by Dee Benson
Katie looked up at him with those big, blue eyes of hers and he felt like he was drowning. Beautiful eyes that were like truth serum.
"I have a crush on you," he blurted.
Katie's lips parted again.
Michael wished she wouldn't do that. It took every ounce of his willpower not to take her in his arms and kiss her senseless.
Senseless. He snorted internally. That's what kissing her would be. Totally senseless.
"That's why Brett is doing this," Michael said. His voice came out quiet. Timid. So much for retaining his dignity and being 'a man'. He felt like an utter fool.
She was silent. He couldn't stand the silence. "I'm so sorry." He looked away from her. "This is all my fault."
Still she was quiet.
"Say something, please."
"My superpower is remote touch."
Michael frowned. Seriously? He was being so vulnerable with her and that was all she had to say?
Sure, he'd been trying to find out what her superpower was, and hadn't bought her lie about laser power. But now was not the time…
He paused. Her superpower is remote touch? That meant it was her who'd been slapping him over the last four years, even slapping his butt.
He stared at her.
She lowered her gaze.
What did it mean? He didn't dare hope…
She turned away.
Michael reached out and turned her to face him. He tipped up her chin. Tears were brimming in her eyes.
Michael couldn't believe it. "Since when?" he asked.
"Since day one," she whispered.
Michael had heard about weak knees, but it had never happened to him before, despite all the girls he'd dated—girls he'd used to try and get over his feelings for Katie.
He thought of all the times he'd told her and Brett about girls he was dating. She hadn't given away her true feelings once.
Michael couldn't believe she'd had a crush on him all this time. She'd hidden it so well.
She reached out and touched his chest, tentatively, like she thought touching him might burn her. She trailed her hand down his chest and abs.
Michael sucked in a deep breath. "Me, too," he whispered back.
"I don't believe you."
Michael laughed shortly. He didn't believe her either. It was too good to be true.
The gentle breeze was playing with her hair. The waning light of the setting sun bathed her with gold. She looked like an otherworldly creature. An angel.
Michael dipped his head. When their lips met, he felt like the world had been pulled out from under him and he was falling through space.
When she responded, he couldn't hold back a groan. He dug his hands into her hair. It felt as silky soft as he'd imagined.
He almost completely lost it when she deepened the kiss. He clamped his arms around her, his chest bursting and his heart singing.
She lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck.
How long had he wanted this? How long had he dreamed about having her in his arms just like this? But she lived such a restricted life, destined to marry a powerful man.
The thought brought him back down to earth.
He pulled away, instantly feeling cold. But the damage had been done. It was irreversible. He couldn't 'unkiss' her. When they tested her at the selection ceremony tomorrow, they'd know she'd kissed him and she would be in trouble.
KATIE'S HEART WAS RACING. Her breath was coming out in ragged puffs, as was Michael's.
A pained look filled his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Katie." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "You'll get into trouble. We must go immediately and confess. I'll take the blame."
Right now, Katie didn't care about the rules and the restrictions. She reached up and kissed him.
A small gasp escaped his lips.
She kissed him again.
"Katie—"
She silenced him with another kiss. She wanted him. Had wanted him for years. Right now, nothing else mattered.
He gave in and kissed her with a fervor that stole her breath. His hands cupped her face. His touch was like fire to her skin.
Soon, her lips were raw, and she'd bet his were too.
When they came apart, he pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her.
Katie laid her head on his solid chest, still unable to believe what was happening. This was her and Michael. He felt the same way. Why had they both hidden it for so long?
Why hadn't Brett set them up with each other way before now? Katie laughed at herself internally. A few minutes ago, she'd been so mad at Brett. Now, she was grateful to him. Poor Brett. Both she and Michael must have been telling him about their feelings and making him promise to stay quiet. No wonder he'd eventually done this.
But it was too late now. If they'd confessed their feelings earlier, they could have done something about it. She could have insisted to her father that she'd found the man she wanted to marry. He wouldn't have listened, but she would probably have been willing to run away with Michael if necessary. Now, it was too late.
And just because he says he has a crush on you doesn't mean he wants to marry you.
The thought filled her with uncertainty. She stepped away from him. She instantly missed the solid warmth of his arms, but she made herself stay away.
Michael raked a hand through his hair. His dark eyes were intense. "So, it's you who's been feeling me up all this time?"
Embarrassment filled her.
"I didn't even suspect that it could be you. I guess I just didn't expect such behavior from an aristocrat."
Heat flooded her whole face.
He kissed her nose, her eyes, her cheeks.
Katie turned her head away, sudden tears filling her eyes.
Michael pushed her hair out of the way and trailed kisses down her neck. "Your skin is so soft," he murmured. His breath whispered against her skin, making her shiver.
"Look at me, Katie."
Katie looked.
There was a bleak look in his eyes. "For what it's worth, the night before your selection ceremony: I love you."
Katie squeezed her eyes shut. This wasn't happening. Why had he waited until now to tell her?
"I'm devastated about our situation," he said. "I will cherish this night forever."
Katie didn't open her eyes, for fear that the tears building would fall. "I love you too." It came out wobbly, ragged. "So much, Michael."
"Open your eyes."
Katie opened her eyes.
Michael was staring at her intently. "Say that again."
Katie looked away. "I…love you."
"No. Look at me."
Katie looked at him.
"Now say it."
"I love you."
"And say my name."
"I love you, Michael."
He closed his eyes briefly. "This is crazy."
Indeed it was. Knowing that he returned her feelings, how could she marry anyone else? The thought was devastating.
"What are we going to do?" he asked, more to himself than to Katie.
"There's nothing we can do."
"Can't you try to perform badly at the ceremony?" Michael asked. "Can't you try to look less…attractive?" He shook his head. "There's no way he won't find you attractive. You're…too beautiful."
His words were like dew to her soul. That had been his opinion all along?
"There must be something we can do."
"I will do my best not to get chosen tomorrow," Katie told him. She would look as sour as she dared without incurring the king's wrath, act in an undesirable manner, eat in big unladylike mouthfuls, trip over her own feet, and basically give him every excuse to reject her.
"I know a number of the courtiers. I will speak to them and ask them to discourage the king from choosing you."
Just then, a steady beeping filled the air.
Michael groaned.
"You are being summoned?" Katie asked.
"Yes." Michael took out his cell pho
ne. He tapped the screen. "I must go." He paused. "I don't even know where we are. How do we get out?"
"I'll call Brett and see if his teleporter friend can help us out."
"Good idea." Michael took her hand. "I hope you will not be chosen tomorrow. But if you are, I will come and take the blame for our kiss."
"What if you are punished?"
"Then let the punishment be death. I would rather die than live to witness you married to another."
Chapter 7
MICHAEL WAS TELEPORTED TO the barracks, while Katie landed in the middle of what looked like a war-torn country. Fire burned around her for as far as her eyes could see. People were running and screaming. Children were crying.
She turned around and saw the restaurant that Brett had teleported her and Michael away from less than thirty minutes ago. What was going on?
Was this the work of The Firemaster? Was that why Michael had been summoned?
Is the anarchy starting tonight?
She ran to her car, and jumped into the driver's seat.
As she drove home, she was stunned at how widespread the chaos was. Every street, and every road, was in chaos. Fire burned everywhere.
Her encounter with Aeric Regle flooded her mind.
How would she sit back and watch all that was going on without feeling an intense sense of guilt over refusing Aeric's call to oppose the madness?
When she got home, a big orange cloth was hanging from the gate. It fluttered as the gates opened for her.
Katie drove to the garages and then jumped out of the car and entered the house. She could hear crying. She hurried through the hallways until she reached the foyer. The maids were crying.
"What happened?" Katie asked them. "Where is my father?"
They pointed towards the den.
Katie hurried into the den. Her father was sitting on the sofa. On the floor lay Gareth. Blood stained his shirt. His eyes were frozen open.
Katie slapped her hands over her mouth in horror. "What happened?"
Her father opened his mouth as though to speak. Nothing came out.
"What happened?" Katie screamed.
"The Firemaster's people came by. Gareth refused to pledge his allegiance to them."
Katie stared at Gareth's body, horrified. "So they killed him? They killed an innocent fourteen-year-old boy?"
Her father made a choking sound.
Katie knelt beside Gareth. She felt his neck for a pulse. His skin was deathly cold. He already looked slightly grey. There was no pulse.
Rage filled her, shocking in its intensity. She gripped Gareth's hand tightly.
Pain sliced through her heart when she remembered how he'd come outside last night to ask if she was hungry, and the way she'd brushed him off, saying she wanted to be alone.
Her throat tightened. Tears streamed from her eyes. Why? Why was all this happening?
Somebody had to stop this madness. Somebody had to stop Prince Dresden.
She went cold all over, remembering Aeric.
She released Gareth's hand and fled from the room. She didn't stop running until she was outside in the same spot where Aeric had appeared to her yesterday night.
"I still don't feel strong enough or powerful enough," she cried out staring up at the sky which was filled with a myriad of sunset colours. Tears flowed from her eyes. She felt like her heart was breaking. "I still don't think I can do it. But if you think I can, I will."
Suddenly, the world went dark and her legs turned to jelly. The last thing she was aware of was hitting the ground.
She was in a narrow tunnel. It was so brightly lit she could only squint.
Was she dying? Was she in the pathway to eternity?
"Katie."
She recognised his voice. "Aeric?"
She felt something wet on her head. She looked up to see a glass horn full of oil. It was suspended in the air as though held by invisible hands. The oil flowed from it onto her face. She quickly looked down, and the oil poured onto her hair. Soon, her hair was completely soaked. The oil was running from her hair down her face, neck, shoulders and back.
Katie sank to her knees, overcome with fear. "Are you sure about this? Are you sure I can do it?"
She wanted to do it. She wanted to stop the madness. But she didn't know how she would do it.
"Go to the selection ceremony tomorrow," came Aeric's voice. "Prince Dresden will attack, seeking to kill all in attendance. You must be vigilant. You must make sure he doesn't succeed."
"How?"
"You will find a way. Make sure that the king selects you to be his queen."
Katie gasped. "Why?"
"Because Prince Dresden will forget about the rest of the country and will make killing you his priority."
Aeric wanted her to make herself a target? Was this some kind of suicide mission?
"No," came Aeric's voice. "You will make yourself a target so that he will come close enough for you to kill him."
Aeric wanted her to kill Prince Dresden? She was probably the least able person in the kingdom to do that.
Katie jolted awake. She looked around groggily. She was on the ground in her back yard. She sat up, wondering how long she'd been out of it. She realized that her hair was matted to her head. Oil trickled down her neck.
She could hear the faint sound of wailing coming from the house.
She pushed aside her misgivings and insecurities. This was a matter of life and death now. Either she could stand by and do nothing, or she could at least try to save everyone.
What if I get killed?
She shrugged. Gareth was dead. What did it matter anymore if she died too?
"I will fight," she whispered.
No sooner had the words left her lips than a mask and a black Super suit appeared on her lap.
Katie jumped. A scream tore up her throat, but she managed to hold it back.
There was no need to be afraid. They must be from Aeric.
She turned the Super suit over in her hands. She already had dozens of Super suits. Most were brightly colored and feminine. This one was all black, and completely plain. No fancy details.
She looked at the mask. It was the type that would cover her whole head, leaving only holes for her eyes. Supers hadn't worn masks for hundreds of years. Since they lived separately from the Netherlings, they didn't need to conceal their identity.
Aeric must want her to conceal her identity. That was just as well. It made her feel a little better about the whole situation. Nobody would know she was the one fighting Prince Dresden.
MICHAEL WAS SILENT AS The Firemaster—as Prince Dresden now wished to be called—laid out their plans for tomorrow. There were only a handful of districts in Temsah City that their soldiers hadn't visited today, demanding the allegiance of the people. They would finish tomorrow, and then half of the army would move on to Merspool City. Once they'd assumed control of both Temsah City and Merspool City, the rest of the country would fall.
"Those of you who remain in Temsah tomorrow will storm Darius' selection ceremony," The Firemaster said. "We will kill all the women in attendance and capture the king. Don't kill him. Bring him to me. I will kill him personally."
Michael's heart skipped a beat. Katie would be at the selection ceremony. He raised his hand.
The Firemaster looked at him.
"I would like to lead that mission."
"Why?" Serloyd asked. "You want to rape the women before you kill them?"
Some of the other generals snickered.
Michael ignored him. "I will oversee the killing of the women," he told The Firemaster. "And I will personally bring the king to you."
The Firemaster nodded. "The mission is yours to lead."
Michael rose to his feet. "Then I will leave immediately and make plans." He saluted and then marched away.
Once outside, he exhaled.
Katie couldn't die. He would make sure she escaped.
He needed to get creative.
Chapter
8
KATIE'S HEART WAS BEATING like a drum as she entered the stretch limo that the palace had sent to pick her up.
She imagined that all the other girls attending the ceremony would be nervous too, but for entirely different reasons.
Aeric had said that Prince Dresden was going to attack. Katie sucked in a deep breath. I could very well die today.
She pushed the thought away. She didn't care. She had to do something. Gareth had been killed in the name of The Firemaster. The killing of innocent people had to stop.
She was wearing her Super suit under her clothes, and she had her mask in her pocket. Aeric had told her to be vigilant. She would be vigilant and do whatever she could.
He had also told her to do her best to get chosen.
Katie thought of Michael.
She was sure Aeric knew about Michael and about her feelings for him.
Did he expect her to give up what she wanted in order to secure freedom for others? To lay aside her own desires?
Sure, it sounded noble, but she loved Michael. Did she have to give him up?
They reached the palace too quickly. Katie stared at it in awe. She'd only ever seen it on TV. It was all marble and glass. It glittered in the early morning sun.
The car stopped at the entrance. A group of courtiers awaited her. One of them opened the door for her.
Katie got out of the car and curtsied in response to their bows.
More cars were arriving, no doubt bringing more girls.
Katie was ushered into the palace by one of the courtiers. In the entranceway, at least fifty girls were waiting.
It's going to be hard to stand out among so many.
Katie looked around. They were all immensely beautiful. Some had struck up conversation; others were standing alone, looking nervous.
Katie decided to keep to herself. She had to stay vigilant.
Over the next few minutes, more girls entered the foyer in a steady flow. At seven a.m., the door leading to the rest of the palace opened. A stout man wearing a coat and tails entered the foyer.