Maeve

Kalon managed to dress me to the nines. She dressed me in a floor length purple gown that draped over my body, with a dipping neckline and a thin back that showed some skin. It was sexy, but classy. Paired with it was a necklace that served as a button that when pressed would cloak my wings in invisibility. I wore my blonde wig, curled.

I stared at myself in the mirror, utterly conflicted. Kalon was grinning from ear to ear beside me, proud of her work.

“How am I supposed to fight in this?!”

Kalon’s smile vanished and she shook her head in disappointment. “You’ll figure it out. If you’re any good at assassinations, there won’t BE a fight.”

I chewed on my lip, seeing her point but frustrated I didn’t have another argument. Just then, my earpiece chimed.

“It’s time to roll out, Maeve,” Azriel’s voice said into my ear.

I nodded. “Yes sir.” Pushing my nerves down and locking them up, I headed towards the castle.

The castle broke through almost to space. Towering pillars used the clouds as their foundation. The entire building was meteorite that was caught as it fell through the sky. That meteorite was harvested and used for every building in Arcelia. Only the finest parts were used on the castle, the obsidian-colored rock glistening in the sunlight with hues of purple and blue. Where shadows fell over the castle, it was inky black, adding a fittingly ominous vibe to the castle. It was the greatest feat of architecture Arcelia was likely to ever see. Standing at the doors was two guards, as nobles showed them their ID and invitations and were let in. I showed them the ones made for me by the Mariposa. I always wondered how they did that and got away with it.

Now it donned on me that if it is true they work for the monarchy, they were probably MADE for them. My stomach turned at the thought as the guards allowed me in.

My throat closed up as I looked around. Hundreds of people congregated in the ballroom; dining, gossiping, dancing. On the wall was a towering organ that music poured out of, wrapping the huge room in its sound. All of it was so overwhelmingly intimidating that I didn’t even know where to start.

“What do I do, Azriel?” I whispered, frozen in place.

Azriel scoffed through the wire. “It’s a gala, Maeve. Dance. Chat. Eat and dine. Get acquainted with your environment.”

I swallowed, forcing myself to take slow steps. I headed towards the dining area, grabbing a single cupcake. I took a bite and forced myself to swallow.

“First time?” someone’s voice said way too closely.

I nearly jumped out of my skin. I whirled around on my heel, stopping mid chew. Standing a foot away from me was the prince I had met twice before.

***

Elyas

My eyes widened when she looked at me. I had approached her because she was one of the few who looked nervous in this building of egotistical assholes. Looking at her now, it was clear why.

It was May. And she didn’t belong here.

“May,” I said, my jaw clenched. She quickly finished chewing, looking like a deer in headlights.

“Prince Elyas. We met in the closet,” she said, curtseying.

I nearly growled. “Save it.” I grabbed her wrist, yanking her away from the crowd. “What are you up to? Why are you here? And how?” I fired at her, still gripping her wrist tight enough to cause pain.

She just gave me a confused look. “What’s got you so defensive this time? What happened to wanting to see me again?”

My other hand grabbed her chin, forcing her head up so I could look her in the eyes. “My best friend was murdered by an intruder in the castle the day you snuck in. I have reason to believe you were the one who killed him.”

She winced, yanking away from my grip entirely. “Do I look capable of killing someone? I’m a peaceful protester, not a bloody terrorist.”

I swallowed, looking her over. Heat rose to my face. She looked dangerous, but not in the way I initially believed.

Her expression softened at my hesitation. “I’m sorry about your friend. Truly. But I snuck into protest. Nothing more.” She paused, reaching into her purse. She pulled out an invitation and handed it to me. “I was let in this time. Our protest group has friends in the nobility.”

Stolen story; please report.

I grit my teeth, conflicted on whether to believe her. Something about her was so disarming. Was it those big green doe eyes? I handed it back, squaring my shoulders.

“Fine. But you’ll remain by my side tonight so I can ensure you don’t pull anything.”

She gave me a crooked smile. “I can’t say I hate the idea of being by your side all night.”

Once again, heat rose to my face. I cleared my throat, averting my gaze. She craned her head, trying to catch my eyes.

“You were right. It is my first gala. Would you like to keep an eye on me while I dance or will you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

I relented, looking at her. “People will talk if they see me dancing with someone anti-monarch.”

Her smile turned sly. “So? Are you scared?”

I narrowed my eyes, hearing the challenge in her voice. “Fine. Dance with me.”

***

Maeve

I wasn’t sure how dancing with the prince was supposed to help my mission, but here I was, in his arms. We danced a slow waltz as the crowd slowly made way for the prince, slotting us into the middle of the ballroom for everyone to watch.

I had to resist a gulp. If an assassin’s job was to remain unseen, I had definitely failed.

He tilted his head. “Why so tense?”

I looked him in the eyes. “Just not used to the attention. How do you do it?”

He shrugged. “You learn to ignore it, zone it out. Just look at me.”

I did so, staring at his eyes, capturing the details in hopes of forgetting the crowd. His eyes were so brown they were almost black. They looked at me with a conflicted skepticism. His dark skin was ridiculously flawless, giving me the fleeting impulse to touch his face. I wasn’t entirely sure he wouldn’t slap my hand if I tried.

“You’re tense as well,” I noted, lowering my voice.

He arched a single brow. “I don’t make a habit of dancing with strangers.”

I smiled slightly, shifting both my arms around his neck. “We’re hardly strangers. It’s like you’ve forgotten our closet rendezvous.”

His eyes darkened even more, his hand moving to brush my exposed back. “Believe me, it hasn’t left my mind once.”

I felt a blush creep up my neck. I wasn’t expecting that response. My smile wobbled but I kept it up. “How am I doing?”

“Surprisingly well for someone who’s never been to a gala. You’ve only stepped on my toes ten times,” he said, a wry grin finally gracing his face.

I winced, but couldn’t help smiling back. “Ten times is good?”

He laughed slightly, pulling me just enough closer for me to notice. “It could be worse. How am I doing?”

His laugh lit a spark in his dark eyes, enchanting me in his gaze. I swallowed, slowly and hesitantly moving one hand to frame his face. Was it wishful thinking that made it seem like he leaned into my palm?

Regardless, suddenly the crowd was forgotten, the castle nonexistent, the Mariposa ceased to be.

“Breathless,” was the one word I managed to force out.

He was taken aback a moment, but to my relief, he didn’t move away. Instead, he reached up and gently held my hand, in stark contrast to how he held it earlier. His eyes remained on me as he turned his head just enough to kiss my pulse point on my wrist. The feeling sent instant shivers throughout my entire body.

“Do you want to get some air with me? It’s a little stuffy in here.” He asked, his tone betraying his seemingly light words.

I nodded, stepping away slightly. He took my hand and slowly led me towards the back, through a sea of people watching me with confused glares. I looked up at where a throne overlooked it all. Sitting on it was Queen Nesryn, who glared knives through me.

I looked to Elyas again, suddenly feeling that I was going to regret coming with him. Regardless, I continued to follow him, my heart and body betraying my logical mind. We stepped outside into the crisp night air. It was a flowering garden, with a fountain in the middle. Clouds acted as a wall for the garden, separating us from the world entirely. I looked up to see the night sky, the stars so close it looked like you could touch them. I let out a deep sigh.

Elyas turned to me, smiling. “Beautiful, isn’t it? It’s my favorite place.”

I pulled my gaze away from the sky to look at Elyas. “Favorite place to… what?” I paused, a teasing grin coming to my face. “Do you bring all the girls here?”

He chuckled, shaking his head as he walked with me over to the fountain, before turning to me. “It’s my favorite place to be ALONE. No one was allowed here with me until tonight.”

I tilted my head. “I truly am sorry about your best friend. You don’t know who killed him?”

He sobered instantly, his gaze lowering. “No. Unfortunately, he had a lot of powerful enemies. It really could be a number of people.”

I reached for his hand, squeezing it. “I hope you find who did it.”

He looked at me, giving me a sad smile. “Thank you,” he said. He gazed at me a moment before adding: “You look beautiful, May.”

Him saying my fake name jolted me, reminding me of who I am and what I was supposed to be doing.

I sighed, stepping away. “What are we doing? Why did you bring me out here?”

He furrowed his brows. “Why? What’s wrong?”

“None of this is real, Elyas. I DON’T belong here, with you, like this. Everyone in there knows it. Your mom… the queen was looking at me like she wanted me dead.”

Elyas grinned slightly, a crooked grin. “That’s how she looks at everyone. RBF. Incurable, really.”

I huffed. “I’m serious, Elyas.”

He clenched his jaw, sobering. He stepped closer, gently holding my chin. “What happened to your challenge earlier? Now you’re the one who’s scared?”

I shrugged. “Maybe I am.”

Something in his expression changed. He looked at me earnestly when he spoke: “You pegged me earlier, May. I’m constantly scared of what people think.” He stepped closer, so we were now only an inch away. His gaze shifted to my lips as he continued: “Just for tonight… Let’s stop caring. Just for right now.” He leaned in and I didn’t move away. “Please,” he whispered before his lips touched mine.

My heart stopped as he kissed me, feather light and barely there. It lasted only a moment. But that single kiss became one on my cheek, my jaw, my neck. He moved to my ear and I closed my eyes, waiting for another.

But when one didn’t come, I opened my eyes. His thumb brushed the back of my head, and he was staring. I studied him as he slowly closed off.

“May… what is on the back of your head?”

My eyes widened and I stepped away from his clutches.

“Maeve, your target is near and vulnerable… check your watch radar,” Azriel’s voice said.

I looked down and my heart froze a second time, now for an entirely different reason.

The radar showed a red dot…

Right where Elyas stood.