, I paused and caught a glimpse of Marissa pulling Adonis toward the dance floor by the hand, his eyes searching until they landed on me.

“Stay,” he mouthed, eyes pleading. I smiled and gave a slight nod.

Together they twirled and conversed across the floor, probably trading secrets. His eyes flitted to me several times, though I couldn’t read his face behind the mask.

Suddenly, the caged phoenix suspended in the middle of the ballroom began to sing. Shocked murmuring immediately broke out because the rare bird had been silent for so long. Now, its beautiful song filled the room, silencing the orchestra.

When they were done dancing, Marissa was rapidly surrounded by admirers clamoring for her attention again. Adonis’ deep blue eyes set on me, ignoring everyone as he headed for me.

Too easy.

“Tell me your name,” he said, voice low and urgent.

I arched a brow behind the mask. “Isn’t anonymity the whole point of the spell?”

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s rare — meeting someone without a title, expectation, angle, or agenda. You're new in town. You could use a friend,” he smiled.

“That I could. Let’s see if the fates agree.”

“How do you mean?” he asked.

“The night after tomorrow, the King is going to host a dinner. Will you be here?”

“I will,” he answered.

“If you recognize me without the mask, then I believe we are meant to be friends.”

I smiled as his jaw dropped before I turned on my heel.

While I slipped away, I heard him call out, “I’ll find you!”