"Shadows Between Us": Week Three (Ch. 14-18)

I'm writing this week a little differently than normal, due to the writing of this book. I'm gonna go through the plot points/relevant information and add my thoughts to them.

Ch. 14

• Leandros and Alessandra, who is now sporting a black eye, return to her rooms. They almost kiss before Alessandra stops anything from happening. Leandros comes off as scummy to me because his actions don't show any loyalty to Kallias when it comes to Alessandra. A good friend wouldn’t try to kiss his best friend‘s partner. Leandros’ actions cast him in a suspicious light for me.

• Upon entering her rooms, Alessandra finds Kallias sitting on her bed, waiting up for her. He has been there for some time, as he cancelled his meetings to spend the evening with her. Yet, the two end up fighting due to Kallias's jealousy and Alessandra being...Alessandra. I love that Kallias is trying to make an effort with her after she voiced her concerns in Week Two's reading. I'm also disappointed in Alessandra, but I shouldn't have expected anything less. She wants any form of attention on herself, even when it gets her into trouble. I wish she would apologize, but hell will freeze over before that happens.

• The next morning, Alessandra is throwing a hissy fit as she packs up her rooms to leave. She orders the servants to pack her items up, but they don't on orders of Kallias. Before she has a full-blown meltdown like a two-year-old, Kallias invites her to go on an excursion with him, which she agrees to.

• In the carriage, Alessandra discovers the truth about Kallias's shadows. He is completely made out of shadows, which she discovers when she falls forward into him in the carriage. I wasn't expecting himself to be more shadows than man. I thought he could bend shadows at his will, which might affect his body. It does explain his walking-through-walls stunts though.

• Now knowing his secret is out, Kallias tells her that his ability can turn on-and-off. But, if he were to touch someone in skin-to-skin contact, his powers would be void around them. This is the reason behind why his parents' murder(his father, who also had the ability). Kallias created the law to keep people at a distance. He also tells that the ability can pass to children. But not always, seeing as how his brother, Xanthos, didn't possess the ability. I like that we are finally getting the information that we've wanted about the shadows. This new information also puts the council into a more negative light, in my opinion. Only a few people know of the limitations to the shadow abilities. I also wonder how much Lady Zervas, due to her supposedly close relationship with the former king.

Ch. 15

• Alessandra and Kallias arrive at a lake. Kallias's mother loved this lake, and it is where some of his fondest memories are. Kallias is trying to open up to her, which I find sweet as does Alessandra. He really did take her opinions to heart on how they should spend time together.

• The two have a royal picnic lunch and talk about their mothers, as well as Alessandra's fight at the boxing match. Finally, some more interaction between the two that isn't fighting!

• After the two eat, Alessandra suggests they skinny-dip. Her motivations are both to get a rise out of him and to see him naked. But I am a little concerned about her thought process. They aren't alone and if word got out, the gossip could negatively affect Alessandra in the long run. I'm also concerned for Kallias. He agreed to an activity that leaves him naked and vulnerable. I know he doesn't have any knowledge about Alessandra's plans, but I wish he didn't trust her so blindly.

• While they are skinny-dipping, the two have a frank conversation about their sex lives. I find the conversation is extremely progressive for their world. I also enjoy how they don't judge each other for their sexual pasts. It's definitely an intimate moment between the two.

• However, their moment is interrupted by the bandit, who drops in to steal their picnic lunch (really?). There's a little back and forth between the bandit and Kallias about Kallias' taxes on the poor. I don't know if the bandit is stupid or not for this, but I definitely think he is cocky.

• The chapter ends with Kallias chasing after the bandit, who ends up getting away. I hope we get more information on the bandit in the next chapter.

Ch. 16

• This chapter picks up right after the bandit runs away. We get no new information. Instead, Kallias confronting his guard detail about why they didn't do anything. Their excuse? Alessandra's nudity distracted them. The guard who actually said this gets killed as a result of his stupidity. I'm surprised at two things: the guards' blatant lack of responsibility and Kallias killing someone in front of Alessandra.

• When the two return to the palace, Kallias asks Alessandra to attend an emergency council meeting. The meeting involves talks about capturing the bandit and how Alessandra's plan is underway. Her attendance showcases his trust in her, which helps benefit their ruse. I do believe he trusts her, and he is showing both the world and Alessandra so through his actions.

• That afternoon, while with the other ladies are in the sitting room, Alessandra dishes about her skinny-dipping. Her story scandalizes some of the ladies, who Alessandra puts into place. She tells them that Kallias doesn't care about her "impropriety" and they shouldn't care either. Truthfully, I kinda don't really care about this whole scene. I get that Alessandra wants women to have more freedom in sexuality and matters that involve them, but it feels a little misplaced. It doesn't feel like a matter of substance in the book, just something to add in length. Maybe if the book was longer and this issue of sexism came up more often, then it would speak to me.

Ch. 17

• The chapter starts off the following day with Alessandra getting a note from her father. Apparently, Orrin isn't too thrilled to hear about her skinny-dipping with Kallias, and he called off the engagement. I'm glad the situation works out for her, but I don't think she's thinking far ahead. She might need Orrin if her plans with Kallias go south or if she does something stupid.

• Deciding to not think on the matter, Alessandra heads towards the gardens, where she runs into Leandros along the way. Leandros hits on her again, and doesn't let her shut him down. I don't like the feeling Leandros gives me.

• Leandros leaves her at the gardens to sketch, and she is soon after joined by Kallias. The two talk about their various hobbies (her drawings and him playing the piano) and Kallias suggests throwing a ball that Alessandra will put together. It's a smart move because normally those responsibilities would go to the queen. It's showing his faith in Alessandra. Kallias is also in his corporal form so that Alessandra's gloved hand can touch him.

• Then the sweet moment is interrupted by a man shooting Kallias. Alessandra ends up defending the king while he shifts into his shadows in order to heal himself. His powers really do come in handy, although I find this part a little unbelievable. I think he should have retained a little bit of injury.

• After Kallias heals himself, he and the attacker fight until the assassin is subdued. Kallias and Alessandra share an intimate embrace before the guards interrupt them to bring the assassin to the dungeons.

• Kallias then takes Alessandra into the palace and towards a wing she has never been in before. He reveals a set of apartments that were his mother's, but he is now giving to Alessandra. I wonder if he was planning on giving her these rooms before the assassination, or if he was waiting to see how trustful she is. Either way, Alessandra defending him really helped her get into the seat of power she has been craving. All that’s left is for them to get married, then she can kill him. But does she really want to at this point?

• The chapter ends with a healer visiting Alessandra, who doesn't want her there. The healer asks if she has anyone to spend the night with her, due to her possible trauma from the events of the afternoon. Alessandra snaps at her and is left in silence. I would bet my firstborn that the healer's advice is foreshadowing for something to happen later that night.

Ch. 18

• This chapter starts off that evening in Alessandra's new rooms after she gets settled. Alessandra is a little jumpy after dealing with the assassin. Her reaction is to be expected since the attempt only happened a few hours ago. Some YA novels don't get into trauma, especially the shorter ones, so it was refreshing to read. Also, did I not call it on the foreshadowing?

• Kallias joins Alessandra to takes her mind off the assassination attempt. He does so by making fun of another love letter she received from Orrin. I found his reaction hilarious. Kallias saying my exact thoughts on Orrin's writing style and word choice. Sometimes, flowery language really does not paint the picture you want, especially since too many metaphors come off as cheesy. Guys, take note.

• Kallias ends up sleeping with Alessandra in her bed to help lower her anxiety. They obviously don't touch, but it is a huge step for both of them. Alessandra is actually sharing a bed with a man that doesn't involve sex, which is a huge step for her.

• The next morning after waking up alone, Alessandra runs into Lord Vasco in the halls outside her rooms. He's still trying to figure her out while also threatening her, which is exhausting. He technically has no proof, and he's playing his hand by trying to intimidate her. Yet, he does succeed in a way, due to Alessandra ending the chapter on an uneasy note.

Week Four will be up by next Friday! I think I like this new format I'm trying out. Also the next book is going to be "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo! So excited!