17. Chapter 17
Chapter seventeen
Leena
I woke up the next morning to a female voice. “Rise and shine, Your Majesty.” My eyes peeled open, blinking to focus on who was standing at my bedside. The first thing I saw was Theodora’s smiling face, accompanied by the sulking Ani, who wasn’t attempting to hide her scowl or the look of disgust scrunching her nose. “Did you rest well?” the kinder of the two asked. I gave an “mhmm” and ran my fingers through my hair. It was too early to talk to anyone, especially after last night. “We have the things for your bath all ready, and we brought you new dresses, all stocked in your wardrobe.”
Behind them stood a large oak wardrobe, hand-carved designs of curving vines and blooming roses snaked up the sides. I could have sworn a different wardrobe had been there the night before, but I was in a realm of magic, so why shouldn’t an enormous piece of furniture change in appearance? It was the least strange occurrence that had happened to me this week.
I let out a yawn, stretching my arms until a familiar scent wafted through my nose. I closed my eyes and breathed it in. Bratan’s scent was still on the pillow next to me. Images of the night before teased my mind, as did the feel of his hands on my bare waist and the warmth of his embrace as I fell asleep. I thought of him gently taking off my clothes, and my face went crimson. “Where’s my husband?” I asked, clearing my throat and tucking my knees to my chest.
“His Majesty had some business to take care of this morning and left before dawn. He sent word for us to bathe and help you today because he will be gone all day and possibly into the night.”
I frowned. What kind of business did he need to take care of? “Isn’t he supposed to show me around? We were supposed to go back to the village last night but didn’t make it.”
Theodora’s face held a peculiar expression as she replied. “I think he decided to do some other things first.” Her voice was odd and wobbly, and I swore she flinched. I wanted to press the issue, but I was too tired, and my bones were still throbbing.
The flashes of Casimir’s attempt resurfaced, and I curled into myself more. A delicate hand placed itself on my knee. “His Majesty was very worried about you when he came to us this morning,” Theodora cooed. “He wants us to stay with you today and make sure your needs are met.” My heart skipped, but Ani’s look of disgust only deepened as she crossed her arms and looked away.
He’s worried about me?
“Ani,” Theodora turned to the smaller woman, “Fetch the medicinal herbs. We’ll place them in her bath. ”
Ani grumbled something under her breath and padded down the stairs. Theodora offered her hands to me. “Come with me, Your Majesty. Let’s go to the washing room and soothe those aches.”
“Thank you,” I said, taking her hands and sliding out of bed. As soon as my feet touched the floor, my legs were on fire. “Ah!” I cried, then let out a quiet whimper. A blade-like sensation tore through my muscles. They ached even more than yesterday.
“Whoa, be careful. Don’t push yourself. I’m here to help you.”
I steadied myself by clutching Theodora’s arms, letting the maid guide me to the washing room. But as I limped along, I realized something.
“Wait, I didn’t see any other rooms downstairs.”
The maid chuckled.
“There’s a room behind the stairs, and don’t worry Your Majesty, immortals have no use of the washing room other than to bathe.”
So I am immortal. I was right. “At least something good comes from immortality,” I muttered under my breath. Theodora seemed at a loss for words as she continued ushering me along.
Note to self: introduce sarcasm to this realm.
A newfound strength would have been better than not having to use the bathroom, but I’d take what I could get. I shuffled into the washing room, ignoring the slight humiliation I felt when these maids I hardly knew had to not only see my naked body but help me into the tub. I felt useless. Pathetic. No wonder Ani thought I wasn’t fit to be queen.
All those thoughts fizzed away as soon as I sunk into the bath. The warm water was a dream. Sighing, I plunged deeper until only the space above my nose was visible. I breathed steadily, not sitting up straight until I noticed Theodora placing flowers along the surface of the foamy bath. They looked like white lilies but with a slight shimmer to them—like little stars floating on the glassy water. I smiled in delight at the rainbow dust falling from the petals as each lily sunk and dissolved in the water. I ran my fingers through the bright kaleidoscope around me, musing, “How magical.”
When they’d all disappeared, Ani poured an olive-green liquid into the tub.
“The flowers will numb the aching,” Theodora explained, “and the potion will give you strength to walk. I think it’ll help if you at least walk some today, or you’ll cramp up in bed and be in an even worse state tomorrow, especially with the potion. It’s kind of fussy that way. It likes its user to put in the effort.”
I stared at the water. Despite knowing magic was all around me, a sentient potion was a little unsettling. But the magic in the water soothed my body, wrapping me in healing warmth almost instantly; it couldn’t be too bad.
I fortunately didn’t need help out of the tub after the tonics worked their magic, so I was able to dry myself off and mostly dress without the maids’ aid. I had to relent when they showed me the gown I’d be wearing, though. Another fine garment of silk, this time a green as dark as the trees at midnight. The silk wrapped around my shoulders, and beneath them were nets of complementary shades of green, contrasted from light mint to dark pine. Floral designs were woven all the way down to the loops that wrapped around my middle fingers on each sleeve. The neckline was low enough to be sexy but high enough not to be too revealing. The bodice had to be laced in the back, which accentuated my form.
In the reflection of the mirror, I watched in admiration as the two women styled my hair in pins and combs. I appreciated that some of my hair fell over my shoulders today instead of resting completely atop my head. I turned to admire every angle. My current situation wasn’t ideal, but I did enjoy the perk of looking like royalty every day. It gave me a newfound confidence that didn’t come from being treated like a slave in Woodsmeadow.
Theodora placed her hands on my shoulders, bending down to look at me through the mirror. “You look beautiful, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you, Theodora.” I smiled, but I couldn’t help looking at Ani, who just snorted and rolled her eyes. My cheeks reddened, nausea filling my stomach.
“Ani!” Theodora clucked, but I waved a hand in the air.
“It’s okay. Let’s go. I could use a good walk.”
“All right,” Theodora said. “Let’s go to the main square and get you some food, and then we can show you around a little. ”
The smells of the forest were divine. It was clean and earthy; the rain had brought out a fresh scent that accentuated the sweet aroma that reminded me of Christmases spent with my parents. As I licked my fingers to finish off the residue the glazed scone had left behind, I found that I was actually enjoying myself until Theodora gasped.
“Let me get you a napkin, Your Majesty. It isn’t proper to lick your hands like that.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I started wiping my hands on my dress, which made Theodora’s jaw drop. Frantically, she took my wrists and placed them gently at my sides.
“It’s okay. Just…wait here.” She lifted her skirts and scuttled away, leaving me alone with Ani.
After an uncomfortable amount of silence, I turned to Ani, hoping to break through her hard exterior. “How are you today?”
“Don’t try,” she snapped. “I don’t like you.”
Hurt cut through me like a knife. “Why not?”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re nothing but a worthless human brought here to sleep with the king. I will never respect you.”
Embarrassment turned to frustrated anger. “I don’t—” I started, but Ani lifted a hand to silence me and walked away, apparently not caring what her duties were for the day. I hated that I felt like crying. Hoping to spot Theodora, I scanned the village, but all I saw were the merchants and their booths with wares, treats, and produce. Beyond them were some of the woodland people’s homes, children playing, and adults going about their day-to-day tasks. It reminded me of Woodsmeadow, but I recognized no one, and the kind maid was nowhere in sight.
Ani was getting to me, messing with my head and feeding on my anxieties—some I already had and some I didn’t know I had. As different townspeople walked by, occasionally glancing at and bowing to me, I couldn’t help but wonder if they saw me as Bratan’s bedmate too. A disgusting human unworthy of being their leader.
Was it me or were they whispering and giving me dirty looks?
Tears stung my eyes. I had to get out of here.
Leaving through a dense cluster of trees was my best option, so when no one was looking, I rushed in, moving along the edges so I didn’t get too far from the clearing in case Theodora came back. I tried my best to avoid the mud or anything that would ruin yet another new pair of shoes when a familiar voice made me halt.
“I know that,” he hissed, and even without seeing Bratan’s face, I knew he was saying it through his teeth. Someone else spoke back, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. I crept closer, listening and hoping he wouldn’t spot me.
“Leave her out of this,” he growled. The other person grumbled something, and he shouted. “I know! Do you think I’d—” A twig snapped beneath my foot when I almost lost my balance. I winced.
Bratan’s face was drained of color when he turned to face me. “Leena? What are you doing here?”
I straightened, deciding to be confident, and quickly ran to see who he was talking to. I craned my neck to peer behind the tree, but all I saw was smoke.
“Who were you talking to?”
“No one you need to worry about. I was taking care of business.”
“That doesn’t answer my question. I know someone was there.”
“Don’t worry about it.” His tone was terse, bordering on condescending.
When he turned to walk away, I cut in front of him, glaring up into his stupidly handsome face. “You do not talk to me like that!” I spat. His emerald eyes widened. “I’m not your servant. I am your equal , and you will treat me as such.” He stared at me, dumbfounded. I was on a roll, but I didn’t know what else to say. I needed to make a triumphant exit. “So…respect me! Or you’ll regret it.” I wanted to smack myself in the face.
Really, Leena? That was the best you could do?
My glower was strong despite the pang of embarrassment digging into my side. He didn’t seem fazed by my awkward comment. He continued staring at me, speechless, so I spun on my heel and left, leaving him to think about what a jerk he’d been.
I wasn’t expecting the gloved hand that met my chin, turning me around. His eyes were somehow darker as he gazed down at me. “There’s that delicious fire,” he growled, and my heart tripped. “What else would you like to tell me, little dove? Keep going.”
Now I was speechless, blinking up at him like a doe. “You’re stubborn. Arrogant. You treat everyone around you like they’re inferior.” The more I said, the more excited his expression became, his teeth baring like he wanted to eat me. “Things are going to change around here. No one is going to grovel at your feet anymore.”
His hand curled around my face, sliding to the back of my neck. He grasped it just tight enough that I had to suppress a gasp.
“You’re the only one I want groveling at my feet.” His voice was low, sultry. The excited fire he often sparked in my blood came to life.
“You’re vile,” I hissed, but he only smiled wickedly and pulled me closer. For some reason, I let him.
He leaned forward. “What do you desire, Leena? I will do whatever you want. Say the word, and I’ll do it.”
I ignored the heat in my body and pushed him away. “Why? What have I done to make you so smitten? What could I possibly be doing that makes you act like this?”
His eyes darkened, and his hand fell down my back, pressing me against him by the hips. “You enrapture me simply by breathing,” he purred, and the air whisked from my lungs. “The moment I saw you in the woods, I knew you were mine.” He leaned even closer, brushing his lower lip against the top of my breast. I failed to suppress a gasp, which only made him more eager as he licked up the slope of my neck. My eyes closed. “And I was right. You’re fire itself. Ferocious. Sensual.” His hands roamed my waist before gripping my hips. My head fell back in longing as he breathed on my throat and kissed it. “Come home with me, Leena. Put that fire to good use.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but he began slowly kissing down my chest. The warmth of his breath on the top of my breasts made my toes curl.
“I want you,” he growled. “You’re the only one I desire. The only one who can match me.” His fingers found the top of my dress, curling into the front of the bodice. “I want you in every way each time I wake and before we go to sleep.” He pulled my dress lower, and I heard Ani’s words echo in my head. Bratan’s whore.
My eyes snapped open.
“No! Let go of me!” My body was dangerously warm, my mind precariously fuzzy. “I want nothing to do with you! You can’t distract me from your lies with your seduction.”
“What lies?” He grabbed me by the wrist before I could flee. “I haven’t lied to you.”
“You wouldn’t tell me who you were talking to and I have a feeling you’re keeping things from me.”
“There are a lot of things you don’t know yet, Leena. In time, you’ll know them all. I promise”
His face was unreadable, and I had no clue where to go from here. I kept getting caught between wanting this man and remembering he was a monster, and then wanting to believe that he’d saved those missing villagers, and then not trusting him. It was giving me a headache. “How can I trust you?”
“Ask me anything,” he said. “What do you want to know?”
There were so many things I wanted to know, but I started with the one weighing heavily on my mind. “Did you really save the woman and children who went missing in my village? We were under the impression you’d hurt them or stolen them. I haven’t seen them since my arrival; if you didn’t hurt them, where are they? And why would there be a need of a deal between you and my village?”
He leaned his back against a tree. “Did you know those villagers?”
My head jerked back. “Yes, why?”
“Then you must know why they were freed.”
“Well…you had said they were being abused and that you’d saved them, but I haven’t seen them.”
He pushed off the tree and walked closer. His size was intimidating, but I didn’t feel scared as he approached me. On the contrary. He made me feel safe.
“I can feel every creature in this forest, as I’m sure you will start to, too. I can feel every person, animal, plant, and creature’s pain. Including humans. That woman was getting beaten by her husband regularly. I felt it. I heard her cries.” His eyes stayed fixed on mine, and I couldn’t look away, even when the clouds overhead covered the sun, creating a momentary blanket of darkness above us. “I freed her,” he said. “I have a designated group of subjects who look after such affairs. They brought her food and clothing for her and her child. They did the same for the other children who were being hurt, including that adolescent boy.”
“You sent them all off on their own? That boy and those twin children won’t survive on their own.”
“No, I arranged for them to leave together,” he said. “My subjects who took care of them provided them shelter in the human realm of the woods for as long as possible. When my people were approached by your town’s matriarch to stop the disappearances and other actions I was taking to push those horrid people out, my subjects helped them escape. They brought them somewhere safe. They will be okay. I’ve made sure of it.”
I searched his eyes for the truth, but I could feel it. Every word he spoke was true. “How will you help anyone now? What do you want from me?”
Finally, he broke our gaze and stepped back. A cold ripple shivered between us. “That part is complicated,” he said. “I’m still figuring some things out myself.” He took a deep breath in and let it out in a loud exhale. “What I can tell you is that I hope you will help me. The rest will come later.”
I looked away, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the villagers he’d saved. We’d all thought they’d been stolen, killed, or both. But he’d liberated them. There were things he wasn’t telling me, though, and I had a feeling they were an important piece to the puzzle. “You can’t tell me why you need me or why you agreed to this arrangement?”
“I already told you, Leena, I’m still figuring things out. But if you’re worried about anyone back in your village, I assure you that I’m keeping my end of the bargain. Their crops are growing back, and things will soon be back to normal.” He huffed. “They don’t deserve it, and I don’t want them in my forest, but a deal is a deal. As long as they don’t do anything stupid.”
A wave of relief washed through me at the hope that Grandmother would be safe and taken care of, but something wasn’t right. “You’re the one who made the deal. What’s in it for you? Surely you didn’t just want someone out of loneliness.”
“I don’t have all the answers you want, Leena, so stop asking. I’ll tell you when I can.”
Fury flashed across my skin in waves of heat. “Why can’t you tell me now? You’re the one who made the deal!”
“It wasn’t like that! I—” He grumbled under his breath and scratched the back of his head in frustration. “Can’t you trust me for now?”
“How can I? You won’t answer the most important questions I have!”
Stepping forward, he got as close as he could, shooting daggers into my eyes. “Do you know how frustrating you are?”
“Do you know how frustrating you are?”
His jaw clenched. “Go busy yourself with something to do. I’ll find you later.” He took a step back and turned to leave .
I swore I saw flames in my eyes. “I don’t want you to find me later!”
“Fine!” he said, throwing his hands up as he walked away.
“Fine! Go tend to whatever business you have today! But don’t expect me to be waiting up for you!”
“I wasn’t going to!” he said without turning around.
I let out a loud, frustrated groan and stomped away.
This man would be the death of me.
***
Bratan
“You seem to have the girl’s mind properly muddled,” the woman croaked.
My fingers curled, then released. “What do you want? I thought you’d left.”
A cackle like a creaking door escaped her shriveled lips. “I wanted to make sure you weren’t catching feelings for the girl.”
I shot her a look, wishing I could throttle the old hag. “Why shouldn’t I catch feelings for my own wife?”
She laughed again, louder this time. “We both know what this marriage is.” The withered woman approached me with those disturbingly hollow eyes—ones that reflected no soul, only shadow. “We both know you cannot love. ”
My breathing quickened, fury ripping through me. “You lied to me, Melora,” I growled. “Leave. NOW!”
The old crone laughed so loud I panicked, looking in the direction Leena had fled. I let out a sigh of relief at the empty path. “You know she cannot love you.”
An involuntary, untamed yell roared from my throat as my true form started to show.
“LEAVE!” I opened my claws, my shoulders scraping against treetops. The old woman cackled again—the sound of glass against a chalkboard—and slipped away in a wave of shadow.
The sounds she’d silenced upon her arrival resumed—the chirping of birds, the wind skating against the leaves—but a heavy sense of dread fell over me as I returned to my human form.
Shadows bled from my feet as anger and panic swelled. Tears burned in my eyes, which only angered me more. I threw myself at the spot the woman had just been and let out a wail of rage. Wildlife fled from every direction, crows cawing as they flew away.
And for the first time in a very long time, true fear sprouted in my chest.