Page 51 of Exiled Heir

“You’re the expert,” I said.

“Yes,” Rhys said, satisfaction seeping into their voice. “Iam. See, Prince Bartlett?Someonerespects my talents.”

“I respect your talents, Rhys. But we’re under a time crunch. Perhaps you could hurry things along?” Cade’s voice was bored, and I felt a shiver move from my stomach down to my groin.

“Allright, all right.” Rhys rolled their eyes. They wore a delicate layer of eyeliner, some faint makeup that made their features almost fae.

This time, I was expecting the magic, the flower petals that flew over me, the blossoms that bloomed along my flesh. Because I knew what to expect, it should have gone faster.

Instead, it seemed to take longer, each moment stretching and dilating. Cade watched me with narrowed eyes, expression suspicious when Rhys moved forward, touching a hand to some of the scalded skin on my arms.

Rhys brought a palm to my cheek, stroking their middle finger across the flesh like they were spreading rouge. I could feel it healing under their touch. The slight itch of sweat and dirt disappeared, melting away into nothing.

Stepping back, Rhys put both hands on their hips, a smile spreading their lips. “Lovely. You’regorgeous.”

They stepped forward, reaching a hand out as though to press a palm to my chest, but Cade was there, grabbing their wrist tightly. “You’ve touched him enough.”

Rhys’s eyes went wide, and Nia was suddenly on their other side, defending Rhys, her lips pulled back from her teeth in a growl that never quite became audible.

“Just the finishing touches, Prince Bartlett,” Rhys said, their voice gentle, as though soothing a wounded animal.

“Quickly,” Cade said sharply. He dropped Rhys’s hand and retreated into the closet, shuffling through his clothes.

Nia didn’t leave Rhys’s side, shrugging her shoulders and slouching again, although not taking out her phone. Rhys raised both eyebrows, lowering their voice to a whisper. “So possessive, our prince. I take it things are goingwell?”

I frowned toward the closet, confused by Cade’s reaction.

“Yes,” I answered distantly, realizing that a response was required.

Rhys extended out their hand again, although they never quite made contact with my chest. Flower petals bloomed, clearing away the last of the sweat and grime. I brought a hand to my cheek and felt that the beard had been shaved down again, leaving the barest hint of hair, an artistic choice rather than a failure to shave.

“Here.” Cade returned from the closet, handing me clothes. He wore a sharp black jacket pulled over the cream shirt. With his arms and legs covered, the high collar of his shirt hiding his neck, none of his tattoos were visible. I couldn’t even see a hint of a dark line.

I accepted the clothes from Cade, looking down at them. Black pants, a black shirt almost identical to the one I had been wearing earlier. Quickly, I pulled on the pants.

They were snug, although not too tight. I adjusted myself before reaching for the shirt. It slid over my head, covering the tattooed snake. I felt Basil hiss and shift as though disturbed by the sudden darkness. He pulsed at my throat, and I swore I felt the muscles tighten around my neck.

Holding out my arms, I presented myself for inspection.

“Black on black?” Rhys sounded almost defeated. “He looks more like the bouncer at a high-end mage club in thecity. Some color! Gem tones would lookmagicalon his skin. Right now, he just looks like he could rip out your throat for failing to pay thebar tab.”

A smile curved Cade’s lips. “Perfect. Now, let’s go convince the rest of the council that’s exactly what he’s about to do.”

ChapterEighteen

After Cade explained his plan, I frowned. “I didn’t see a servants’ door in the dining room last night.”

“It was removed several years ago for privacy reasons.” Cade waved his hand. “I’ll reopen it for your dramatic entrance.”

“Privacy. Don’t you guys let your servants loiter out in the hallway, listening to everything you say?” I remembered the heartbeats, the quiet breathing of the servants who had leapt in exactly when needed and left when not.

“With the doors open, things can be heard, like last night. But when the doors of the dining room are closed, privacy wards are engaged, similar to my bedroom. No one can hear what’s going on inside.” Cade tugged at the cuff of his shirt. “This will be a formal dinner. Every powerful mage from the most high-ranking families will be there.”

“Great. So no pressure at all. This isn’t giving me flashbacks to my third-grade school play at all.”

“What happened at your third-grade school play?” Cade asked, his lip curling slightly, waiting for the punchline before I could even give it.

“Becky Brighton pushed me onto the stage early, and my costume ripped, so I had to stand there, five minutes before my first line, trying to hold up my pants so I didn’t moon all of the parents in the audience.” I shook my head. “If the servants’ door is sealed, are you sure you’re going to be able to get it open when you need to? Wouldn’t it be easier for me to wait out in the hallway?”