To Learn To Fall (Sequel to the Other Side)

Chapter Ten

I reassured myself with thoughts of Alexander as the king led me to the center of the ballroom, his grip tight around my hand. Tighter than was necessary. Tighter than was comfortable.

Eyes pressed on me as the music came to a stop and readied itself for the next song. They were imprisoning, confining. How long would it be before I cracked?

Think about Alex. Think about Alex. Smile, don't do anything incriminating, and think about Alex.

Easier thought than done.

"How long has it been since the last time we've done this?"

"What? Danced?" I asked, distractedly.

"Don't worry about them, Thomas. They won't hurt you as long as I'm here."

It was like a lion promising safety from wolves. "They aren't the ones I'm worried about."

"Are you afraid of me?"

"The last time I saw you, you stabbed me. You almost killed me."

"Well, yes. But that was what, ten months ago? Surely we can move on from that."

"I can't just—"

"Forget about it. Just for right now. Promise me that much?"

"I don't owe you anything," I spat at him, my wings flaring.

His calm expression didn't change. Why did I feel like his gaze was tearing at my body, slowly picking me apart?

I hate this. I want to go home. I hate this. I want to go home. I hate this. I want to go home.

"Here's a crazy thought, Thomas. If you relax, you may just enjoy yourself." He nodded to someone to his right, and the music swelled around us. As we began to dance, he said calmly, "if I wanted you killed, you would be dead."

That's supposed to make me feel better, how?

I wanted nothing more than to snap at him or even kill him here, but there were too many eyes. Too many people watching. I had to keep in line, watch my mouth.

We fell into the traditional dancing, which had never been enjoyable for me before, but now it was just horrible. The music was slow and empty and meaningless, which was mind numbing.

"Do you know what worst part about being king is? The paperwork. It's horrible. I never have time for myself anymore."

"You can't just get somebody to do it for you?" I asked, trying to continue the conversation in hopes that it would distract me.

"You would think so."

"Well, there go my plans."

He laughed. "Speaking of which, have you been tested yet?"

"No."

"Are you planning to?"

"No."

"Why not? You still don't want to be the lord?"

"So I can deal with this again? I'll pass, thanks."

"Oh, think about it. Wouldn't we make a good pair?"

I glanced over at the musicians as they sat. I could feel their energy flowing through the air, creating the meaningless sounds that encompassed our music. We didn't have instruments; such things were beneath us.

When will this song be over?

"You're tense."

"Really? I haven't noticed."