by RaeLynn Fry
“I haven’t the slightest idea what you two are supposed to be, and you know I hate guessing games.” Benjamin knows that about Ethan? Maybe he’ll be a good source of valuable information about Ethan.
“I’m Death,” Benjamin says, satisfaction at stumping his friend behind his words.
“Really? And dressing in all black is all you could come up with?”
“He has a cape,” I point out.
Benjamin ignores Ethan’s question and continues, “And Fifi, is Life.” Understanding clicks. That’s why she’s dressed as if she’s were in the nude. “Now, if you don’t mind,” Benjamin throws back the remainder of his drink and slips the empty glass on the tray of a passing waiter, “I’m going to steal your mystery woman for a dance.”
Ethan’s eyes spark, but before he can protest, Benjamin’s stolen my free hand and is already whisking me onto the crowded dance floor. I barely have enough time to hand my drink to Ethan. I shrug my shoulders and wave goodbye as Ethan disappears behind the crowd of dancers.
Ethan’s friend is a skilled dancer and effortlessly sweeps me into his arms while we move around the floor in circles and spins, keeping with the timing of the music. I don’t even know how to dance, but Benjamin is such a strong lead, I’m starting to think I was born knowing.
“So,” he says with a dazzling smile, “What’s your name?”
“Oh, no you don’t,” I scold playfully, my head getting lighter from the spinning. “I know the rules.”
“Alright, then let me guess.”
“Go ahead,” I say. He pulls me a little tighter, and his eyes dance in the low light. If looks were rated on eyes alone, Benjamin would be one of the gods of legend.
“Where do you live?”
“In the apartments.” It’s not a total lie. Technically, I’m living there with Ella.
“Alone?”
“With my father and brother.” Another partial truth.
“Oh, that narrows it down significantly.”
My body tenses. “It does?”
He dips me, my head spinning to catch up with the movement. “Not at all. But I do like to tease.” He pulls me back up, my head light. It forces a smile out of me. “What do you like to do in your free time?” he says.
“What free time?” I say with a small laugh.
“It does feel that way sometimes, doesn’t it? Sometimes I think we have more on our plate than those in Neech.”
My stomach tightens, but I hold my smile firm. Never could Dahn be compared to Neech. “My turn,” I say as he twirls me under his arm, pulling me back into his frame, a little closer this time. “Are you and Ethan close?”
“He’s like a brother to me.”
“How do you know him?”
“Getting into trouble together.” I knew it. He’s from Dahn. Now I just need to find out why he would hide that from me.
“He seems to like doing that, doesn’t he?” I seek Ethan out. His tall frame is resting against the back wall, his arms crossed. He’s following Benjamin’s and my movement across the floor, a glower on his face. Quite the brooding character.
“Tell me about Pearl,” I say.
He gives me a playful look. “Where do I begin?” He looks around to make sure he won’t be overheard, then leans in close and whispers into my ear. “She reminds me a bit of a tiger.”
I pull back and laugh. “How so?”
“Beautiful to look at but deadly up close.”
“And why will Pearl kill my date when she sees him?”
“She’s extremely jealous and possessive.” He twirls me under his arm, pulling me in close at the end. “And he came with you.”
“What an exotic costume,” someone interrupts.
Benjamin stops our promenade and sweeps into a hasty bow. “Mr. Hughes.”
I hope my eyes don’t widen too much as I dip into a quick courtesy. “Sir.” The fuzz from earlier is suddenly gone. My situation pricks my mind with remarkably sharp clarity, and with it, the loss of my bravery.
“I dare say this is not your lovely Fifi.” My skin crawls as Akin’s eyes dance over my body.
“Indeed it’s not. I stole her from some sorry sap only moments ago.”
“Then I shall return the favor and steal her from you.” Akin smiles so wide, I can make out each of his perfectly square teeth. He holds out his arm for me to take, and unless I want to draw more attention to myself, I have no choice but to accept. I hope my hesitation doesn’t give away my reluctance. I etch a smile into my lips and pray it stays there.
“You look spectacular. I bet your date isn’t happy about losing you,” Akin says as we start to dance.
“I think you’re right about that,” I say, trying to act relaxed. I need to make the best of the situation so I force my arm to drape along Akin’s. The thought is fleeting, but it’s there. I’m close enough to get my revenge. I could grab a knife off one of the many nearby tables and use it on him. But that wouldn’t get me the Morrow I need and would most likely get me killed.
Instead I say, “Ingenious costume.” Akin is appropriately dressed as a snake, with a dark green suit woven with bits of gold and a scaled mask. “It fits you.”
“You think so?” His eyes sharpen ever so slightly.
“Green’s your color; it brings out your eyes.” There’s a slight pause in the air. The tempo of the music changes and our speed picks up.
“Tell me, my dear, are you satisfied with the actions the Corporation is taking in handling the current Petitions?”
“Politics at a party?” I give him my sweetest smile.
“What better place? I must find out how my people feel about what the Corporation’s doing. The Kengaal’s make my job so very hard at times.”
My smile tightens, and hatred boils in my blood at his casual use of such a derogatory slang for a Neech citizen. It means contemptible and poor, not worthy of the resources needed to keep them alive.
“But,” he continues, seemingly unaware of my reaction, “we need them—as much as it pains me to admit it.”
“Every citizen is valuable if our cities are to survive,” I quote from a Neech bulletin.
Akin’s smile is slimy and cold. “Have you ever considered going into politics?”
“Alas, my Mark did not find me worthy enough for that destiny.”
“That could be overlooked. I can always use someone like you on my side.”
“I’m afraid the Corporation’s world is not for me.” My smile is getting harder to keep in place, and my cheeks are burning from the effort.
“Perhaps there will come a time when I can change your mind.”
I only smile.
“Have you seen the birthday boy yet? He’d be very interested in meeting you.”
“Not yet.” And I hope I don’t.
“Shame. Neither have I. I told him to be on time, but that simple feat has always been a challenge for him. Tell me, who has the privilege of being your escort tonight?” Akin asks.
“I came with a raven.”
He nods. “No names, I see. You know the rules of a masquerade.”
“I do.” I’m trying my best not to be stiff.
“How do you like the celebration so far?” Akin asks as he spins me under his arm.
“It’s very…colorful.”
He gives a strong laugh. “Colorful? Yes, I suppose it is. But are you enjoying yourself?”
“It’s not my first choice of entertainment, but I’m having fun none the less.”
“Oh no?”
“It’s a little…grand for my taste.”
“I’ve never heard it called that before.”
“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” I keep my tone light and my smile bright.
“You certainly do speak your mind.”
“I’ve been told that could be a dangerous thing, but I believe in truth.”
“The truth is a fine and sometimes deadly line to walk.”
“I guess it depends on who I’m wa
lking it with.”
“And you feel safe walking it with me?”
“I didn’t know I was walking such a fine line with you. We only just met.”
“You’re like a breath of frigid air, my dear. A bit of a shock in the beginning, but in the end refreshing.”
“I’m glad you think so. I was taught never to make others guess what I mean and to always be clear about what I think.”
“I’d say you’re succeeding. Are you sure the world of politics doesn’t interest you?”
I give him a polite laugh, as if I’m flattered, but don’t answer.
“Did you get your invitation on time?” he asks. “We had a problem with a select few households who never received theirs. They were hand delivered only a couple of nights ago.”
The hair on the back of my neck stands on end. I can’t help but feel this is a test of some sort. Or a trap. “Oh, I’m not sure…” He’s trying to pin me in a corner, but I don’t know why.
“If your family was one of the ones inconvenienced, I insist on delivering a personal apology.”
“Even if that were the case, that wouldn’t be necessary,” I say, my heart skipping a beat.
“Nonsense—how else would I get the excuse to see you again?”
I give what I hope is a flirtatious laugh. “Mr. Hughes, I’m Paired, and you’re incorrigible.” Flirting with him makes my stomach sour, but it’s the only way out I can see. “You aren’t going to find out who I am that easily.” My world starts to spin off-kilter. I need to get away from him. Now.
Like a blessing from above, the music stops, and a polite applause rises from the room. “Thank you very much for the dance,” I say with a courtesy. “If you don’t mind, I’d like some fresh air.”
“What a good idea; all these bodies make it rather stuffy inside, wouldn’t you agree?”
Incorrigible is hardly the right word for this man. Stubborn is a better fit.
“I would,” I say. He puts my hand on his arm and holds it there as we walk towards the balcony.
My heart hammers through my veins so hard that the tips of my fingertips and ears throb. The last place I want to be is alone on a balcony with this man.
Paranoia is beginning to set in. Akin has to know something. It’s the only reason he’s acting this way—showing me so much attention, and now he’s taking me outside to do away with me, out of his guest’s line of sight. Beads of sweat pill at my temples behind the edges of my mask. Is it what I quoted from one of the Neech bulletins? Is it the fact that I spoke my mind? Damn my pride and stubbornness. I should have listened to Ethan and stayed at Ella’s. Now our entire plan could be ruined. I take a breath and start to walk towards the double French doors.
Akin smiles, greeting guests as they part for us to pass, like we’re royalty. Or some deadly plague. I walk as if my spine’s a metal rod, looking around the room for Ethan or Benjamin, trying not to swivel my head too much. I breathe a sigh of relief. Fifi’s directly ahead on the balcony.
“Akin, I must speak with you.” A slight, nervous man with thin hair falls into step beside us.
“Now’s not a good time, Stephen; I don’t want to be rude to my guest.”
“It’s urgent.” Stephen says the last word through gritted teeth. “It’s about steel and lumber production.” When Akin says nothing the small man continues in a quieter voice. “About the increased raw materials and the mysterious lack of finished product.”
What’s he talking about? Papa’s never mentioned any of this to me. I want to stay and hear more, but I know it’s safer if I don’t. “It’s alright, Mr. Hughes,” I say. “There’s someone I need to say hello to, anyhow.”
I slide my hand from his grip, try to ignore the irritated look that slips past his mask, and hurry towards the balcony in as natural a manner as I can manage. The cool space of the night is a welcome change to the stale, claustrophobic air of the Hall. I walk to the railing and lean against it, next to Fifi. I don’t hold back the heavy sigh as I look out at the darkened city.
Everything beyond the party is still and quiet. I can just make out a Military Guard making his rounds at the edge of the lawn. The cool night air helps to ease and calm my unsettled nerves.
“That was close,” Fifi purrs.
“You noticed?” I straighten and watch Stephen steer Akin in the opposite direction of the terrace, talking animatedly with waving hands. They disappear behind a door on the opposite wall.
“How could I not? It seems the Corporation President’s taken a liking to you.”
“Don’t say that,” I groan. “That’s the last thing I need right now.” The music starts up again, and the dancers swirl around like clusters of bright candies. The notes drift out to us on the breath of the room’s exhale.
“It could be a good thing to have the interest of a man like Akin Hughes.”
I give her a disgusted look.
“Oh, right. You and Ethan. That would be rather…awkward.” She starts to head back inside.
“What? No!” I push myself from the railing and follow her, gathering my skirts as I go. “That’s not what I meant at all. There is no me and Ethan” The words stumble after each other as they race to be first out of my mouth. “I don’t think of Ethan like that.”
“Why not? Ethan’s a man who should be thought of that way. And often.” She smiles mischievously.
“We’re just…friends,” I manage to get out.
“And you’re sure he thinks of you the same way?”
I’m stunned into silence. She gives me a coy look over her shoulder. “Come on, we should probably go and save your friend. The last I saw, he was in the clutches of Pearl. And that’s a very dangerous place for any man to be.”
Twenty
Fifi and I weave between the occupants of the crowded room, me throwing questions at her whenever the lull in the mob is quiet enough for my voice to be heard.
“So, Fifi,” I say.
“Hmm?” she says dreamily.
“How long have you known Ethan?”
She tilts her head to the left as she thinks. “Since he was eight.”
“And did you get into trouble with him and Benjamin?”
She lets out a tinkle of a laugh. “No, Ella was neighbors with my family. It seemed like he was over there every day. At first, I thought he lived there. What about you?”
“Oh, yeah, mhm. Look, there he is.”
Ethan’s standing next to Benjamin, looking as if he’s drowning and in need of saving. A girl I can only assume to be Pearl is trying to press herself against him, but he’s angled his body—somewhat uncomfortably, I can’t help but notice—so she’s unable to touch him. There’s a fresh drink in his hand, and he downs it in one gulp, sets it on a passing tray, and picks up another. He’s looking at everyone and everything but the girl who’s throwing him two hundred percent of her attention and womanly wiles.
All I see is Pearl’s back, but that’s enough to imagine what the front of her looks like. Slim, bare shoulders, narrow waist, flowing hips. Blond tresses the color of corn silk rolling down her long neck and slight frame. Her dress is snow white and covered in feathers. When Ethan’s gaze finally finds Fifi and me, I read it loud and clear.
Help. Me. Now.
Pearl’s neck twists, following his line of sight. Her mask is covered in soft white feathers with a small black and orange beak covering her nose. Her cheekbones are high, and her flawless skin is christened with full, pink lips. Her eyes trace me up and down with criticism. I know immediately that crossing a girl like her would mean emerging maimed and most likely in a number of pieces.
“There you are,” Ethan says with relief, brushing past Pearl and taking my arm.
I look back and forth between him and blond beauty. My encounter with Akin has left me drained but also feeling a little daring. If I could cross swords with the Corporation President, I could spar with a silly girl dressed as a swan.
“I see you’re the lucky girl on Ethan’s arm ton
ight,” Pearl says.
“For this being a masquerade, you sure aren’t doing a very good job of hiding your identity,” I say to Ethan out of the side of my mouth.
I feel him shrug. “Can a bleeding seal hide from a shark?”
“What a lovely dress.” Pearl’s words feel like ice on my skin. But I know where she’s going with this, and I have no problem playing along.
“Isn’t it beautiful? Ethan bought it for me.” I slide my arm around his waist and pull him closer, pressing my body against his tight frame as much as I can.
Benjamin’s eyes go wide, and he sucks in a breath. Fifi gives a smug smile. These are the reactions I’m looking for. I grin brighter and run my hand under his jacket along his chest, never taking my eyes from Pearl’s. I know beneath her serene surface, she’s bubbling with jealousy. Girls like her always do.
“It’s a bit drab for my liking,” Pearl says through slightly clenched teeth, “which is why I had Georgia make this one instead. It wasn’t cheap, but credits are nothing to me, really. It’s hard for them to have any actual value when you have as many as my family does.” She takes a petite sip of her drink.
“Credits are very good at buying things—dresses, beauty, friends…” I trail off.
“It appears Georgia had to cut the bust in half for the dress to fit you.”
I look down at the neckline of my dress, running my fingers lightly over the edge of the low neckline, shrugging softly. I pull my eyes up to meet hers with a demure smile. “She had to do the same thing with the waist. It’s a shame, all that beautiful fabric. Wasted.”
I see her knuckles whiten as she squeezes the stem of her glass. A flush creeps up from her white feathered neckline, making her look as if she’s catching fire.
“I think we should dance,” Benjamin says to no one in particular. “Don’t you think we should dance?”
“I do. Everyone’s had a chance to dance with my date but me,” Ethan says.
“Including Akin Hughes,” Fifi says. “You’d better watch out, Ethan, he might just sweep your lovely peacock right out from under your nose. Wouldn’t be the first time.”
Ethan’s head snaps in my direction, his eyes a little wider than normal. He sweeps me into his frame, and we’re off twirling across the dance floor, leaving the burning swan behind. Somehow I doubt this is the last I’ll see of her.