Gilded

by Renita Pizzitola

  “Yeah. But now with this whole oracle thing.” I sighed. “What do you think?”

  “What do I think? Who cares what I think. How was it?” she asked, giddy with Lexie-excitement, exactly what I would’ve expected before.

  A small laugh escaped. “Only you would be able to overlook everything else and jump to that.”

  “And? You can’t drop this bomb on me and deprive me of details. As your best friend, I’m entitled to the entire story. Well, maybe not every detail, but the important ones, anyway.”

  My face warmed, and though I did want to tell her, being put on the spot like this made it awkward.

  “Kylie! You’re killing me. Okay, how about this. I’ll ask questions, you just answer. Was it good?”

  “Lex–”

  “Just answer.” Her face brightened.

  “Yeah, of course. It was perfect.”

  She frowned. “Then you had to give him up. I’m so sorry. I knew you were sad, but it makes more sense now. He really is the one, the one from the oracle.”

  “Now you see why no one can ever know. I’m hoping this whole Grant escaping thing will pass over, and as long as Alastar has me, maybe he’ll stop hunting for him. If this got out, I think it’d be like sentencing him to a certain death.”

  “I won’t tell a soul.” Her seriousness morphed into a sly grin. She nudged me. I loved Lexie for always being herself. My entire world could change, but she wouldn’t, and for that, I was forever grateful.

  “Anything else I should know about?”

  “Nope. Oh, well, you totally mortified me with the whole v-card comment.”

  “Oh my God.” She laughed so hard, tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “Lex, it’s so not funny.”

  “No, it’s hilarious. I wonder what Grant thought. That is seriously classic.”

  “Thanks for the support.”

  “Oh, come on, one day you and Grant will look back and laugh about it.”

  “I hope so. Really hope so.”

  “You will. I wonder if he told Conor. Guys talk about stuff like that.”

  “I doubt it. Too much risk involved now.”

  A vine crept up a birdbath next to the bench where we sat. Lexie plucked a small flower and sniffed it.

  “You can’t tell him,” I warned.

  “I know. You’re right about the risk involved. I get that, but it would be awesome to know what he had to say about it,” she whispered.

  I grinned. “While I agree to some extent, this isn’t locker talk. It’s serious,” I emphasized. I trusted her not to tell Conor, but worried she might not drop it, hint around for details and eventually expose the truth.

  “We’d better get back.”

  “I guess so.” She twirled the purple flower between two fingers.

  “Lexie, you know you can go home, right? I don’t want you to feel forced to stay. You and Conor seem to have a good thing going. You could always just take off. Run away from all of this. I wouldn’t blame you. I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

  “I know, but I’m not ditching you and neither is Conor.”

  “Have you discussed this?”

  “Yeah,” she admitted, “as long as you’re here, we are too. Conor also has some obligations here. He can’t just take off.”

  “Obligations to Grant?”

  “A lot of things.”

  “I don’t want him to feel stuck here, babysitting me.”

  “Kylie, how can I convince you? We’re here for you by choice. We care about you and Grant. You couldn’t get rid of us if you tried.” She smiled and nudged me with her shoulder.

  “Fine, but if it ever changes or gets to be too much, just tell me. Don’t you think you’re parents are worried about you?”

  “Um, are we talking about my parents? They’re probably happy to have me out of their hair. They think I’m spending the summer backpacking through Europe.” She rolled her eyes. “They’re glad to have me gone.”

  “I doubt that, Lex.”

  She tucked her flower behind my ear. “I don’t. C’mon, let’s get back.”

  * * * *

  The conversation with Lexie had improved my general demeanor. It didn’t take away all the pain, but I was no longer “catatonic” as Ida had described.

  Alastar stood in the foyer speaking with his advisors. The moment I stepped into the castle he turned.

  I stood tall and refused to cower under his stare.

  “Can you please excuse us? I would love to speak with Kyla in confidence for a moment.”

  His entourage scampered away, but Lexie hesitated. Alastar looked at her with a smile so fake it was condescending. I urged her to go on. She finally disappeared down the hall, leaving me alone with my nemesis.

  “How are you feeling today?”

  “Better. Thank you.”

  He narrowed his gaze. “It must have upset you to hear about Grant.”

  “Not really.”

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “He’s no longer locked away in your prison. Good for him. You and I both know he never belonged there. I wasn’t allowed to visit him, so nothing has changed from my perspective. Well, aside from justice.”

  Alastar glared. I’d spoken too freely with the king but had no desire to play his games. If he believed me to be important then it was his turn to do the song and dance, and if he didn’t like what I had to offer, he could give me the boot. I didn’t need him. He needed me.

  He tilted his head, his tone cool. “Something’s changed in you.”

  My knee-jerk reaction would have been nervousness but I controlled my emotions better than even I thought I could. “Nothing’s changed. I’ve adapted.”

  “Hmm. Interesting theory. You know, Kyla, sometimes we need to learn when to hold our tongue. When we’ve over-stepped our bounds and when it’s time to realize we shouldn’t upset those with all the power.”

  I held his gaze and, enunciating every word, said, “I couldn’t agree more.”

  We stared each other down. The air thickened with tension, yet neither of us budged.

  “Ah, there you are.” Liam walked into the foyer followed by Conor and Lexie.

  As soon as she left, she must have run and told Liam, and I should have been thankful. I’d already said too much and wasn’t ready to stop.

  Liam stood by my side, facing his father.

  “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” He glanced between us, his stance stiff. “Kylie, you promised to meet me for lunch. Are you ready?”

  “If we’re done here, I’m ready.” I looked to Alastar. “Are we done here?”

  He smiled. “I’m finished. You may go.”

  I didn’t need his permission and had opened my mouth to tell him, when Liam cut me off.

  “Great. I’m starved let’s go.” He grabbed my hand and dragged me away.

  I glanced over my shoulder at Alastar.

  He had dropped his smile and gave me a murderous stare.

  Good, maybe he’d kick me out.

  Chapter 16

  Conor slammed the door to Lexie’s room. “Are you crazy?”

  Liam towered over me. “What was that back there?”

  “I know you’re depressed but didn’t realize you had a death wish.” Conor shook his head.

  The two boys fired questions giving me no time to answer. Not that I cared to, so instead I slumped on the bed like a reprimanded child, waiting for them to stop.

  “If Lexie hadn’t come to get us…” Liam rubbed the back of his neck as he stared at the intricate pattern of gold woven into the burgundy carpet.

  “He’s the king, Kylie. The king.” Conor emphasized with his hands.

  “Are you guys done?” I asked.

  Liam sighed. “Really, Kylie, what were you thinking?”

  “If your father doesn’t like what I have to say, he can kick me out. I don’t need, nor want, his protection.”

  “He’s not going to let you walk out of here,” Conor scoffed.

/>   “If that’s true, it’s because I have something he wants. Which means he’ll have to put up with me.”

  “This isn’t going to work.” Conor shook his head. “You’re going to end up pissing him off. He’ll decide whatever asset you provide isn’t worth it, and to avoid anyone else benefiting from your power, he’ll just kill you.”

  He had a point. I hadn’t considered that, though now the possibility of Alastar just getting rid of me seemed obvious. Fear didn’t register in me, but I didn’t want my friends worried.

  “Ugh, fine. I’ll try to be more polite.”

  “Try?” Conor ran his hands through his dark hair as he paced. “I’m glad you found your confidence but maybe when it comes to dealing with Alastar, you should try to be a little more like the old Kylie.”

  “She doesn’t exist anymore.”

  Lexie and Liam exchanged worried glances.

  Conor stared at me. His jaw tensed. “Okay, fine. Then maybe the new Kylie needs to learn a little self-control.”

  Guilt kicked in. My childish behavior concerned my friends. I needed to stop being selfish and hardheaded.

  “I’m sorry. You’re right. I want to scream. I can’t stand him. And, now knowing about his wedding present makes me hate him that much more.”

  In a more gentle tone, Conor said, “I get it. Trust me, I do. In fact, it pisses me off too. Grant’s my friend and he doesn’t deserve that. But what you’re doing isn’t helping him and it’s not helping you. It’s only proving maybe you are the kind of girl who brings down kings.”

  I needed to get myself under control and figure a way out of this, not prove the oracle to be true. “I know. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” Liam dropped next to me. “As much as I don’t want you getting yourself into trouble, I have to admit, watching you stand up to him impressed me. I wish I could.”

  “You could. He’s your father, so he wouldn’t kill you for it, either.”

  “Don’t be so sure. Let’s get some lunch. I’m starving.” He stood and helped me up. “C’mon, tough stuff, need to get some food in you too.”

  * * * *

  After lunch I headed back to my room to rest. At least, that’s what I told my friends. In reality, I wanted to mope. I tried to put on a brave face for them and be less annoying, because a friend who did nothing but cry, complain and walk around like her life was one big tragedy would get old.

  I’d planned a good pity party but as I lay on the bed, Lexie’s words echoed. Why should I let myself drown?

  I wouldn’t become the victim in this. Problem was, I didn’t want to make anyone else the victim, either. Warring with Alastar was never my intention, but his suspicion had been raised with my earlier act of defiance. Lying low for a while might not be enough. I needed a plan, something concrete to work for.

  I repeated the oracle, searching for an inaccuracy of some sort but found no answers.

  Myrna’s words were the only thing I found some consolation in. It might not be today but thirty years from now. Why worry over something not even in the foreseeable future? If Alastar thought the oracle would never happen then why would he want me here?

  Maybe, I could negotiate a different way. If he let me cross to the human world, I could go home, with Grant of course. The risk of The Rite of Purity seemed minor compared to what I faced here. We’d just stay one step ahead of them, and if they did find me, I wasn’t some helpless half-fae anymore. I wouldn’t go down without a fight, and between Grant’s ability to sense danger and my magic, we’d be okay.

  My stomach fluttered with happy excitement at having found a solution to the problem. Now Alastar needed to be convinced either I wasn’t the girl he believed or that he should send me home. He didn’t strike me as someone who liked to be told what to do, so this idea needed to be his. The problem lay there, but as long as I had something to work toward, I had hope.

  I forced myself out of bed and out of my room. Liam was right about me staying visible. My presence would be seen and known. Heck, I’d even play nice with Alastar, hoping we’d negotiate.

  Not sure where to go, I wandered the hallway. I could sit in the library, or find my friends, but my feet carried me to the garden. It was no coincidence. When my emotions were all over the place I wanted to be outside. The earth comforted me in a way nothing else here could.

  I traveled along the trail leading to Liam’s mom’s private garden. Upon realizing that, I turned, but a slight movement caught my attention. Peeking around the hedge, I found Liam sitting on the cement bench, head in his hands.

  “Liam?”

  He popped up. “Kylie, I didn’t hear you walk up.”

  “Want some company? I’m better now.”

  “You’re always great company.” He scooted over and patted the bench.

  I sat beside him. “I was out for a walk. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you. Is everything okay?”

  “As good as it ever is.” His smile wasn’t convincing. “I keep thinking about the way you stood up to my father. Why can’t I do that? What’s wrong with me?” He sighed, leaned his elbows on his knees and stared down. “I’m no future king. I have no voice. I’ve never made decisions. No one even listens to me. I’m nobody, just Alastar’s son.”

  “Are you kidding? First off, he’s your father. It’s hard to stand up to parents. We’re taught to respect them, listen to them and love them, whether they deserve it or not. Then, of course, there’s the fact your father is one hell of an imposing man. I’m an idiot for doing what I did. I’m an emotional wreck and my thoughts weren’t straight.

  “But, more importantly, you are someone. I guess in your position, you don’t hear what others think of you. Do you know, I’ve never heard a single bad word spoken about you? Everyone adores you. Why do you think Ida hates me?” I stared at him. “Because I hurt you. A real leader isn’t born out of fear but from great respect. One day you’ll be ten times the king your father is.”

  He smiled, looked down and kicked at the dirt. “I doubt that. People may like me but they don’t listen to me.”

  “How do you know? Have you ever spoken?”

  “I don’t even know what I’d say.”

  “Well, maybe the time hasn’t been right. Maybe you haven’t found the words because you weren’t ready. I think when the time comes you’ll know, and, when you choose to speak, people will listen. I promise you, they will listen.”

  He focused on the fountain with the sculpture of his mother lifting a lily pad. “Sometimes, I wonder what my life would be like had she not died.” He approached it and ran a finger across the surface of the water, leaving behind tiny ripples. “Would I have turned out differently? With her love and support, maybe I wouldn’t feel so damned defeated. As far as my father is concerned I’m worthless.” Liam shook his head and turned back to me. “He never plans on me ruling. If he did, he would’ve taken me under his wing and groomed me to be a future king.”

  I joined him and patted his shoulder. “I doubt it’s because he doesn’t believe you’re king material. I think it has more to do with your father’s gigantic ego. He refuses to admit one day he won’t be able to rule. It’s not you. It’s him. That I’m sure of.”

  “That wouldn’t surprise me.” A small smile appeared.

  “Hey, next time you see Cara will you tell her I’m sorry for being such a basket-case?”

  “Sure. I’ll let her know tonight. She’s worried about you.”

  “You must be seeing an awful lot of her.” I grinned.

  “She’s a nice girl and doesn’t deserve to be in the kitchen. I want to help her out. It’s the least I can do. It makes me feel useful.” He shrugged but didn’t make eye contact.

  “This is what I mean. You’re one of the most thoughtful people I know. Not many guys, especially ones in your position, would put someone before them like that. I could never envision your father giving up his bed for the sake of someone else. He’d have them lie like a dog before he’d do that.”r />
  A bird chirped nearby. In the distance, echoed a reply. Liam rested his elbows on the fountain.

  I studied him. “You are giving up your bed aren’t you?”

  His face reddened, and I nudged him.

  “Are you?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Is there something more I should know? If not as your fiancee then your friend,” I teased.

  “No. Of course not.” His words had rushed out.

  His discomfort with the topic caused me to giggle. “Okay, I believe you, but maybe a girl like Cara is what you need. She’s got her head on straight. She’s helped me through a lot of difficult times.”

  “Yeah, she’s great.” He cleared his throat. “So, tell me more about these merrows you came across.”

  “Are you changing the subject?” I laughed.

  “No.” He glanced at me. “Yes. Can we please change it? This is such an awkward conversation to have with you.”

  “Oh.”

  “I’m sorry.” He ran his hands through his hair. “Honestly, Kylie, there’s nothing to tell. I would tell you if there was but there isn’t. I think she’s a great girl, but I’m–” He took a few steps, putting more space between us.

  “I’m sorry. I should have dropped it.” I stared at my feet. I’d pushed the boundaries of our friendship.

  He let out a long sigh. “It’s fine. I’m still figuring things out. I promise I wouldn’t hide something like that from you.”

  “Okay, but it’s not my business so it wouldn’t be hiding.”

  A little gray bird landed on the fountain’s edge, dipped its tiny beak in the water then craned its neck left to right with quick, sharp movements.

  Perched on the armrest, Liam propped his foot on the bench seat. “Last night, the way you looked, I knew you–” He cleared his throat. “I had no idea how strong your feelings were for him.”

  “Does it upset you?” I whispered.

  “No. Not upset. Jealous, maybe. I wanted so badly to be that person to you, and I think some little part of me thought things could change, but now–” He sighed. “I know you’ll never see me like you do him.”

  What did I say to something like that? Liam was a great guy and I’d suspected he might have some lingering feelings for me, but now having to face it left me speechless.