Page 34 of Never Ever After

His eyes arch in disdain. “Why? It was a harmless accident. I didn’t see you. I didn’t see anyone of note.”

As he and his companions leave without a backward glance, I suppress the impulse to hurl a fistful of mud at them, to do something to banish this shriveling emptiness within. I’d believed myself safe here, under the prince’s protection—but the only one who can protect me is myself.

All the way back to my room, their mocking faces flash through my mind. I bathe quickly, then slip on a dark blue silk dress studded with seed pearls. A gold necklace is clasped around my neck, bangles jangling from my wrists as I slide jeweled pins into my hair. Mina would scowl at the ostentatious display, but tonight isn’t about how I look, but what they see when they look at me. Shan is waiting outside, changed into dry clothes. His shoulders are slumped; he looks as forlorn as the broken umbrella by his feet. I snatch it up, stalking toward the hall, wrapped in cold fury.

The dining chamber is smaller than the Grand Hall but exquisitely furnished. A large carpet stretches across the floor, embroidered with tigers and lions. Swathes of silk cascade from the walls, lanterns swinging from bronze pedestals, the mahogany tables along the far side of the room laden with food. Unlike the formality of the banquet where dishes were served to the guests, here they browse the tables, choosing their preferences.

Dozens of guests are already present, clad in silks and brocade, jewels and iron gleaming from their hair and throats. Fortunately, Prince Zixin hasn’t arrived, nor has his sister. Lord Chao of Thorn Valley is here, along with Jin. As with the last time, Lord Chao’s plate is filled with food, while Jin’s remains empty.

I head right to Lord Liuming, stopping before him. He blinks at the sight of me, maybe expecting me to hide in my room. Without pause, I shove the broken umbrella against his chest with all my force, mud and rainwater slopping over his fine robe. Lord Liuming gapes, his eyes ablaze with the threat of violence as he raises a shaking hand at me.

But something in my expression makes him lower it. I’m looking at him the same way I did when I kicked Songmin, when I stabbed the assassin. I’m no longer the girl who cowered before my step-aunt. When hit, I’ll strike back.

“You owe my attendant and me an apology.” My voice is hoarse with anger. “Along with a new set of clothes for us both. The robe you ruined was a gift from His Highness; he will be most displeased.”

The color drains from Lord Liuming’s face, yet his eyes pinch with suppressed fury. “I’m sorry,” he spits out at last, his cheeks hollowed like he’s biting down hard. “I will replace your garments.” He must hate conceding before the crowd, but he’s also too cowardly to do anything that appears to challenge the prince.

I smile, baring my teeth. “Don’t forget, Lord Liuming. I collect my debts.”

As I move away, I find Jin watching me, his eyes amber bright as he rises and strides toward me. After how he sparred with Prince Zixin the night of the ball, tensions seem high between Thorn Valley and the Iron Mountains—alliance or not, I won’t be foolish enough to get caught in the middle. What I owe Jin for helping me, I’ll find another way to repay, one that won’t risk myself… or escape before he has a chance to collect.

I veer away from him, toward the tables laden with food, but Jin follows. “Afraid to be seen with me?” he asks, a mocking tilt to his head.

“Didn’t you say we should pretend we haven’t met?” I remind him.

“Consider this our formal introduction.”

My eyes narrow. “What do you want?”

“I’m hungry.” He nods at the food, not even glancing at the roasted meats, the delicately wrapped dumplings, or plates of fish and prawns.

“You don’t eat at banquets.”

“Have you been watching me?” he drawls.

I curse myself silently, reminding myself to be cautious when speaking to him—one from Thorn Valley. Somehow, Jin burrows effortlessly beneath the mask I show others. Maybe he’s skilled at drawing me out, or maybe because he’s seen me as I really am, without this fine dress and jewels.

“What are you plotting?” I demand.

“Are you always this suspicious?”

“You don’t seem the type to act without purpose.” I pick up a plate and begin filling it with food, not looking at what I’m taking.

“Your manner is cold. So hostile,” he complains as though he cares. “Are you worried being in my company risks your future?”

I glare at him. “What do you mean?”

“Prince Zixin is powerful, handsome, rich. And you’ve caught his eye.”

I flush, my fingers tightening around my plate. “There’s more to him than that.”

“Oh, there is.” His mouth thins. “A friendly warning: Don’t be taken in by him, don’t be dazzled. Peel away the gilt and look a little deeper.”

“Are you jealous?” My tone is cool.

Jin steps closer to me, his expression grave—no longer taunting or teasing. “Most definitely not. He’s not what you think.”

“You’re wrong.” Prince Zixin has been gracious to me; he shielded me from the assassins.