Page 71 of A Lie so Pretty and Poisonous

“Thank you,” I whispered. The energy was steadily draining out of my body.

“In the meantime, the militia is ramping up its onslaught of chaos and destruction. I will never tell you what to do, but I would suggest sticking around the castle if you can for a while.”

“Alright. By the way, thank you for saving me again. You have a knack for it.” I stared up into his chestnut eyes.

Darragh slowly slid his warm, calloused palm into mine, both coated with my dried blood. He wet his lips. “And you have a knack for attracting danger. What a pair we make.”

Indeed. What a pair.

My thoughts became scattered, and my legs heavy from standing. I shook my head to try to clear the forming haze, but it got the better of me. I started to tremble as I came down from the rush of adrenaline and the loss of blood.

Darragh put an arm around my waist to keep me upright. “It’s time to take you to the castle and have you checked by the healers.”

“I’m alright. We have more to talk about. I have to tell you about the book I saw. The dots are connecting,” I protested weakly. My vision blurred, and I sank into him.

“Tomorrow. You are pale, and your pupils are dilated. You’re worrying me.”

I barely realized he got me back atop Astorath and raced me back to the castle. My vision darkened around the edges the entire time.

If I were going to black out, Tironaill’s most dangerous seraph was the safest place for me to be.

Nobles flitted about the castle with word of the casualties of the previous day’s attack. Twenty-one of Gabriel’s soldiers lost their lives, as did nine civilians. Almost all were angheals. Speculation and rumors swirled about what happened, a frenzy of gossip that every noble relished.

As Darragh predicted, Gabriel hadn’t returned to the castle until well into the early morning hours, directing his soldiers and the guard on what should be done. He never mentioned the atonement or my father’s ring at breakfast. I was also never asked about my injury, likely too engrossed in the carnage and wreckage of the tavern. Or maybe in the admiration he was receiving and the boasted retelling of his bravery and leadership.

I did black out on the way back to the castle, but Darragh got me to the lead healer, a beautiful daemonite named Thrissa, who healed my bad concussion but kept me for a few hours of observation. She shooed Darragh away after the first hour so I could rest.

“Stop hovering over her,” Thrissa said more than once, while I tried to hang onto the edges of consciousness. On his reluctant way out, I noticed his shirt was wet with blood from where I rested against him. I understood why black was his favored color.

The castle was in its own complete chaos now, with servants scrambling about, deliveries being made, and flowers, crystal glasses, and fine dinnerware being arranged throughout the ballroom. I kept out of the fray of it all by hiding in my rooms with Cora.

Another soak helped me relax after many sleepless nights, worry, injuries, and turning thoughts. My heavy eyelids lifted with a knock at the door.

“Mom, you’ve been in there for an hour. Let’s get ready for the ball.” Cora called impatiently.

I sighed. “Just a minute!”

The ball. After everything that happened the day prior, it seemed silly to have a ball, teetering on disrespectful. I was dreading it. I hadn’t attended a ball since Cora was around one, but I imagined seraph balls were similar to human ones. Filled with pomp, grandeur, and snobbery. All manner of important seraphs would be there; many I had never met. I didn’t let on to my disdain for events like these as Cora excitedly shared that she had been working with Queen Mollah at least every other day to give input and plan for it. Maybe a seraph ball would surprise me, and I would have fun. I was not holding on to that hope.

Cora bounced about the room in anticipation. I told her she could wear a tiny bit of makeup tonight if she wanted, and she has twirled and skipped and chattered incessantly about it since. Queen Mollah broke the news to her that younglings, Cora, Percie, and Sellen, were only able to stay for the early portion of the event. Alcohol and dancing could make adult behavior less appropriate as the night wore on.

I smiled at her excitement. “Ready for the ball, sweet girl?”

“Yes! I have been working so hard with Her Majesty, and I can’t wait to show you.”

I softly giggled. “I am sure this will be the finest ball the kingdom has ever seen. I see you have already put on your dress.”

Cora twirled. “I couldn’t wait. Isn’t it lovely? Prince Percie is wearing a matching tunic!”

Anya came this morning and dropped off two dresses, one for me and one for Cora. She spun in a lovely lilac purple dress embroidered with gold doves on the bottom of it.

As I opened the garment bag to look at my dress, I already knew that I was going to be disappointed. Pink. A sequin and crystal bright pink gown glittered in the light of the lanterns. It had a plunging neckline and was form-fitting, showcasing my curves. I pulled the garment bag back over it and tossed it on the bed haphazardly. There was no way I was wearing that. I was done with the pink, regardless of how Gabriel felt about it.

I flung open the wardrobe to look for the dress that I had gushed over when Darragh took me to Rosalyn’s dress shop. It wasn’t for everyday wear and was impractical, so I decided to pass on buying it. Much to my surprise, it showed up with the rest of the dresses, perfectly tailored to my measurements. I had looked at it at least once a day since then, admiring the beauty of it.

I pulled it from the wardrobe with care. Tiny crystals filled the sweetheart neckline and faded as they got lower on the deep burgundy satin dress. A slit in the A-line skirt hit mid-thigh. It was perfect. A mix of beauty and elegance. Neither of which I would use to describe myself, but maybe for tonight, I could pretend.

Anya, dressed in a lovely deep orange chiffon dress, escorted Cora and me into the great hall, a cacophony of music and voices greeting us. There was a hum of excitement in the air, and the great hall was decorated in swaths of blue and gold, crystal chandeliers dazzled in the lamplight, and food and drink were plentiful. Atop a dais sat the king and queen, wearing not only regal formal attire but their signature scowl and sweet smile.