by Helene Gadot
The front door opened, and I turned, expecting to see Whistler, but the prince came inside. He stumbled to a stop, his eyes widening as he took me in.
"You look absolutely breathtaking."
I cleared my throat. "Thank you. You look good too." And he did. He was all golds and pale blues and charm. It almost hurt to look at him, especially with the bond riding me hard, trying to shove me right in his arms.
"Where are the others?" he asked.
I gestured to the closed bedrooms. "Still getting ready."
His eyes narrowed on my face. "Are you all right?"
I smoothed the dress down my stomach again. "Of course. Why?"
"You look nervous."
A grimace pulled at my face. "I'm not used to fancy dresses and galas."
He cocked his hip against the back of one of the chairs. "Is that really all?"
"What else would it be?"
"Perhaps I am making you nervous." His voice deepened, and he stared at my neck.
I swallowed hard and stared at a spot over his shoulder. "Don't be foolish. You don't scare me."
He took a few steps closer with an almost predatory gait until only a few inches separated us. "I do not wish to scare you. At least not in that way."
"What way are you talking about?"
"I hope one day you find out." His fingers glided across the mark from Sky. "Based on this, I am fairly certain you will enjoy it."
"Don't freak her out with your weird kinks, prince." Sky skipped into the room, his smirk in place. "Though what I have for her might rile you up a bit, so try to control yourself."
I expected Sky's words to piss Aster off, but he only chuckled and stepped back from me, giving me a chance to breathe again. But my breath escaped me again as I took in my mischievous kindred. He was the midnight blue sky to Aster's golden sun. A dark blue suit was almost painted on his body it fit him so well, a crisp white shirt stark against it. He and Aster looked like brothers.
"I am not the only one with kinks, my friend." Aster gestured to my neck. "You have a few of your own."
"Speaking of, I have something here to take care of that. Sorry, doll. I should have thought about the gala being tonight before I marked you up."
"I had no complaints."
Sky's eyes flashed as he pulled a thick choker from his pocket. It was thick and golden and definitely wide enough to hide the mark along with the high neckline in the back. I turned and lifted my long brown tresses so Sky could fit the choker around my throat, shivering when his fingers brushed my skin.
When I turned back around, Sky and Aster stared at me with matching expressions on their faces. Hunger. Need. Want.
I was desperate to know more about the supposed kinks of theirs. Something I would definitely question Sky about later. I knew Sky was dominant, but usually in a rather playful way.
"She's trying to figure us out, prince." Sky whispered the words loudly to Aster.
"I noticed."
A deep, smoky voice wrapped around me from behind, immediately easing me. "Calm down, love. They're being assholes. You know all of Sky's proclivities and the prince here likes to play."
Sky laughed. "Saved by the knight in shining armor."
I turned to smile at Saber, relieved at his entry. He wouldn't tease me until I was a mass of nerves and lust and curiosity. Though his appearance certainly didn't help matters. He was dressed in a dark blood red suit, the same color as the cloak he'd bought me, a silky black shirt opened at the neck beneath it. He looked sleek and dangerous and utterly beautiful.
"Damn, how are you all so gorgeous?"
Three blinding grins met the words I hadn't meant to speak aloud. Well, shit.
I threw my shoulders back, determined to barrel through the awkward moment. "Are we ready to get this night over with?"
Their smiles grew in response and the prince held out his arm for me to take. I accepted it with a sigh, fighting the shiver, ignoring the heat and completion I felt at his touch.
TWENTY-THREE
Most of the guests had already arrived when we walked through the doors, and every single one of those people turned to stare at us as we approached the throne.
Whist waited for us at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the dais and he took my breath away just like the others. He didn't smile, but his eyes softened when he met mine through the crowd. I'd strangely missed him, even though I'd seen him at breakfast. He was dressed in a slick black suit covering a silver shirt the same exact shade of his starlight eyes.
Aster ducked his head to speak low in my ear. "You thinking about grabbing your last kindred and sprinting out of here?"
"Maybe." Definitely.
He let out a quiet chuckle. "If you do, bring me with you."
"Aren't you used to these?"
Aster's expression darkened a bit. "Not even close. They're torture."
"So, lots to look forward to as your kindred, huh?"
"Honestly? If I were you, I'd run and never look back."
I actually believed him. For once, his face was barren of the charming and pleasant facade, stark with his pain and loneliness. He smiled sadly at me and pressed a kiss to my knuckles before joining his family at the thrones, depositing me beside Whist while Saber and Sky stepped up at our sides. Elora and Lysander were on the other side of the dais beside us.
The king rose and the murmurs and chatter from the guests died down. "Welcome, my friends, to our bi-annual gala. This year, we get to celebrate something special. I'm sure some of you have already heard whispers, but your prince has finally found his kindred soul." He paused for the rising applause and cheers. "And three of our most elite soldiers are also joining them in their bond. We are preparing for the ceremony soon and are looking forward to celebrating their union with all of you." Another pause to bathe in celebration and adoration. "But tonight, let us have a good time and enjoy the strength and prosperity of our kingdom."
The king sat back on his throne and drank from his goblet. Aster left the dais and rejoined us, taking my hand and leading me out into the middle of the floor. The musicians started up a song and my breath caught when I recognized my work.
Tears burned my eyes as more and more musicians joined the song, adding their instruments and voices to the rising music. Never had I heard my songs like this and it shattered me.
I could barely pay attention to the dance, but Aster twirled me with confidence and calm. "You all right?"
I was too dazed to answer for a moment. "Yeah. It's just... I didn't know my song would be first."
"It made sense so the ones who need to hear it would know which one to listen to. And I wanted our first dance to be to this song." He looked away, but his fingers flexed against me.
"Why?" My breath caught in my throat as I waited for his reply.
"Because I have a feeling you'll be gone soon. and I wanted this memory."
The hopelessness in his voice broke my heart. "I haven't decided yet, you know."
"Have you not?"
"No."
"What's stopping you?" He spun me away and my hand was caught by someone else, spinning me into a familiar chest.
"Whistler."
He growled low in his throat and drew me closer into his body. "Hello, gorgeous."
"What's going on?" I stretched my neck, searching for Aster.
"It's part of the show. Just go with it."
We were whirling so fast, I could take in nothing but his face, his starlight eyes. Aster and his sapphire gaze was forgotten for the moment.
"You all right, gorgeous?" Whist peered down at me in concern.
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" I asked once he finished twirling me.
We were no longer alone on the dance floor, other couples joining us and swaying to the music. My music. It was still blowing my mind that I was dancing to one of my songs.
"Because this is a lot. And you've been through a lot. I know this isn't even close to what you wanted."
"No,
but I stopped believing I'd get everything I wanted a long time ago. My whole life since my parents died has been me trying to change things." Maybe I was here for a reason.
Whist lifted me into the air and another set of hands brought me back down to the floor. "It's me, love."
"Saber, where did you come from?" I didn't notice him approach.
"You were too busy drowning in Whist's eyes to see me." His voice held gentle teasing.
I flushed. "Where's Sky?"
"He'll be stealing you away in a moment."
"Why didn't anyone warn me?" I squeaked as he lowered me in a dip.
He turned me and pulled my back against his chest. "It was a last minute change Aster decided on."
Of course it was. Though, I liked the change, wanting to share my song with my kindreds. Even Aster. My eyes roved the milling dancers, searching for my other kindreds. I smiled at the sight of Indigo and Elora wrapped in each other's arms, mouths tangling as they paid more attention to their kiss than their dance.
Saber swiveled me back around and yanked me into his hard body, smoldering at me before he spun me like Aster had, Sky there waiting for me.
Sky let out a satisfied sigh. "Finally, it's my turn."
"I'm surprised you agreed to go last." I peered up at him through my lashes.
"You should always save the best things for last. And I know I'm your favorite."
I threw my head back in a laugh. "You do, huh?"
He smiled proudly. "Of course. I am a fucking delight."
I shook my head, fighting a grin. "I don't know. Saber is so sweet and always on my side. He might be my favorite."
Sky gasped dramatically. "How dare you? There's no way you love him more than me."
I couldn't help but to continue teasing him. "And Whistler gives me those special smiles. You hand yours out to everyone."
"Because I'm not a grumpy asshole. But if you want something special, do you not remember the special time we had just a couple hours ago?"
Bickering and joking with Sky made everything else seem like less of a big deal. I was so grateful he was part of my life. Someone who could make me laugh in the midst of chaos and horror, who could always tease a smile out of me.
I winked at him. "The memory is fading. I might need to be reminded."
He laughed loud and hard, missing a couple steps. "I am loving this new side of you, doll. Very much."
"You bring it out of me, I guess."
"Because I'm your favorite." He said it like it was a fact.
Before I could respond, I was back in Aster's arms. I stared up at him in breathless surprise as the crescendo rose around us.
"I need to warn you." He was so serious it made me nervous.
"About what?" My heart pounded in my ears.
"I am planning to kiss you."
I startled in his arms. "What? When?"
"Now."
The music swelled to its ending as he drew me into him, one of his hands cupping the side of my face. He gave me time to shove him away, to stop him, but I didn't. I told myself it was so we didn't make a scene, but the truth was, I wanted it. I wanted to know how he tasted, what he felt like.
His kiss was gentle, hesitant, like he was holding himself back. I didn't want him to hold back. I scraped my teeth against his lip and pressed my breasts into his chest. He growled and his fingers tightened on me, his hand on my face turned possessive, sliding down until it was half of my neck, half on my jaw. He tasted like champagne, his scent of paper and candlelight teased my nose. My head spun, still dizzy from the dance, my song still echoing in my ears, pounding in time with my heartbeat.
It was the most perfect kiss of my life.
TWENTY-FOUR
Aster ended the kiss and stepped away from me with a bow, keeping one of my hands trapped in his. I tried to wrestle my fluttering pulse under control and keep my face blank, not wanting to show our captive audience my myriad of confusing emotions.
He plastered on his charming smile, but couldn't hide the fire smoldering in his eyes or the shortness of his breath. The prince was as affected as I was. Maybe more so.
The missing piece inside me clicked into place. Shit, I was in trouble. My other kindreds approached and Whist pulled me away to grab drinks. I needed one. Badly.
"That was incredibly hot, gorgeous." He handed me a brandy.
I took a long, grateful sip. "Yeah, he sort of sprang it on me."
"A very Aster move. He didn't push you into it, did he?"
"No. I--no."
Whist snorted. "Nothing wrong with wanting it. Or him. Even without the kindred bond, he has the sort of presence that draws you in."
Something in his tone caught my attention. "You too, huh?"
He glanced over at Aster through the crowd, memories in his eyes. "When we were younger, we had some fun together."
"You guys are killing me." Imagining them together deepened the lust pressing heavily on me, stoked the fire already burning in my stomach.
Whist loomed over me. "I'll release some of that tension for you in just a little bit, gorgeous. We can invite Aster if you want. Even if it's just to watch."
"Does he like to watch like you?" I couldn't stop wondering what he was like, what he liked. Stupid Sky put the thoughts in my head.
Whist's chest rumbled with a deep laugh. "Definitely not. It would drive him crazy."
"You're a little evil, aren't you?"
"Absolutely, gorgeous."
A wave of something ugly and painful washed over me when I caught sight of the prince. He was leading a beautiful woman in a dance, smiling down at her, her body way too close to his. He said something to her and they both laughed together and I almost drowned in the uncomfortable feeling.
I jerked my attention away from them, reminding myself he owed me nothing and I certainly didn't owe him anything either. He was a prince, full of charm and false smiles. I refused to let him play me as easily as the glittering people in this room.
"How much longer do we have to stay?" I asked, wanting nothing more than to escape the stifling room.
"Well, you've been introduced to the nobility, had a public dance with your kindreds, so another hour and it won't cause offense."
"Good. This is not my scene."
"Mine either." He pulled me by my elbow. "Come on. My mother made the food for this thing, so you know it's delicious."
I let him tow me towards the waiters carrying platters of food. He snagged a few things and plopped one of them into my mouth. I groaned at the delicious flavors exploding against my tongue.
"What was that?" I wanted seven more.
"Wine soaked berries and soft cheese tart."
I licked the remains from my lips. "You need to steal her recipe and make it for me again."
"Deal. Here, try a bacon wrapped peach slice." He held out the piece of fruit.
I opened my mouth and my eyes popped wide. "What is that sauce?"
"Balsamic glaze. I take it I need that recipe too?"
"Hell yeah. Would it hurt your feelings if I told you your mother is even more talented than you are?"
"Of course not. I already know that."
I shrugged. "Sorry."
He shook his head down at me fondly. "No you aren't, you gorgeous devil."
I grinned, unrepentant. "Nope."
He grumbled a curse. "You've been spending too much time with Sky. He's wearing off on you."
"Maybe. Or he released a part of me I didn't realize I had." So much of my life I'd spent alone. As much as I lusted after Sky and was coming to love him, I enjoyed the friendship which had sprung up between us. He was fun and goofy and I enjoyed him bringing out a lighter side of me.
All three of them matched me in some perfect way. Sky with his flirting and fun. Saber with his sweetness and art. And Whist with his darkness and determination. I wondered what part of me matched Aster.
"Where are Sky and Saber?"
Whist pointed to the crowd of dancers. Saber and Sky
were entwined in the center of the dance floor, swaying and spinning to the music, lost in each other's eyes. I pressed into Whist's side as we watched them, a soft smile spreading on my lips. It reminded me of the first time I played for them, the first time I realized there was something beautiful between them.
Whist leaned over to whisper in my ear. "Do you see the surprise on everyone's faces?"
My brows furrowed as I ripped my focus away from my kindreds and searched the expressions of the others watching them. Whist was right, there was a lot of confusion and judgment.
"I do. Why?"
"We told you how most core kindreds wouldn't accept relationships within the group. It's very rare. Hell, all our bonds are completely unusual. Most of them are like Indigo's. Lysander and Elora didn't know each other before they met Indigo, they were strangers like most kindreds. And they are friends and love each other like family, but they don't have a romantic relationship unless they're both with Indigo. She probably wouldn't mind if they did, but neither have any interest. But even Indigo is unusual. Most core members of a kindred group larger than two want to be the center. But you? You want us to have relationships with each other. It makes you happy and turns you on. The people here don't understand it."
"I don't give a shit if they don't understand it. It doesn't matter what they think, they don't get an opinion or say in what we have." I seared the crowd with a glare.
"I know. Which is why we adore you and thank whatever force brought us together every day for choosing you for us."
"So it's strange that you four were all close?" I hated how little I still understood the bond. Having no friends or family growing up kept my knowledge sadly lacking.
"Very."
"What does that mean? Coincidence or is something greater at work?" I asked.
"I don't know, gorgeous. But we were brought together for a reason."
His words sent my mind into overdrive, making my looming decision even more complicated. We weren't a very religious country or culture, the only thing any of us believed in was the kindred soul bond. No one really knew if it was magic or a god or fate or even the stars in charge of the bonds. But if it was more than some sort of weird roll of the dice, then what would happen if I turned my back on my last kindred? Did I trust the bond or trust my own feelings?