Page 26 of The Lies of Lena (The Otacian Chronicles #1)

Chapter Twenty-Five

“ I can’t stop shaking,” I whispered.

“Neither can I.”

Mother and I walked up the steps to the Inner Ring, flashing our invitations to the guards. They gave them a glance, then nodded before letting us in. I had never been in the Inner Ring past curfew. We were met with gasps and glares by the residents, who were in disbelief that Outer Ring women were being escorted to the castle. Outer Ring women over them.

In our package, Silas had gifted Mother and me two glorious gowns. Mother’s was a deep burgundy, and while its long sleeves and tight midsection fit her beautifully, the bottom of the gown that puffed out stole the show. It was far fancier than anything we had ever worn, and we both felt slightly silly despite how gorgeous they were. We knew, however, that we would fit in with those at the ball once we arrived.

My dress—Gods. It was a deep emerald, sleeveless piece. Its skirt puffed out like Mother’s, but the top was corseted. My breasts thankfully fit perfectly, as Silas had learned my size the past year, considering he’s spoiled me so.

Along the corset and spilling down the skirt were intricate designs made of silver thread. I don’t know what caused the whole gown to sparkle, but the entirety of it twinkled even in the dimmest light.

It was a dress fit for…a princess.

Mother wore her hair entirely down for once, and I opted for a half-up style with a crown braid, pieces of my orange hair loosely framing my face. We spent the afternoon perfecting our makeup—shadows, mascara, blush, and lipstick—and we both had never looked so good. The deep brown shade I used around my lids made my green eyes even brighter.

Coming to escort us up to the Center was a guard I had never seen, so Mother and I kept quiet on our way up, with the occasional amused side glances we gave each other as those around us gaped at our appearances.

This entry into the castle was indeed different than my first experience. We were led up the tall black stairsteps that led to the entrance of the towering building. The doors were opened wide, and couples and families dressed in jewels and the finest clothes stepped up and presented their invitations.

It was noticeable how many families had young girls my age. I didn’t have time to dwell on it before we were led inside, greeted by a giant marble statue depicting a phoenix, its large wingspan and tail spread and carved with intricate detail.

We were led to the left, and as we entered through another set of double doors, my eyes broadened as they traveled across the enchanting golden ballroom. The ceiling was a mural of cherubs, angels, and, to my surprise, beings with pointed ears. Castle La’Rune was built over one hundred years ago, so I suppose this mural was done before the deep hatred for my kind began. Still, it was surprising it hadn’t been painted over. In its center was the family crest again.

The floor was light brown, checkered wood, so shiny you would think it was covered in oil. Golden sconces lined the walls, casting a warm light throughout the entire ballroom. Mother and I continued onward and were met by the gawking eyes of some of the people attending. Those of the Center, gawking at us!

There were tables set up with a variety of fresh fruits and desserts, and I resisted the urge to stuff my face. My eyes drifted to the thrones at the back of the room. Ulric was occupying one of them, and someone from his court was speaking in his ear while he was observing the crowd. He didn’t appear amused by the festivities.

I had never seen him this close. His skin was tanned just like his son’s, his long hair just as dark. However, his eyes were nearly black, a stark contrast to Silas’s golden ones. There were no soft lines on his face, and when our eyes met I quickly averted my gaze.

I continued glancing around the room until my eyes caught a familiar face.

Silas.

He was chatting with a girl and a man, presumably the girl’s father. A potential princess, I assume, as there were girls our age everywhere . No longer in armor, Silas wore an all-black, fine suit, silver thread like mine swirling in intricate detail.

“I’ll grab us a couple of drinks,” Mother commented, then strolled off.

Silas’s eyes went to look around, and when he saw me, he gave me the most radiant smile, causing the girl and her father to look back at me.

Try not to be so obvious!

I couldn’t help but smile back. The father frowned, and the girl just stared, her eyes trailing over me in awe at my gown.

Silas strutted over to me. This was the first time I had seen his crown up close. Sapphires were embedded in a lovely pattern, and the soft lighting in the room made them shimmer.

“Don’t you look absolutely gorgeous?”

“You could try and be less obvious,” I whispered, looking around at the people quietly talking and eyeballing us.

“I think they are enthralled with how beautiful you are.”

I gave a small smile. “Don’t be silly. I’m sure it’s obvious we are lower class.”

“Are you insulting the gown I picked for you?”

“Of course not. I just…” I glanced around the room and took count of all the attractive girls present. My dress was easily my favorite, and I did feel I looked pretty tonight, but still.

“You still cannot see how special you are.” He clicked his tongue. “Such a shame.”

I blushed. The musicians started playing their instruments—violins, cellos, flutes, and more—and a beautiful, slow song began. Silas grabbed my hand, and my eyes widened as he pulled me to the dance floor. Couples began dancing elegantly, and Silas put his left hand around my waist, pulling me close as we began to sway.

“What are you doing?” I hissed nervously.

“Dancing, as this is a ball, after all. What do you expect?” He smirked at me, and I rolled my eyes. He drew me closer. “Gods, how I wish I could kiss you right now,” he murmured.

“Silas,” I breathed, and he spun me around, causing me to giggle, and pulled me close again.

His golden eyes sparkled, and he looked so…content.

I watched as his eyes drifted, and I followed his gaze. The Queen and Mother must have been conversing but now both gave us wide eyes that screamed, “Cut it out!”

Silas coughed and put some distance between us as we resumed our dance.

My smile faded as reality set in once more. I could never have this life with him. No matter how badly we both wanted it. I met his eyes, and his expression mirrored mine.

“We will figure this out, Flower,” he said in a low voice.

I gave a tight-lipped smile, and he leaned into my ear. “You know what made me choose this dress?” He pulled away, and I shook my head. He grinned. “The color reminded me of those stunning eyes of yours.”

I bit my lip. “You’re making it quite difficult not to kiss you right now.”

To my displeasure, the song ended, and Silas released me. Bowing and pulling my hand to his mouth, he softly kissed it. I saw the ladies around me curtseying to their partners, so I awkwardly did the same.

“Thank you for this dance, Lena,” he whispered. There was undeniable energy between us as we studied each other. Love, longing, desire—but it was broken by another father intruding and asking Silas for a dance with his daughter.

I sheepishly bowed, then made my way to Mother, looking back halfway to see Silas’s eyes on mine while he danced with the girl. It shouldn’t anger me; I knew he didn’t want it either. But I hated seeing another in his arms.

I reached Mother, who was still talking to the Queen.

“Lena,” Ryia greeted me. “So nice to see you again.”

“The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty.” Mother handed me champagne, to my surprise. I accepted the glass and took a sip, the beverage light and crisp.

“I see you and Silas were enjoying yourselves.” The corner of Mother's lip turned upwards at the Queen's words. I gave an awkward smile, gulping down more of my drink, and Ryia chuckled softly. “I know this isn’t easy for either of you. But I’m happy you could be here today.” She nodded to my mother, then strolled off.

I went to speak with Mother when my friend caught my eye. Torrin Brighthell was standing guard by one of the dessert tables.

I smirked. Indeed, talking to the Prince would be suspicious, but what about a guard? Torrin looked so bored, and without Silas’ company, I would be too. Or just jealous. Regardless, a distraction was needed.

I finished my glass and strutted over to Torrin, who was trying and failing at avoiding eye contact. When I made it to his side, he frowned at me .

“What are you doing?” he asked in an unpleasant tone. I put my hands on my hips, but before I could respond, he hissed again. “Ladies of the Center do not make gestures like that.”

I scowled as my hands slacked to my sides, and I resisted the urge to give him my middle finger. That would certainly not be Center-like behavior. “My apologies, Sir Torrin,” I crooned as I bowed. Torrin’s expression was now partially concealed amusement.

“We shouldn’t let people know we are connected in any way,” he said quietly.

I rolled my eyes. “The only people that matter already know I know you. Well—at least of you.” I said, then hesitated. “Will you dance with me?”

He blinked with bewilderment. “What?”

I resisted the urge to flush. I suppose my drink was making me bold. “Will a guard from the Queen’s royal service please honor me with a dance?”

Torrin's cheeks stained with color, and the Queen walked up next to me. Torrin straightened in response. “Go on, Torrin,” she said with a warm smile.

“But, Your Majesty, I—”

“You deserve some fun. Go now. We will be fine with one guard down.”

I gave her a nod of thanks as Torrin interlocked his arm with mine, leading me to the dance floor. When we got there, he gripped my waist, his other hand holding mine, and I rested my free hand on his shoulder.

I smiled at his nervous expression.

“Don’t dance much?” I asked .

A crease formed between his brows. “I am positive I am a better dancer than you.”

I didn’t doubt it. Still, I grinned. “Let’s see if you’re all talk.”

When the next song started, I was surprised to see that Torrin was actually an excellent dancer. He led me through a series of movements, and I tried not to trip over my feet as he twirled me.

“Trouble keeping up?” he mocked.

I stuck my tongue out at him, and he bit back a smile. He twirled me one last time, and as the lively music ended, his hand was on my hip, his other hand laced with mine once more.

He smirked and followed with a bow, and I curtseyed. To my surprise, he took my hand and kissed the top of it.

It was a formal gesture, but part of me felt like Torrin held that kiss a moment longer.

“Thank you for the dance,” he said smoothly, then raised a brow. “Though I think you’ll be needing some dance lessons in your future.”

I nudged his shoulder. “Rude,” I said, then smiled. “But, true.”

He coughed, then looked back at his area. “I should get back,” he said, his eyes meeting mine.

“Thank you,” I smiled, and he just nodded before resuming his duty.

I started back to Mother, who was talking with some handsome gentleman, then decided I didn’t want to ruin her moment. I looked around the room and caught Silas staring at me with a confused look on his face.

I held back a wince. Perhaps Torrin and I did seem too comfortable with each other since we technically have only met once, as far as people other than Mother knows .

I almost went to think my response, so used to communicating with Torrin that way, but I just winked at him. His frown dissipated and his eyes flickered to the new girl in his arms.

Ugh.

“Don’t be jealous. You know he wants it to be you.”

My eyes shifted to Torrin, who was back in position.

Mother is busy. I’m not sure what to do with myself.

Torrin gave a pointed look to the dessert table.

I snorted, then made my way over.

I still find it funny you’re on guard duty for the dessert table.

I knew it was for the exit behind him, but I still liked giving him shit. I was steps from him, yet we still spoke in each other’s minds. I placed two brownies and a giant sugar cookie on a plate. Oh—and a couple of pieces of toffee and a few mounds of fudge.

“Someone has to protect these poor confections from your gaping mouth.”

I whirled my head to see Torrin biting down on his lip to suppress a smile.

You bastard. Are you jealous you can’t have any?

Torrin smirked, then grabbed a bonbon off the plate nearest to him and popped it in his mouth.

I watched his jaw as he chewed, his brown eyes squinting as he ate with a taunting smile. I found myself looking at him for a moment too long, at his massive height, broad shoulders, high cheekbones, and sharp jawline. At the column of his neck working as he swallowed the treat.

He is truly handsome .

My whole body stiffened as Torrin's eyes widened, and my own did the same when I realized he had heard my thoughts.

Oh shit!

I quickly averted my eyes and decided interrupting Mother wasn’t that big of a deal. I clenched my plate and scurried off.

Torrin being able to read my thoughts was humiliating. What was I thinking, thinking such a thing anyway?

“Got enough dessert?” Mother teased as she eyed my plate. Luckily, the man had walked off just as I approached.

I laughed lightly. “Thought we could share.” That wasn’t the truth; I could’ve downed all those desserts myself. Now I just felt sick to my stomach.

“It’s not a big deal.”

My whole body went tense at Torrin’s voice. I couldn’t even turn to face him.

“You can acknowledge someone is attractive without having feelings for them, Lena.”

I felt myself sweating. This conversation was unbearable.

I love Silas. I only want him.

“I know,” Torrin said softly in my mind.

“Lena, are you feeling alright?” I was startled by Mother’s voice. “You were just staring off into space.”

“Oh…yes, yes, I am okay.”

I closed my eyes briefly.

Please stay out of my head unless I say you can be there.

Torrin didn’t respond, but I assumed he listened.

The Queen approached me as I was stuffing my face with the sweetest, most decadent fudge imaginable.

“Lena,” she smiled widely. “I would like to show you our gallery.”

I blinked, then quickly swallowed the treat, sliding my tongue over my teeth and praying to the Gods I didn’t have chocolate stuck between them.

As we strolled to wherever this gallery was, I made eye contact with Silas. He quirked a brow, and I shrugged my shoulders in response.

We went out the other set of double doors that led to the ballroom, and I nearly gasped at the sight of the gallery. Dozens of stunning pieces of artwork were placed neatly along the white stone walls.

“Look around,” Ryia commented. “See which one is your favorite.”

I nodded, then slowly made my way around the room. Various paintings were hung, portraying royalty, wildlife, or nature. Several marble statues were placed in the center of the room, the work so intricate that the people depicted looked almost life-like.

After several minutes of marveling at the various pieces, I stopped before the art that spoke to me the most. It was a painting the size of the castle doors. Stunning reds, oranges, and yellows depicted flame, with blues and purples delicately placed. The vivid fire swirled around what appeared to be a cloud of black smoke. The description of the piece read: Death by a lover's fire.

“This piece was gifted to me by my father,” Ryia spoke. “He had it commissioned by a talented painter in Faltrun . He named the piece Rebirth .”

I paid attention to the detail, how the canvas showed all the texture of the paint used on it. It was beautiful…despite the eerie words beneath it .

“This one is my favorite,” I decided.

The Queen laughed through her nose. “I knew it would be.”

I frowned. “How so?”

She smiled softly. “Because it is Silas’s, too.”

After an evening of eating treats, sipping champagne, and dancing with Mother, the ball ended, and I made my way to Silas as people began to filter out.

“Hey,” he said with his lazy smile. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered.

“As have I,” I whispered back. My smile faded. “I wish I could hug you goodbye.”

He gave a sad smile. “I wish it too.” His eyes faltered, then came back to mine. “What was with that dance with Torrin?”

My heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean?”

He frowned. “It’s just you seemed awfully comfortable with him.”

I kept the nerves at bay and lifted my champagne glass. “Liquid courage always helps.”

It wasn’t entirely a lie. I wished I could tell him about Torrin…about me .

Silas smiled at my comment, then leaned in. “I do rather like you tipsy, you know?”

I bit down on my lip as heat traveled through my body. “It’s cruel to tease me, Your Highness. ”

Silas grinned as he pulled back, taking my hand and kissing it one more time. “Have a wonderful evening, Lena.”

Mother and I made it to the front of the castle, where we waited to be escorted. To my dismay, it was Torrin who was our chauffeur this time.

Just great.

He gave us both a nod, then started walking, us following close behind him. Mother and I exchanged words about how much fun we had, how beautiful the Queen looked, and how handsome Silas was. Mother had asked Torrin how he enjoyed the party. It turned out she completely missed our dance together as she was focused on the attractive stranger to whom she spoke. Torrin merely said, “As good as it could be for a guard.”

Time went by quickly, and when we reached our home, Torrin spoke.

“Lena, may I speak with you?”

I froze, then turned to him, nodding.

“I’ll give you two some privacy,” Mother said in the awkwardness, then went inside.

We stood in silence for a moment, my pathetic ass unable to make eye contact with him. I noticed his fingertips nervously dancing on his thigh before he spoke.

“I’m sorry for prying into your mind,” he said softly. “I…I feel better knowing what people are actually thinking, not merely guessing at it. I suppose I have grown comfortable with us communicating that way.” His voice sounded…sad. I met his eyes.

And he did honestly look remorseful, though it wasn’t his fault. I enjoyed our way of communicating up until I had a thought I wish I hadn’t had. We had been conversing just fine until then.

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” he pleaded, and my stupid heart fluttered.

“I…I think I have grown too close to you,” I whispered, and his eyebrows drew together. “I love Silas—”

“I know you do.”

“And I realize my feelings for you have become…” I hesitated. “Complicated.”

Torrin’s eyes widened, and his cheeks flushed. I was in love with Silas. Wanted only Silas. But I couldn’t deny the attraction I had for Torrin. I hated that I felt this way.

“I don’t need you giving me shit or making fun of me,” I said more bitterly than I intended. “I just…I just need some space.”

He blinked a few times, a frown now on his face, before looking down and nodding. We were silent for a few more moments.

Finally, he brought those beautiful brown eyes up to meet mine. “I understand. Sleep well, Lena.”

I just stared at him as he walked back to the castle, and my heart sank for creating distance between me and my friend.

“Lena.”

The voice startled me, and my eyes shot open.

Talk about a rude awakening.

My eyes went to my clock—1:15 a.m. Earlier than usual for her.

Kayin's voice trembled as she spoke. “Change is coming, Lena—horrible, awful change. Find Torrin in two days. In the night. Go to Ames.”

My stomach dropped, and panic overtook me as I sat up in my bed.

What? Leave Otacia? Why?

Her voice was quieter than usual. “ Torrin will help with what needs to be done. When it is time to leave, find him. He will ensure you make it to Ames safely.”

What the fuck was she talking about?

What needs to be done? What is going to happen?

Silence.

Kayin?

She didn’t answer for a long moment.

“It must happen in order to save Magekind. We will speak again in time.”

I asked about Silas, but she gave me no response. Torrin told me the Prince would dictate the fate of our people. But what did that mean? I kept begging her for answers, but she ignored my requests .

I struggled to find sleep that night, my tears spilling out over fear of what was to come.

It wasn’t until the next morning that the news spread across the kingdom. News that changed everything.

Queen Ryia had been assassinated.