Page 139 of Blackheart

We left the room unnoticed, just in time to load into the carriage outside. I held Singer with me like a baton. People could question it if they wanted, but I wouldn’t be caught picking fashion over safety again. My orb was chained to the bottom of my corset, dangling along for the ride.

The grand stone building awaited us. Full companies of armored men lined the gates, displaying the emblems of their respective houses across their chests and banners.

Once the carriage came to a stop, Riven opened the door and gave me one last longing glance.

Chest tight, I pulled him back in by the collar and closed the door.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

Everything wrong did not matter at that moment, only him.

Still gripping his shirt, I dragged him forward and kissed him fiercely. He met me with the same desire, gripping my waist and bringing my weight onto him. A moan escaped me as he held me tighter, his needy tongue swiping against mine.

We took advantage of every second, knowing that once I met my betrothed, we might never touch again. With his hand at my back, he buried me in his embrace, letting my neck fall back as his mouth trailed behind my ear.

A knock sounded on the outside of the carriage, startling us both upright.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

I nodded, holding back any sign of sorrow. I straightened my tiara, pulled my dress up, and stepped out of the carriage with my head high and face composed into calm indifference.

We followed Xavian into the House of Sterling, down several hallways, and finally through the circular stone door of the Initiation Hall. I’d never had a reason to see this area of the fortress before; most of my time having been spent on the terrace with Lady Jocelynn.

The foyer was a long and narrow room of stone columns. Compared to the rest of the House of Sterling, it was cool and dim, with light only glimmering in from the glass-dome ceiling. The sun was setting, pouring an orange glow delicately against the columns. Voices chattered nearby, just through a daunting set of obsidian double doors.

Blademen stood on both sides of the entrance, ready to open the doors, but Xavian ordered them to wait. He waved for me to stand at his side and organized the rest of his council, Riven and Lady Jocelynn included, behind us in a proper formation.

Xavian studied us once more, then nodded. He’d never looked more tense, yet he’d also never looked more powerful. He stood tall with a silver crown atop his tied-back curls, the picture-perfect image of a king. Maybe it was wrong to think, butClarke wouldn’t have compared. Xavian was fearless and strong. He hadn’t sent the Dark Natured to be imprisoned. No, he was determined to free them.

This was the first step.

The Blademen opened the doors to the packed hall. Inside was the longest, oval-shaped table I’d ever seen, with almost every seat filled.

I couldn’t meet the eyes that stared as we walked in, as many of the guests had stood in respect for Xavian’s arrival. Instead, I held Singer at my side, focusing on breathing and walking normally as we made our way to the farthest section of the table.

Once we’d crossed the silent room, Xavian sat at the end with Lord Draven next to him, as usual.

The rest of the council filed in. I took my place with Lady Jocelynn on my left and Riven on my right. With Singer situated in my lap, I nervously patted my skirt down.

There was no point in worrying. All I needed to do was be here. I didn’t have to say anything except greet my betrothed, though that wasn’t necessary either.

I hadn’t yet glanced around—to wonder which one he might be.

Xavian stood as the rest of the room took their respective seats.

Lady Jocelynn sipped from her glass. I immediately drank from my own, relieving my suddenly dry throat.

“I appreciate you all being here,” Xavian began. “I know some of your travels were long and difficult this time of year.”

As I sipped the water, I slowly searched the table of men, regretting not having paid enough attention to Lady Jocelynn’s lectures on Castivian. She’d tried teaching me about all of these people, but I had no idea who was who or which emblem represented what.

Some of the men were broad and burly, while others were slender and tall. I could tolerate the idea of marrying a few, but most seemed decidedly unappealing to share a bed with. I continued scanning around the table as Xavian gave his introductory speech.

Too old.

Looks drunk already.

There’s no way in hell I’m sleeping with him.