Thinking back to two weeks is so embarrassing, I want to crawl into a coal hole and never come out.
Luckily, the subject hasn't been brought up again.
I don't think I could handle the humiliation.
But even that would be better than what I have in front of me now: a letter from the Lord Possessive.
"Dear most beautiful star…"
Ughhh. A chill runs down my back. He only starts like that when he wants something.
I have half a mind to throw it away, but I know I have to read it.
"It has occurred to me that you will again be attending the fall festival without an escort."
How does he even know I'm without an escort?
I have no idea.
The festival is my favorite thing Elos does; I wouldn't miss it for the world, so that's no surprise.
"As such, I would like to formally extend my hand to you, refuse and wel…, let's not kid ourselves—you can't refuse. I will be wearing the green of the royals, which I expect you to match."
To hell with that.
I throw the letter into the fireplace.
I can't refuse him, but showing up alone won't work either.
He'd just come over and take my hand anyway.
I need someone who can come with me.
Suddenly, a clang of glass next to me.
"It must have been a terrible letter for you to throw it in the fire," Kaelith says, half joking, half questioning.
I let out the biggest groan imaginable as he hands me my tea.
I've been coming to his room more and more lately.
We've been comparing ring designs from a journal he keeps on Montfort. It's nowhere near complete, but any chance is better than none.
We've also been talking, and—surprisingly—I've found out a few things about him.
He prefers his tea with honey instead of sugar.
He never wears anything but long-sleeved shirts.
And he always seems so tired.
"Just a headache that never seems to go away,"
"It must be some headache if you act like this,"
Kaelith replies,
"and I'm surprised to see the headache has the royal seal."
I can't blame him for being observant—it's his job after all.
"Our dear lord of coin wishes to extend his hand to me at the latest festival,"
I mutter.
"Judging by your reaction, you'd rather eat rocks than be his guest of honor."
I take a sip of my tea, set it down, and lay face-down on the table.
"WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?"
I say, muffled against the table.
"I'm guessing you can't refuse him?"
he asks.
I nod slightly so he can see, though my face is still on the table.
"Simple,"
he says through a sadistic grin,
"show up. When he touches you, break his hand.".
I jolt upright.
"NO NO NO ABSOLUTELY NOT—that would just make things worse!"
He smiles.
"At least you have energy now."
Of course this joker would tease me.
"I'm not in the mood for that,"
I grumble.
He smiles again.
"Okay. But do you have a better plan?"
"Not at the moment…"
I put my face in my hands.
There must be a way.
"What I need,"
I whisper,
"is someone who is not known and can lie well. Someone who can say I asked him to be my escort a few months ago."
There's a clack of glassware.
I look up, rush over, grab his hand, and ask with stars in my eyes:
"Please go to the festival with me!"
He's perfect.
Someone unknown.
Looks handsome.
Literally finds people who probably lie about their identity. Surely—
"NO!"
My thoughts are cut off.
I tumble onto his lap, tears forming in my eyes.
"But why?"
"Have you thought about how much trouble this could cause for you? And more than that, I don't think I'd be welcome when I'm an outsider,"
he says, his hands shaking as they stroke my hair.
I lay there for a moment, thankful for his attentiveness, simply living in the moment.
This seems to be happening more and more—him treating me like a little kid.
After a moment, I stand.
"It's because you're an outsider that I would love for you to go with me. No one knows you, and you're a great guy. And also, my reputation is what I make of it. I don't care what others have to say about it."
He looks at me, unsure.
When his eyes meet mine, he sighs, puts his fingers to his temples, and says:
"I'm charging extra for this."
I smile, full of energy.
I quickly grab the tea set, make for the door, and call out:
"Be sure to wear orange with me! And find it within two days—the festival is literally right around the corner!"
I smile and slam the door, just as he outstretches his hand… As if he has more to say.