Chapter 87 

Caleb keeps me busy for a full 45 minutes, before he rises, wipes off his mouth, and kisses me again. By now, I am fully relaxed, entirely blissed out, and feeling so much better about life and the world. 

“I need to return to the Grand Ball,” he tells me. “You are not to leave my side again. Do you understand?” 

I don’t trust my voice just yet, so 1 nod. 

“Good” Looping his arm around my waist, he leads me back out of the side room and to the main hall. 

The crowd has moved on to other things. The dancing has continued, and some servers have brought out some foods that people are snacking on. The alcohol is also running aplenty. 

As such, some people glance, noticing us as we return to the party, but for the most part, people aren’t giving us much mind. 

Caleb’s advisors notice though, or at least the few that I recognize. One of them seems particularly annoyed. 

“That’s George. Caleb whispers in my ear. “He’s been one of my most vocal dissenters. 

“Yet he’s one of your advisors?” I ask. 

“I need people around me that will not blindly agree with all of my decisions,” Caleb says. “To truly make the best choices. I need to be presented with every option, to see the events from every angle. Then, I can make the best, most informed choice.” 

I’ve seen these things happen in real time, so I’m not terribly surprised to hear him say this. But it still seems so unusual. For a man so ruthless, he does listen to what almost everyone has to say. In the end, he does what he wants anyway, and the advisors have to respect that since he’s king. But even just listening feels like a step more than other ruthless kings would allow. 

George the advisor isn’t the only one giving us a disapproving glare. Sonya, Caleb’s potential suitor, also watches us with a lowered brow and a pouty bottom lip. 

Unlike George, however, she has the boldness to actually approach us. 

“King Caleb,” she says, ignoring me entirely. “I was hoping that we could speak some more.” 

“You are welcome to speak with me now,” Caleb says. 

Sonya side–eyes me. “I was hoping to do so. privately.” 

Caleb gives her a blank stare. “No,” he says simply. 

Sonya must not be used to hearing that word ever in her life, because she recoils as if he physically slapped her. 

Caleb glances away, looking as bored as Tristan usually does. 

Sonya looks to me. She’s angry now, her brow lowering again. “Could you make some room? I’d like to speak with our King privately.” 

Caleb already told her no, but I still look to him for guidance. If he wants me to leave, I will, but I’d much rather stay right where I am and rub it in Sonya’s face. 

Caleb ignores us both, but his hand is firm on my hip, telling me without his needing to verbally, that I’m not going anywhere. 

This gives me the confidence I need to look at Sonya and tell her. “No. I don’t think I will.” 

10: 

Fri, Nov 

Chapter 87 

Her pouty lip tun 

into a snarl. “Do you know who I am?” 

I tilt my head. I do know who she is, but I’m not going to give her ego any kind of boost right now. She already seems to think highly enough of herself already. Approaching the King like she is, as if she knows him, as if they are on the same level.. 

I could just be jealous. I know that. That’s the only thing keeping me from gloating. 

– 

“I do as the King commands,” I tell her, reminding her gently hope about her place. 

She glowers at me, then pouts at Caleli. “My King…” 

“You’ve had your answer,” Caleb says. “You can stay and speak with me like this, or you options presented to you.” 

Sonya’s face crumples like she doesn’t know what to do with it. She’s entirely at a loss. 

can leave. Those are the only two 

I was joking mostly before, but maybe she really has never been told no before. She’s acting so shaken and unsure. 

“Come, Harper,” Caleb says, leading me toward the balcony. “There is something I want you to see.” 

Caleb and I’move first, leaving Sonya behind. She seems confused, like she isn’t sure whether to follow or not. In the end, she stays put where she is. 

As Caleb and I move toward the balcony behind the throne at the end of the hall, many other guests follow along behind us. 

in for a Perhaps I’m not the only one who wishes to see whatever is about to happen. I’m starting to get the feeling that I’m spectacle. 

Outside, night has set in, and the stars burn brightly in the sky. Some of the outside lights have been dimmed. For the show? I nervously shift from foot to foot, unsure what to expect. 

That is until I hear a nearby guest say the word fireworks. 

My heart fills with glee as I look back at Caleb. He’s watching me 

“Fireworks?” I ask, excitement bubbling in my voice. 

He nods. 

“I love fireworks,” I say. They’ve always been a bright spot for me before my disgrace and after. They almost feel larger than life, so bright and beautiful, memorable, even if short lived. They fill me with a sense of wonder, and make me hope for a brighter future, one where I could shine and sparkle again. 

“I know,” Caleb says. 

This surprises me, and I look at him again in curiosity. How could he possibly know? Before I can ask, the first pop sounds in the sky, drawing my attention. 

Caleb spared no expense with this show. There’s an assortment of colors and sizes, some pop like bubbles, other invert. Some trail across the sky with a shrieking wail. Some pop into shapes, like a flower, or a moon, or, most impressively, a wolf. 

I’m so entranced with the fireworks that it takes me longer than it otherwise would have for me to realize that Caleb isn’t watching the show. He’s watching me. 

I meet his gaze, and in the dark, I can see the reflection of the fireworks there in his eyes. It’s enchanting. I’ve never watched fireworks like this before. I can’t look away 

My heart thunders loudly in my chest, and I become very aware to the arm still wrapped around my waist, the hand pressed. against my hip. 

18 FII, NOV 

Chapter 87 

“Caleb…” I whisper, but the spund is instantly swallowed by the thunder and crackle of the fireworks. 

The scent of gunpowder hangs heavy in the air. 

In that moment, I feel more alive than I have in months, Alive a… happy. 

How can I be happy when I am a slave? A prisoner under a ruthless king? 

Yet. I get the distinct impression, somehow, even though it’s likely misguided, that he did this for me. Because he knows I love fireworks. I still don’t know how that’s possible, though I’m learning, with Caleb, nothing is impossible. 

The man has many secrets, and he’s only shared a tiny few of them. 

Suddenly, another firework booms louder than the rest, so loudly it makes the castle itself shake. 

Caleb’s brow furrows as he looks away. 

Another boom sounds. Wait. That’s not fireworks 

With a flash, one of the towers along the outer wall explodes, sending bricks and debris flying, and fire smoke into the air. 

Caleb pulls me back away from the railing- 

With the backdrop of the flames, and the fireworks still popping, I see curious figures. They’re round at the top and… 

“Parachutes,” Caleb curses, sending an alarm crashing through me. “We’re being invaded”