The Skin Thief

Chapter 67

She has an image to maintain. Image is everything. It is more than just a reputation; it is a shield.

Kiora is beautiful. She knows it and now she will embrace it. But, not in the same way as the other wives. She doesn't want to be sexy or striking – not that anything is wrong with that. Kiora wants a more gentle, ethereal and magical beauty. She isn't human. She wants all the court to know it too, to see her as something more, as something special. She wants to be on a completely different level from the other wives. The innocent one, the one who can do no wrong so that the next time Illyria makes one of her plays, no one will believe her.

A knock on the door has a bolt of fear jolting through her. Alethia doesn't wait for a response before she opens them and walks inside. Kiora sands to curtsey.

"Princess," she says, bowing her head in respect.

Alethia takes in a sharp breath and shakes her head, her jaw clenched.

"Is something wrong?" Kiora asks softly.

"No," the Princess says, her stern face not changing expression. Kiora bites the inside of her cheek, trying not to snap at her. It takes a lot of strength. Kiora isn't sure who she hates more. Illyria or Alethia.

Alethia walks toward her, the cane clicking on the stone ground. She stops in front of Kiora and grips her chin tightly. Then, she pulls Kiora's head down, inspecting the top of it. Kiora shuts her eyes and grinds her teeth together in anger as Alethia scratches away her hair and inspects her scalp.

Much to Kiora's relief, her horns had started to grow back. Unfortunately for Kiora, Alethia had spotted them on an inspection and ordered them filed down again. It's hardly surprising considering Alethia hides her horns behind tight black cloth. Alethia's face remains the only part of her she ever shows, the rest of her clothes covering her up completely in layers of fine, dark silks.

Alethia lets go of Kiora harshly enough that she almost stumbles back. She plays it off as though nothing happened and smiles charmingly at Alethia.

"Am I dressed appropriately?" she asks.

"You're fine," Alethia replies through tight lips.

Kiora has long since resigned herself to the fact that Alethia never will be a friend or ally in this place.

"Do not keep the emperor waiting any longer, Kiora. You have wasted enough time already," she orders, then turns and storms out.

Sorcha lets out a long breath and shakes her head.

"Strange woman," she mutters.

Kiora nods her head in agreement.

"Anyway, you'd best be going. I'm sure you're excited to see the emperor again," Sorcha says, then sighs dreamily.

"I am thrilled," Kiora replies as she walks to where the guards wait outside her door, ready to escort her to the Athan's chambers. Alethia walks ahead, her cane echoing around the corridor as she clicks it against the ground. Each thump sends a chill down Kiora's spine.

Just before they arrive, Alethia turns around to face Kiora. Slowly, she walks closer. Kiora stays deathly still as Alethia leans in and whispers harshly in her ear.

"Perform your duty tonight, Kiora," she says. " Or I'll see to it that you're never even in the same room as my brother again."

Kiora forces on a gentle smile. "I will be the wife his majesty needs me to be," she says.

Alethia narrows her eyes at Kiora, her jaw clenched.

"You aren't as special as you think you are. If your most recent seclusion hasn't shown you that yet, then perhaps you aren't ready to be released from your punishment."