Heir of Broken Fate: Chapter 26

Hazel bounces into my room later that afternoon, wearing a floral summer dress. Placing down the romance book I was reading, I sit up, whistling as she stands at the end of my bed. She twirls to make the dress flutter around her shins.

“You look amazing,” I say, earning a beaming smile from Hazel.

“I’m glad you think so.” Clapping her hands, she starts rummaging through my clothes in my dressing room. “We’re going out to dinner tonight! Knox is going to give us a tour of Azalea.”

My heart stops for a second before picking up once more.

The last time I went into Azalea, I had a panic attack. I barely got to enjoy the beautiful city because I was so overcome with sadness and grief over Easton. He wouldn’t want that, for me to cower away from such an experience. He would tell me to stop acting like a fool, to smile and enjoy everything. Sliding out of bed, I decide I’m going not only for myself but for Easton.

I walk into my dressing room, finding Hazel frowning at my clothes. “Did they offend you?” I chuckle.

Hazel waves her hand to the small handful of clothes hanging up. “You have no dresses.”

I shrug. “I didn’t pack for fancy evenings.”

Hazel rolls her eyes before grabbing my hand and dragging me out of my room. “You can borrow something of mine.”

“Why do I need to get dressed up?” I ask.

“Because we need to have fun. Everything has been so serious lately, it’s about time we let our hair down.”

I don’t protest. It is true. Everyone’s mood has been dejected lately, the black magic book we need to find and the missing Fae being a dark storm cloud hanging over everyone’s head.

Hazel drags me into her dressing room, which feels like I’m crossing through a rainbow. She wears her personality; all her clothes are extremely vibrant colors.

Hazel pulls out a red dress, shoving it into my chest as she marches me into the bathroom. “Hurry up and get changed,” she demands.

I mock salute. “Okay, boss.”

The dress is significantly shorter on me considering I’m seven inches taller than Hazel. It has a low neckline, and the silky fabric cups my chest tightly, pushing the swell of my breasts higher. The material hugs my torso, then flares out at my hips, making the silk swish around the top of my thighs.

When I walk out of the bathroom, Hazel’s eyes widen as a smile spreads across her lips. Mimicking my early behavior, she whistles. “Damn, that looks so much better on you.”

I must admit, it’s a stunning dress. “You don’t think it’s too short?” I ask.

She shakes her head as she stands from the futon at the end of her bed. “No, it’s the perfect length. Shows off your long legs.” Hazel starts rummaging through her shoes in her dressing room. Looking from her feet to my own, she huffs. “I don’t think we’re the same size.”

I wave my hand in the air. “It’s okay, I can wear my own.”

Hazel follows me back into my room as I throw on shin-length boots. Hazel sits on the end of my bed while I run a comb through my wavy dark brown hair at the vanity.

“How was training with Knox this afternoon?” she asks casually.

Too casually.

I look at her through the mirror. “Good. He showed me how to access more power. Why?”

She shrugs. “I was just…wondering if anything fun happened.”

I narrow my eyes, watching as she fidgets with her fingers. “Spit it out.”

“I think you need to open your heart,” she blurts.

I cackle. “I most certainly do not.” Spinning in my chair, I face Hazel, cutting her off before she can continue with more nonsense. “There’s nothing going on. The only reason we tolerate each other is because of the bargain.”

Hazel clicks he tongue. “If you say so.”

I do say so. I refuse to believe anything else.

Because all of this is temporary.

Walking down the staircase with Hazel, Knox lifts his head from where he stands in the foyer. The moment he spots me his eyes widen, heat flaring in those beautiful sapphire eyes before it vanishes entirely.

Knox clears his throat, putting his hands in his pockets. “Ready?”

No sooner than we agree, white light encompasses everything around us before the twinkling stars of the night sky and sounds of the ocean waves surround us.

Hazel looks completely unaffected by the sudden teleporting. I, however, would appreciate a warning next time. It always leaves me feeling wobbly after.

We’re standing at the top of a hill, the street below lit up with crackling fire lanterns hanging overhead. Lively upbeat music floats through the bustling street as people sing, laugh, and dance right there on the street.

Warmth fills my heart at how much happiness floods the streets. There is still joy to be found in the darkest of times, no matter how small. Knox, Hazel, and I head down into the streets. Every person we pass smiles wide, beaming at Knox and saying hello. He returns their kindness with a genuine smile of his own, wishing people a good evening, his words full of sincerity and, dare I say, love toward his people. It isn’t a mask at all, I can feel it. Perhaps there can be good kings.

Only time will tell.

We pass bustling fashion stores, taverns, and restaurants full of chatter and music before stopping before a small white building, red flowers dangling from the ivory vines on the brick wall. Walking into the low-lit restaurant, calm washes through me. The tables are covered in white cloths, candles provide a soft glow around the room, and the smell emanating from the kitchen makes my mouth salivate.

We make it no further than two steps inside before a small woman rushes out from behind the kitchen door, straight into Knox’s arms. Wrinkles line her eyes and mouth, her ageing skin glowing in the candlelight. I wonder how old she is.

The woman squeezes him. Pulling back, Knox leans down so she can place both her palms on his cheeks. I think they’re about to have a cute moment—that thought dies the moment her mouth opens.

“You haven’t been here in almost a month, young man!” she scolds.

Hazel and I chuckle. This woman is even shorter than Hazel, seeing her reprimand someone as tall, built, and powerful as Knox is hilarious. He seems to have a pattern of being scolded by tiny females.

Knox turns his head, his eyes connecting with mine. He knows exactly why we’re laughing.

His voice holds a hint of humor. “I know, Mia, I’m terribly sorry.”

She squishes his cheeks together before releasing him, shaking her finger. “You will eat everything I serve you. You’re too skinny.”

Pink blossoms across Knox’s cheeks as he adverts his gaze.

My laughter dies when Mia turns her focus on Hazel and me. We both straighten our shoulders; she might be small but her energy commands respect. Mia’s brow arches. “Are you going to introduce me to your new friends, Knox?”

Knox’s lips twitch as he splays his hand to the side. “This is Delilah and Hazel.”

Hazel and I say hello, trepidation coating our words.

Despite her height difference, Mia somehow looks down her nose at us. “Do you eat?”

“Plenty,” I breathe, Hazel mimicking me.

A loud burst of laughter erupts from Mia. Clicking her tongue, she grabs our hands, leading us to a table in the back. With a view of the ocean, the moon and stars shine brightly overhead.

“Great! You will love everything,” she demands.

Mia seats me in the middle, directly overlooking the ocean as Hazel sits to my left. Knox joining us to my right.

“How long have you known my Knox?” she asks once we’re seated. We’re almost at eye level now that I’m sitting.

“Not long, only a few weeks.” I smile. “How long have you two known each other?”

By the look of horror on Knox’s face, I know I’ve asked the right question. I bite my lip to keep from laughing.

A pinch in my thigh jolts me. I narrow my eyes at Knox, kicking him under the table.

“I’ve known Knox since the day he was born.” Mia’s smile drops, her eyes hardening. “His parents used to bring him here every Sunday for dinner.”

Now I feel like a bitch.

This is supposed to be a joy-filled dinner and I’ve managed to direct the conversation to Knox’s dead parents.

Knox saves me from trying to come up with a reply. “Whatever you feel like cooking for us, Mia, we’ll eat it all,” he offers with a warm smile.

Mia pats Knox on the shoulder with a tight smile. “Coming right up.”

Guilt wracks my body as I look at Knox. His entire body is tight, eyes guarded as he stares out the window.

“Mia seems lovely.” I smile.

Knox pulls himself away from wherever he went. “She’s a character. You have nothing on her threats,” he says, visibly shivering at the thought.

I smirk. “What do some of her threats entail?”

Knox lifts his chin. “I don’t need to give you two any more ammunition.”

Hazel and I chuckle at that, mischief flashing in our eyes.

“Where are the best shops in Azalea?” Hazel asks, squirming with excitement.

“There’s a street not too far from here. It has the best clothes in all the courts if you ask me. I can take you there after dinner.”

“I’ll go during the day. Something tells me that I’m going to have trouble walking after all the food Mia serves us.”

Hazel’s assumption pulls a chuckle out of Knox, his shoulders finally loosening.

“Yes, that would be wise,” he murmurs.

No sooner than Knox has spoken do two servers approach our table, their arms laden with an array of different plates. My mouth waters as the smell hits me, different herbs and spices caressing my nose.

The servers begin to fill our table plate by plate.

Chicken, lamb, roast, mashed potatoes, stir fry noodles, sautéed vegetables, freshly herbed bread, and pasta. Knox thanks the waiters as Hazel and I sit shell-shocked, both our jaws hanging open.

“I don’t even know where to begin,” I whisper. “It all smells incredible.”

“Don’t think, just eat. It’s the only way you’ll get through it,” Knox says seriously.

Following his lead, I place herbed chicken, mashed potatoes, bread, and pasta onto my large plate. Taking a bite of the creamy pasta, I can’t stop the moan that escapes me.

Knox’s eyes widen as they snap to my mouth. He drags his gaze away, his swallow audible.

“This is the best food I’ve ever eaten,” I state, not pausing to breathe before I shove another forkful of creamy pasta into my mouth.

Hazel chuckles. “You say that about everything you eat, but I agree, this is the best.”

“What’s your favorite food?” Knox asks, scooping mashed potatoes onto his fork.

I don’t have to think before I answer. “Doughnuts,” I say dreamily.

Remembering the last time I ate doughnuts with Easton in my room brings a small smile to my face.

Hazel chokes. “Really? I thought it would be something more lavish than dough.”

I point my fork at her. “Don’t you dare mock doughnuts.”

“Have you always liked them?” Knox asks.

“Like them? I love them,” I say on a wide smile. “When I was a child, Annie snuck it into my room one night to cheer me up. I’ve been hooked ever since.”

Moving onto the vegetables, I notice Knox staring at me in my peripheral, his face a blank mask yet his eyes are swimming with questions. I’ve never spoken about anyone from my supposed home.

Instead of voicing those questions, he says, “My court will be arriving in two weeks.”

“Are you excited to see them?” Hazel asks.

Knox’s lips tug into a grin. “It will be much louder with them around but yes.”

Trepidation settles in my stomach. Will Knox’s court be as bad, if not worse, than the sniveling snakes infesting my father’s court? I bite my cheek, pushing food around my plate with my fork. “What’s your court like?” I ask hesitantly.

Knox studies me for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “They’re all very big personalities, but for the most part, we work great together. Nevertheless, we butt heads at times.”

I frown in disbelief. “Your court disagrees with you over your decisions?”

He cocks his head, his eyes sharpening. “They have a say in important matters, yes.”

I mull his words over in my head, wondering if it’s truly possible for a king to allow his court the freedom to speak their mind and opinions.

Hazel’s assumption wasn’t wrong. I feel as if my stomach is about to burst, my body sluggish as we exit the restaurant, entering the busy street of Azalea once more.

“I have to pick up a package from a store. It’s not too far. Perhaps we can walk the food off,” Knox muses.

Hazel grimaces. “I’d have to walk for a week to do that.”

I throw my head back on a laugh, the sound mingling with those of the people of Azalea.

It truly is an amazing city.

I’ve never in my life seen such a vibrant sight. Where the sectors at home were dull and cold, Azalea flourishes. The beautifully tailored clothes in Essence Court colors—turquoise and sage—alight the streets. Dresses and jewels adorn the people, and the rich smells of spices drift through the air as we pass by restaurants. My favorite sight is the people dancing in the street, children running and playing with their elemental powers. A young blonde-haired girl rushes past, bubbles of water forming into butterflies flapping around her head as she squeals in delight.

Knox stops before a one-story red brick building, the glass window case housing various swords and knives to show off the swordsmanship’s work. A small bell jingles overhead as Knox steps through the door. An old weathered man appears from the back and greets him with a wide grin. As they embrace, talking about Knox’s order, I browse the room.

Passing aisle after aisle of weapons, each one crafted with care and creativity, I pause in front of a table, my eyes swimming with tears. I peer down at a stunning sword displayed on top of a black cloth.

A dragon curving around the hilt of the sword makes my breath hitch.

It’s designed with so much detail I’d swear it was real, its scaly limbs and sharp teeth sparkling as the candlelight bounces off the steel. Its mouth is open in a roar, pointing directly down the sword, as if whoever you strike, the dragon will eat.

Easton would have loved this, begged for it even. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect sword for him. I pick it up gently, running the tip of my finger over the dragon’s body. But reading the price tag, my heart sinks. I place it down, taking in every intricate detail as to not forget it.

Pinewood surrounds me before Knox’s voice brushes my senses. “Ready?”

I step back, leaving the sword behind. “Yes.”

The next morning, I awake to find the dragon pommel sword sitting on my futon.

A smile spreads across my face. My heart fluttering at Knox’s kindness.

I pick up the sword, cherishing the gift that honors Easton.