Reign Check (26 page)

Despite Michael’s glowing green eyes, his expression was flat. “But aren’t I supposed to be your servant now, Princess Kassandra?”

I found it difficult to speak, so luckily Kassandra took over. She glared at Michael.

“What are you, stupid or something? That was just a lie so we could get you out of the dungeon. Nikki would never give you away. She’s crazy about you.”

His eyes lit up and he looked at me. “Is that true?”

“Of course it is,” I managed, my voice raspy.

Kassandra shook her head. “So he’s a hottie, but he’s not too bright, is he?”

The other guard stood there, shaking in his boots, staring at us in shock. He didn’t try to stop us from leaving.

Michael snatched his amulet from the floor—despite currently being incorporeal, he was able to grasp solid objects—and he put it back on as we hurriedly followed Kassandra through the two sets of doors and out of the dungeon.

“The guard managed to pardon Michael in the dungeon database,” she explained. “So we won’t have any trouble getting out of here.”

When we got into the elevators, the alarm had already ceased blaring. It was a relief to my ears.

“I’ll tell them what happened,” Kassandra said. “That Jonas killed the guard and attacked Nikki, and that Michael saved everyone.”

“That’s exactly what did happen,” I said.

“Yeah.” She blinked rapidly. “Wow! That was so freaking awesome. I can’t believe I ever thought this place was boring. What a rush!”

The elevator opened up to the lobby level, and we ran across the marble floor.

“You okay?” I finally asked Michael, breathlessly.

“Yeah, I think so. You?”

“I’m feeling a bit drained,” I admitted. “It’s been one of those days.”

“Wait.” He grabbed my arm.

Elizabeth stood in front of the doors with her hands on her hips, blocking our way.

“Kieran is looking for you,” she said, and her eyes moved to Michael. “He wanted me to keep watch here in case you tried to escape.”

Michael and I exchanged a glance. I clenched my hands at my sides. I felt exhausted and more than ready for a weeklong nap to recover my energy, but I summoned what little power I had left.

“I suggest you get out of our way,” I warned.

“Or what?”

“Or you’ll be sorry.”

Elizabeth’s lips curled at the sides. “You do remind me of myself, Nikki. There is a definite family resemblance.”

“She’s nothing like you,” Michael growled.

Her smile grew. “Oh no? Willing to do anything for love, even if it gets her in terrible trouble?” She blinked, and pain shadowed her expression. “Real love means breaking the rules others have for us; rules we have for ourselves. I felt that way for Kieran, but … I don’t think he loves me anymore. Even after everything I’ve sacrificed for him.”

“He can’t stand the sight of you,” Kassandra confirmed. “No offense intended, of course.”

Elizabeth’s pained look deepened. “Is that true?”

Kassandra nodded and shrugged. “Sorry.”

Elizabeth’s face crumpled, and tears welled in her eyes. “I knew it.”

“He’s not worth it,” I told her. “Even you could do better than him, and that’s saying something.”

She looked at me. “Because of Kieran, I’ve done many things I’ve come to regret. Things I can never take back. All to earn his love.” She let out a shuddery sigh and regarded me for a long moment. “Go, Niece. I won’t try to stop you. This will be one small step on the path of rebuilding our trust.”

She stepped away from the door.

“I just have to ask one thing,” I said. “Did you sic that hellhound on me?”

“Hmm.” She crossed her arms and pressed her lips together. “Perhaps this path of rebuilding trust will be a long one.”

I glared at her. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Michael grabbed my hand. He gave Elizabeth a withering glare as we passed by her toward the glass doors. “Come near the princess again at your own peril.”

She staggered back a step. Whatever she’d just seen in his eyes had scared her deeply.

Kieran was going to be furious. But I had to admit, it was a nice way for Elizabeth to show him he didn’t have power over her any longer. It didn’t help me forgive her for what she’d done to me and my father, or for siccing the hellhound on me. Not in the slightest.

Michael was so strong and full of energy from draining the other Shadow that I felt the magic coming off his skin in waves. His hand was almost too hot to hold.

I wasn’t feeling quite as perky at the moment, to say the least. But we made it to the waiting gateway a few blocks away in minutes.

Kassandra hugged me. “Nikki, it was
so
super great meeting you.”

She was still clueless, even after everything that had happened. To her, it had just been an exciting experience that had all worked out okay.

To me, it had been two—no, make that
three
—close brushes with death that had left me trembling and grateful to be alive.

“Yeah,” I said, deciding it was much easier to play along. “I, uh … feel the same. Other than the fact your brother and his dog nearly killed me.”

“My mother will be soooo mad when she hears what Kieran tried to do. Especially after she promised you’d be safe. He doesn’t normally get in trouble for anything, but he’ll get it for this.”

“Listen, Kieran told me the prophecy was a lie. He was blackmailing the dragon oracle to get it.”

She nodded. “I knew it!”

“You did?”

“Well, no, but after meeting you, I can’t imagine you’re ready to destroy the world. You’re way too nice. I’ll tell my mother that as well. She is going to be so mad at Kieran. Hooray!”

“Well, good.”

Michael tugged at my hand. “I knew the prophecy was a lie.”

I grinned weakly. “Even you had doubts.”

“Maybe a couple.”

Kassandra glanced at my wrist. “You’re sure about not letting me trade you for that bracelet? I have a really gorgeous diamond tiara—”

“Sounds good,” I said quickly, “but, no, thank you.”

She pouted. “Fine, be that way.” Her attention moved to Michael. “I did have you officially pardoned, but it would probably be best if you don’t come back here for a while, just to be safe.”

“Trust me, that won’t be a problem.”

“Now go. And take care of each other, okay?”

I gave one last nod to the only other demon princess I’d ever met, and then Michael and I went through the gateway hand in hand.

22

A few moments later we were back in the Shadowlands castle. After all the gold, silver, and glass of the Underworld, the unfriendly stone walls and dark interior were a strange relief. I turned to look at Michael.

“We made it,” I said.

“We did.”

Then he kissed me so passionately it took my breath away. He held his hand over his amulet so it wouldn’t electrocute me, which I totally appreciated.

I smiled up at him when we parted. “What was that for?”

“Thanks for rescuing me from the dungeon.”

“Well, you rescued me right back. Actually,
twice
. Will you take an IOU?”

“I … I can’t believe that happened. The hellhound, the … the Shadow.” He sighed. “And I really believed Kassandra when she said you were giving me to her.”

“It wasn’t true. Of course it wasn’t true.”

“I know that now.” His expression grew haunted. “I’ve never met another Shadow before.”

“And now you have.” I pressed my palm against his chest, just shy of touching the green stone amulet that blazed with power. “What you did to him—”

“Had to be done,” he said, cutting me off. “He was trying to hurt you. I couldn’t let that happen.”

“So you weren’t tempted, even a little, to join his rebellion against demons?”

“I know right from wrong, and what Jonas was doing—hurting others on his path to change—was wrong.”

“He killed Rhys’s parents.”

“I know.” Michael’s eyes flashed. “He was too dangerous. I don’t think change has to be achieved by hurting or killing others. Self-defense, however, is another matter.”

I threaded my fingers through his dark hair. “I totally agree.” I kissed him again and felt him smile against my lips. “What?”

“You do realize there’s no mistletoe here.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t really care.”

“Good answer.”

I heard somebody clear his throat behind us, and I froze before moving back from Michael. I turned to see my father leaning against the doorway.

Had he seen us kissing? Then again, how could he have possibly missed it?

Instead of denying it, I reached down and grabbed Michael’s hand. My father’s gaze moved to the defiant gesture before coming back to my face.

“Did the meeting with the demon council go well?” he asked.

Was he really going to ignore the kiss?

::Why are you still holding my hand?:: Michael asked.

Because I want to.

::You’re sure about that?::

Never been more sure about anything.

“It didn’t go as well as I hoped it would,” I said.

My father frowned. “What do you mean?”

“There was a problem, Your Majesty,” Michael said.

“A problem?” Again he glanced at my hand holding Michael’s.

“Yes.” Michael took the liberty of explaining everything to my father—and he did so much more concisely than I ever could have hoped to—starting with Elizabeth meeting us at the gateway, the hellhound attack, and finally what happened in the dungeon with Jonas.

My father’s expression grew darker with every word Michael spoke.

“I can’t believe this,” my father said quietly.

“I know I shouldn’t have used my powers. It’s against the rules.”

“And if you hadn’t broken them, my daughter would be dead.” My father looked at Michael intently.

“Kieran also tried to blackmail me,” I added. “He wanted my dragon’s tear bracelet. When I wouldn’t give it to him, he tried to kill me. Princess Kassandra saved me.”

My father’s eyes grew very large, anger eating away at him until he couldn’t contain it. He shifted to his demon form right before our eyes.

My father’s demon form was the scariest and most fearsome of any I’d seen. His coal black skin and large curved horns were intimidating, to say the least. His body got bigger and more muscular, his talons sharp as knives. I wondered, not for the first time, what my mother would think if she saw him like this.

“I will destroy him.” His demon voice was deeper, raspier, and much more ominous than his human one.

“No, you won’t,” I said firmly. “He’d love to get you all riled up like this. It would give him the chance to try to kill you personally.”

“As if he could.”

“Besides, you can’t leave the castle.”

“I can if I’m motivated enough.” His fists clenched. “I knew you shouldn’t have gone to the Underworld.” His red eyes moved to Michael. “You …”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Michael tensed, but he stood his ground.

My father’s chest heaved with a deep breath. “Thank you for protecting my daughter when I could not. I knew I had chosen well when I assigned you to her.” He shot another unhappy glance at our hand holding, but seemed bound and determined to ignore it. “I just didn’t know how well.”

“Dad,” I began, “Michael and I—”

“I’m sorry you had to deal with such adversity today.” My father cut me off as he slowly changed back to human form. “If I could have done anything to prevent the distress you’ve experienced, I would have. Please go and take care of your mother for me. I want both of you safe.”

I held back what I wanted to tell him. He was making it wordlessly clear that, despite his forgiving Michael for breaking the rules to save my life, some rules still applied. At least that was the impression I was getting. Michael could save my life, but he still couldn’t be my boyfriend.

“Do you promise not to go after Kieran?” I asked.

He pressed his lips together and didn’t reply.

“Promise me,” I said again. “I won’t leave until you do.”

He finally nodded. “I promise, Nikki. I won’t abandon my kingdom to seek revenge on the demon prince. However I will be speaking to Queen Sephina by gazer the moment you leave.”

That was about as good a promise as I was going to get.

“Okay, good. Oh, by the way, Florencia thinks I have your wings. I think she meant it as a compliment.”

He cringed. “
Florencia
. I haven’t thought of her in years.”

“I don’t think she feels the same. She might still be available if you’re interested.”

He looked at me. “I will assume you’re not being serious.”

“Of course not.” I smiled. “Because that would totally get in the way of you and my mom getting back together.”

“Nikki … ,” he began, crossing his arms. “I’ve told you why that’s not possible, but you continue to ignore me.”

“I guess I’m just a hopeless romantic. I think when you really care about somebody, rules shouldn’t matter, even the ones we make for ourselves.” It was similar to what Elizabeth had said before I’d left the Underworld. For a crazy evil aunt, she was surprisingly insightful.

“That is a very dangerous attitude to have.” He swept my blonde hair back behind my shoulder. “You remind me so much of myself when I was your age.”

I’d have taken that as a compliment if I didn’t hear so much sadness and regret in his voice. I knew it hurt him to keep talking about this, about my mother, so all I did was give him a tight hug before saying good-bye.

Michael and I left the castle, passing a few servants as we went, and we walked back to the bright, grassy clearing between the Shadowlands and the forest leading into the faery realm.

The gateway to the human world shimmered, a door-size swirling kaleidoscope of color.

“So now what happens?” Michael asked.

“Now I go home. My mother is probably wondering where I am. How long ago did I leave Melinda’s party?” I glanced down at my watch for the first time since our adventure began. “Don’t tell me it’s only been three hours. How is that even remotely possible?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Time flies when you’re having fun?”

“Yeah. So much fun.” I pulled him through the gateway with me, then was reminded the moment I set foot in the human world that it was a week before Christmas and freezing cold outside. “Great. I left my coat in the castle. I guess I’ve been kind of distracted.”

“Here.” He unzipped his blue sweatshirt and draped it over my shoulders. “The cold doesn’t bother me.”

I felt warmer already. “Thanks.”

We made it back to my house. The front light was blazing. Mom was probably inside, watching a movie and waiting to hear the details about my night out.

Michael had been quiet the whole walk here. I turned to him when we reached the big oak tree at the bottom of our front yard.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

He swallowed. “I’m sorry you had to see me like that. What I … what I did to Jonas. To the hellhound, too.”

“You mean when you stopped them from killing me? I’m very much okay with that.”

He shook his head. “I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”

“I’m not afraid,” I said. “Seriously. Do I look afraid to you?”

He searched my face. “Not really. You look … uh, kind of cold still.”

“If I was scared, would I do this?” I grabbed his hand, put it over his amulet, then kissed him hard on his lips, going up on my tiptoes to do so.

He laughed a little. “I guess not.”

“So there you go.”

“Your father saw us kiss and he didn’t look happy about it.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“But he didn’t say anything.”

“Not in so many words. I think he’s officially in denial that, despite all the rules and warnings, his half-demon daughter is … um, that she really likes a Shadow.”

I almost,
almost
said “falling in love with.” But I’d only known Michael less than two weeks. I liked him very, very much, but was I falling in love with him? So quickly?

The thought made my heart pick up its pace big-time and, despite the cold, I felt my cheeks flush.

“I think I finally understand why you broke up with me the other day,” he said. “You were doing it to protect me, weren’t you?”

“You’re only realizing that now?”

His lips quirked. “I guess Kassandra was right when she said I wasn’t too bright.”

“She also said you were a hottie.”

He shook his head, amused by this. “High praise from a demon princess.”

“Don’t get any ideas. She almost always gets what she wants, you know. I’d prefer it didn’t include you.”

His smile faded at the edges. “You were right to end things with me. I see that now. And not just for my protection, for yours as well. The rules—”

I shook my head. “I don’t care about the rules or what my father might think.”

“Yes, you do care. And you should. We’ve both seen firsthand what breaking them can lead to.”

“Rules can bend,” I said firmly. “And they can change.”

He nodded. “I never thought so before, but now I think you might be right about that. Maybe not today, but someday. Until then, though, we need to be careful.”

“Agreed. Careful is the way to be. But one thing I’ve learned from this experience, and from Queen Sephina of all people, is that there are shades of gray for everything. Including us.”

“So that means that we’re not together, but …”

“But we’re not
not
together.”

“That doesn’t even make any sense.”

“Trust me, it totally does.”

He grinned. “If you say so.”

“I do.”

Shades of gray.
It made me think of how Michael looked in complete Shadow form, able to drain all the energy of another living creature like Jonas had. The horrible thought twisted my stomach into knots.

“Try to forget what happened today,” Michael said quietly. “Tomorrow will be better.”

Forget what happened? As if that was even possible.

“Promise?” I asked.

“I promise.”

“Good night, Princess.”

“Good night, Michael.”

He smiled, then turned and began walking away. He hadn’t asked for his sweatshirt back, so I kept it, pulling it tighter around me to keep out the cold night.