C. Bryant - Broken

“Perfect.” Kira grabbed several at once and threw them to the floor. “Hurry, help me open them so we can take a look.”

“Oh, no, Kira. I cannot wear something so beautiful,” Ussay protested.

“Yes, you can. Now grab that one over there and try it on.”

After going through most of the gowns, leaving them strewn around the dressing chambers and Kira’s room, they were both exhausted. They’d made quite a mess, but still hadn’t found the perfect dress to fit Ussay’s petit stature. Kira had almost given up until she saw a small bundle hanging behind a selection of outerwear opposite the doorway. She reached up, took it to the floor and peeled the linens from around it. When she held it up for Ussay to see, the poor girl’s eyes about popped out of her pretty little head.

“I remember her wearing that dress. It was her first ball. She was only fourteen and not allowed an escort, but her mother wanted her to feel a part of the festivities. She had it made special.” Ussay looked at Kira and shook her head. “I cannot.”

“We’re out of time, Ussay. The ceremony will start any minute and you have to be there. It’s not every day you get to be the center of attention.” Kira threw it at her. “Now put it on.”

Ussay had kept the fact that she was the commoner who expressed a desire to be a part of the Khapri ceremony a secret. It didn’t help matters that Mara had waited until late last night to announce her decision. It left no time to prepare.

Kira had already dressed in her new green dress when Ussay first entered the room. She only needed to make a few last minute adjustments to the combs in her hair and to put on her shoes.

When Octavion arrived to escort Kira to the ceremony, she insisted he take Ussay instead. She quickly made her way down the stairs alone so the two of them could make a grand entrance and get that “wow” factor Kira had been hoping for. This was the perfect occasion to show Cade what he could have with Ussay and she wasn’t about to pass it up.

When she got to the bottom of the stairs Kira found the grand hall packed full of people. Most were dressed in fancy Royal attire of deep blues and burgundies accented with gold and silver. All were adorned with jewels of every color imaginable-accessorized to the max. Even the men had masculine styles of adornment.

Her entrance seemed to signal the others to find their seats. She wound her way through the crowd to find Cade sitting off to one side, near the front of the room. She wanted to make sure he had full view of Ussay’s descent and catch any comments he may throw her way, so she scooted in next to him.

“You look lovely this morning, Kira,” he said. “Where is my cousin? I thought he went to fetch you.”

Kira winked at him and patted his hand. “He did, but took one look at Ussay and had a change of heart.”

He looked at her curiously, while the rest of the room fell silent. They both looked up to see Octavion nearing the top of the stairs with his prize. Ussay had made a last minute decision to take her hair out of her braid and sweep it up on one side, leaving several wavy curls drifting down the left side of her dress. It made her youthful face look more mature and sophisticated. Her gown of soft white chiffon-like fabric seemed to float when she moved.

Kira turned to see Cade’s expression and found him not breathing. She nudged him with her elbow to get his attention, but he ignored her. She wasn’t sure if the expression on his face held shock or jealousy, but either way Ussay’s entrance seemed to have the desired effect on him.

As the couple descended the staircase, Kira saw Octavion’s mouth moving. Ussay had her head down, watching her step, but when he spoke she straightened and looked straight ahead. He said something else, causing the nervousness to wash from her face and be replaced with a smile-her cheeks turning a shade darker than their natural pink. He was coaching her, easing her anxiety, which made Kira love him even more.

“She looks like an angel,” Kira said for Cade’s benefit.

He swallowed hard. “Yes, she does.” His eyes hadn’t once left Ussay’s beautiful visage.

“Too bad you’re such a jerk. You might have had a chance with her.”

He turned to face Kira. “Pardon me?”

“You heard me. She’s in love with you, though I can’t figure out why. Seems you pushed her away for no good reason. It sounds a little selfish and cold to me.” Kira hadn’t planned on being so blunt, but somehow she had a feeling it was what he needed. “And then to get your mother to be rude to her? Absolutely shameful.”

He turned to watch Ussay as she walked through the crowd. Octavion handed her off to Nestor, who led her to the front of the room where she sat in a chair facing the group. She folded her hands in her lap like a sophisticated lady.

“And who do you suppose would dance with her at our wedding?” Cade said through clenched teeth.

Kira turned to find his eyes flashing with anger. Threads of gold began to show around their edges. “It sounds like someone is feeling sorry for himself. Perhaps you should go back out to that cliff we love so much and take a flying leap.”

He looked away in time to avoid her next rebuke.

She put her hand on one of his useless legs and softened her voice. “Cade, I’m sorry, but you need to get on with your life, not stop it from happening.”

Octavion circled around the crowd and came to stand behind them, signifying the end to Kira’s lecture.

“You two look like you are having fun,” Octavion teased.

Cade’s mouth curved into a frown.

Kira, on the other hand, quickly changed the subject. “Who are all these people?”

Octavion crouched behind her and rattled off the names and affiliation of the various invited guests. Some were from the village-prominent scholars, teachers and elders who advised the king on important matters. Others were royalty from Mara’s kingdom, Finvarra and Nestor’s, Morganstar. They’d all gathered for the naming of this little child. If she didn’t know better, she’d have thought he was a prince.

Kira felt suddenly grateful she wasn’t the one spilling her blood in a room full of Royals. The very thought made her cringe.

“How much danger is she in?” she asked.

Cade shot her a warning look. “Do you really think we would put her in danger?”

Kira couldn’t help notice his fierce protectiveness. Perhaps their little chat had influenced him after all. “Maybe not intentionally, but how can you control an entire room full of Royals?”

Cade turned away, clearly disgusted with her question.

“We have all taken turns hunting throughout the night,” Octavion said. “It may be risky for her, but the Royals in this room are all seasoned. Not one is young or has a wild heart. We wouldn’t allow it. The only exception is my cousin here.” He patted Cade on the shoulder. “But even he knows his limits.”

“So if any of their senses are stirred in any way, they will leave the room?” Kira asked.

“Yes,” Octavion said.

With her curiosity satisfied, Kira turned her attention to the others in the room. It was all so formal and grand, it made her nervous. She watched as a few late guests arrived and took a seat with the others. Her heart raced with anticipation. Mara sat in the front row holding the baby, with Luka on one side and Arela on the other. Nestor stood at the head of the room near the king’s empty throne, his broad shoulders square and his head held high-the perfect stance of a proud father.

Flanking the empty throne stood two men, both dressed in white robes, their faces stern and ridged as if they were statues.

“Who are they?” Kira asked.

“The Elders of Lor,” Octavion said. “They oversee all religious ceremonies to make sure they are performed properly.”