Awakening the Dark Flame (The Dark Throne #2)

14. Chapter 14

Chapter fourteen

A s soon as I opened my eyes, I screamed in pain, grabbing for my stomach. It felt like I had consumed acid and the substance was eating away at my insides, keeping me alive for the ride. Vena was at my side in an instant. She held a bucket to my face as I purged everything that remained in my system. I fell back into the bed while she waved her hands over my body, taking note of my condition. My father appeared behind her.

“The last of the poison is gone. The ulyrium will continue to work its way out of her system, but the worst of it is over. She will be weak for the next few days, but will recover fully,” Vena said with a smile.

I reached for her hand and smiled. “Thank you,” I whispered.

She nodded.

I looked at my father for answers. “What happened?” I asked, coughing as my throat burned.

“An attempt was made on your life,” he confirmed.

I acted surprised. “Who?”

“Rismera Calavi,” he said.

I paused, letting it sink in. “But why? I have done nothing to her.”

“Members of the court have come forward with accounts of outbursts and different hostile interactions the two of you have had the past few days. You should have come to me immediately. I don’t know what I would have done if something happened to you,” he said, dropping his gaze to the bed.

I took his hand and tried to squeeze it, but I was too weak. “Next time, I will, I promise. But I am alright. I am alive and I will recover.”

He smiled, rubbing his hand through my hair. “Yes, you will. You have to.” He cared about me. Not because I was his heir, but because I was his daughter. He truly cared for me.

“What happened to Lady Calavi?”

“She is to be executed in the throne room in the next hour for her treason.”

“I would like to be there. To see justice be served.”

He smiled and nodded. “If you are feeling strong enough, of course,” he said, rising from my bed. “Vena, stay with her until she is ready for the execution. If anything changes, come to me immediately.” Vena nodded, turning back to me. He left the two of us alone.

“Do I look as terrible as I feel?” I asked.

She giggled. “A little paler, and you have dark circles under your eyes. Nothing makeup can’t hide,” Vena assured me.

I tried to push myself up, but needed her assistance. She gave me a glass of water, then busied herself around my room in an agitated state. I could tell by her body language, she wasn’t telling me something.

“Vena, come here and tell me what is going on with you. You’re making me sick with the back-and-forth pacing.”

She laughed, taking a seat next to me in my bed. She huffed as her eyes flickered from side to side.

“Out with it.”

“Your friend … Levos Atros. Can you tell me about him?” she asked.

I looked at her as a small smile stretched across my face. “You’re interested in Levos?” I clarified.

“I don’t know. Maybe. We had a few brief interactions when he was here last, and I can’t get him out of my head. Especially since he is returning this evening. What does he think of the dark alfar? Be honest.”

I laughed to myself. I spent the next twenty minutes telling her about him. By the time I was done, she seemed more intrigued by him, which I wasn’t sure was a good thing. Levos still loved Madison and was hurting. This would most likely end badly, but I wasn’t a matchmaker.

Atalee arrived in my room to help me dress. I was able to stand on my own but had to take each step slowly. She used the makeup to make me appear as if I hadn’t almost died. She put my hair up and dressed me in a loose and flowing gown. I made my way to the door and opened it to see Eren waiting across the hall. He smiled, making his way to me. He reached for my arm, but I held out a hand to stop him.

“I’m fine, really,” I said, staggering down the hall towards the throne room.

He walked next to me with his head held down. “I’m … I’m sorry I got you into this,” he whispered.

I stopped, turning around as fast as I could. “You have nothing to apologize for, and I never want to hear those words in reference to this situation again. That is an order, do you hear me?” I said.

He nodded as I turned and entered the throne room.

I made my way up to my throne next to my father and the queen.

Otar appeared by my side, smiling with glee. “How are you feeling, wicked one?” he whispered.

“Blissfully optimistic,” I said, winking at him.

He laughed, tilting his head from side to side. “We should do this more often.”

“If I need an accomplice, you are the first on my list, always,” I said.

He dragged one of his long fingers through my hair. I allowed the action as Eren watched from below.

The court was now seated and the guards brought Lady Calavi into the room wearing restraints. She looked awful. I could tell she had been beaten thoroughly last night and possibly this morning. They threw her on the ground in front of us. She looked at Eren with tears in her eyes and mouthed the word, ‘please’. He ignored her, looking back towards the wall.

My father rose. “Rismera Calavi, you are charged with treason and attempted murder of the heir to the Kingdom of Doonak. Your assets are now the property of the crown. You have disgraced this court with your unforgivable behavior and are sentenced to death,” ordered my father.

She cried on her knees. “Please, my king. I would never attempt to harm you or your family. This is a mistake. I had nothing to do with this. I swear to you,” she yelled.

My father held out a hand to me. I took it, pulling myself up from the throne.

“Would you like the honors?” he asked.

He helped me down the stairs and then took his seat back on his throne. A guard pulled a ulyrium sword from his belt and handed me the hilt. I took it, feeling the weight pull at my muscles. I walked over to her, gripping the sword as tightly as I could.

She shook her head at me, crying. “Please, princess, I would never hurt you, I swear,” she said franticly.

I knelt down, looking into her disgusting, dark, and unfeeling eyes. She was selfish. She had robbed a child of his innocence. She had made him her sex slave and for that, she deserved this and whatever awaited her in the afterlife.

I tilted my head, letting her see behind my well-crafted mask. “Beings like you,” I whispered low enough to insure no one else could hear, “don’t deserve to live.”

She stopped crying. I watched as she began to put the pieces together.

“You take,” I continued, “and take, and take from others without a single thought of their well-being. You’re disgusting and should have been disposed of long ago.” I pulled away so I could look into her eyes. “As I am sure you’ve heard, I don’t have the tolerance for those who take others against their will. Tell King Lysanthier hello for me when you get to Hell.” I stood from the ground, sporting a victorious smile before turning my back on the bitch.

“You!” she yelled.

“Otar,” I called causally. Before Calavi could say another word, my accomplice appeared in front of her with all six arms visible as he began to tear her to pieces. His gleeful screams of joy startled the court while they watched my creature enact my revenge. A sword through the heart was too kind. She deserved to suffer.

I made my way back to my father just as Otar had finished playing with her limbs. The court clapped in approval as the guards attempted to gather the larger pieces of Calavi, trying to clean the mess we had made.

Otar, now covered in blood, screamed for joy. In a blink, he appeared at my side, licking the side of my check in thanks before disappearing from the throne room.

I turned to look at Eren. His eyes were on the floor, apparently lost in thought.

Shit . He was putting it together. He was too clever not to notice her last few moments. I bided my father a good night, claiming I was still exhausted from the poison.

As I exited the throne room, Lady Fellwood appeared out of the shadows with a grim smile on her long, hollow face.

“Lady Fellwood,” I said formally. “It is nice to see you, but I am still unwell from the poison. I must be—”

She reached out her hand, grasping my arm tightly. “Well played, princess,” she whispered into my ear. “More clever than I anticipated. Luckily, Lady Calavi was no friend of mine. She got what was coming to her.”

She pulled back, taking in the sight of my face. I fought to remain unfazed, but terror began to stir inside of me. “I am unsure of what you speak, Lady Fellwood. Lady Calavi brought this fate upon herself. ”

Lady Fellwood chuckled, nodding slowly. “That she did. No worries, Genevieve, your secrets are safe with me. I hope your recovery is swift,” she said before returning to the other court members.

I took a moment to gather myself before Otar appeared at my side, seeming to sense my panic. With Calavi’s blood drying on his leathery skin, he took my arm and pulled me out of my panicked state. Winnow Fellwood would be another loose end I would have to see to before long.

I had just gotten to my bed when Eren came barging through my doors. Otar went into a defensive stance at the edge of the bed. Eren was calm and collected as always, but I knew the conversation we were about to have might not be so composed.

“Otar, please give us some time. You are free to roam the land,” I said.

Otar growled and then disappeared.

Eren walked slowly over to me, examining my state.

I laid my head down on the pillow and exhaled in relief. “What can I help you with, Ambassador Lyklor?”

He took a seat on the edge next to me. “Please tell me you weren’t responsible for Lady Calavi’s death,” he whispered.

“I guess in a way I was, since I was the one she tried to kill and got caught for it. Why? Don’t tell me you’ll miss her.”

“You are more dangerous than I gave you credit for. Clever and deadly. ”

I smiled at him. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“You can stop now, I know you. Gen … what were you thinking? Poisoning yourself. What if they hadn’t discovered the origin of the poison in time? You could have died.”

“Otar was my fail-safe. He had an antidote ready just in case they took too long. I planned everything perfectly. No room for error. And now, you are free, and the bitch is dead.”

“You shouldn’t have taken that risk. You put yourself in great danger. Especially if you had gotten caught. I am not worth it. You need to put yourself first. She was mine to deal with, not yours,” he said firmly.

I sat up, trying to read him. “Are you angry because she is dead, or because you weren’t the one to kill her?”

He rubbed his hand over his face as he stood from the bed. “No, I am not angry about either, I just … I am the one that is supposed to be protecting you, not the other way around.”

“Now we’re even. With the whole life-saving game,” I smiled at him.

He laughed as a bright smile spread across his face.

He sat next to me again, taking my hand in his. “Thank you … truly,” he whispered.

“You are free. To do whatever you want. No one owns you and you can truly move on and heal. You showed me how to heal from my pain, I just wanted to be able to do the same for you.”

He tightened his hand around mine. “You are too soft for this world. I fear it is going to be the death of you.”

“Please, don’t underestimate me. Many have, and now they’re dead.”

He laughed, nodding his head. “Yes, I’m aware. Is there anything I can do for you?”

I smiled. “Can you take the discomfort away, please?”

He exhaled and nodded. “I can do that,” he replied, reaching his hand slowly to my face. I fell to the pillow and closed my eyes as his smooth skin danced across my cheek. His fingertips made my skin erupt into goosebumps as he trailed them down my jaw. Whiskey and oranges filled my senses as I relaxed into a deep and comforting sleep.

I woke before dinner, feeling a little fatigued, but completely healed. I had to be on my game. Gaelin and Daealla would have already arrived, and I couldn’t show them that I was weak. I got dressed and headed to Eren’s room to go over the details of our little theatrical display for the evening. I could only imagine how happy he was to no longer be summoned to that bitch’s room. I remembered the feeling after Lysanthier had died. It was one I would never forget.

I reached his door and knocked twice. A servant opened it, allowing me to pass. I walked into his seating area, which was also his study, with a smile on my face, feeling happy for him. The double doors opened to reveal Icici as she finished dressing. My smile dropped at the sight of her. She locked eyes with me and grinned with delight. Eren came from behind her, bare-chested, wearing only pants.

“Good afternoon, cousin. I wasn’t expecting to see you here this early. Have you come to join us? I mean, it could be fun. One hot body, one cold. I am sure the sensation would be fantastic, don’t you think, Eren?” she said.

He passed her, grabbing his shirt and sliding it over his torso.

“Leave, Icici,” he demanded.

“Oh, come on now. Two Drezmores are always better than one,” she said, walking over to stand in front of me. She drew her cold fingers down my face as I pulled away from her. “You look a little pale, cousin. Still sickly? You should use more makeup. Though, I don’t think there is enough in the kingdom to make you look even remotely alfar.”

“Icici,” Eren barked.

She smiled, taking a step back. “Thanks for freeing him up for me, by the way. Now with that devil gone, I get him whenever I want. I owe you one,” she winked before leaving.

I felt so uncomfortable, I would have misted out of the room if I knew how. I just stood there, forgetting why I had even come.

“Did you need something?” he asked.

“I …” I couldn’t even form a sentence. I shook my head, trying to get a hold of myself. “I came to see how you were doing. I take it you enjoyed yourself?” I asked, feeling sick to my stomach at the thought of my cousin in bed with him .

“I am grateful to have my freedom, thanks to you,” he said, handing me a cup of tea.

I turned away from him, still attempting to gather myself. “Your first few hours of freedom, and you spent it with her?” I asked.

He exhaled, putting the cup back on the tray. “If it bothers you so much, I will stop sleeping with her at your request,” he said plainly.

I closed my eyes, feeling stupid and childish. “No. You are free to sleep with whomever you want. I’m sorry, I just don’t like her much, but I guess I can understand the … physical appeal.”

He walked over to me, leaning down to catch my eyes with his. I looked up, taking a deep breath in, remembering who I was. “How are you feeling? Ready for tonight?” he asked.

“Yes, I am. The faster the treaty is signed the faster, they can go home.”

“Exactly. I appreciate the check-in, but it wasn’t necessary. Did you need anything else?”

I shook my head taking a step towards the door. “I will see you at dinner,” I said, pulling the door open before he could say another word.

I went to the balcony of my room and looked out into the setting sun. How could he sleep with her? After the way she treated and taunted me? She was a foul female, and yet he still found her desirable enough to bed.

I pulled out my ragamor whistle and blew it as hard as I could. I needed to escape, by myself. Tarsyrth appeared at my balcony, latching onto the side of the mountain nearby. I quickly mounted him, taking off into the sky. I spent the next few hours flying. I cleared my head, preparing for tonight’s task.

I found myself at the edge of the border, peering into The Frey. I pulled the blue stone from my pocket and stepped through.

I sat on a bench in the center of a town I had never visited and watched the people busy themselves with work and life. A few took a hard look in my direction, but none were brave enough to approach. I watched while children ran through the streets. Couples walked hand in hand through the marketplace. Their lives were simple, yet complete. Time passed as I lost myself in thought, enjoying the simplicity. I made my way back to the border and called for Tarsyrth. I flew back to my balcony and dismounted him, now ready for tonight’s theatrical performance.

I took off my jacket just before Atalee appeared in my room. She exhaled with relief at the sight of me.

“Oh, thank Azeer,” she gasped. “Guards, tell everyone the princess is safe. ”

“What is going on?” I asked.

Eren ran through the door, followed by Lily. They just stared at me.

“What?” I asked.

“Princess, you do not leave these walls without someone with you, or at least informing someone of where you are going,” instructed Eren sternly. “We thought something had happened. We searched everywhere.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know I needed a babysitter to go for a ride,” I replied.

He exhaled again, looking to Atalee. “Prepare her. I will be back when the court is seated,” he said, leaving the room.

Lily rushed over flinging her arms around me.

“I’m sorry I worried you. That wasn’t my intent,” I told her.

“It’s okay, I am just glad you’re back. Now, wait until you see what I have made you,” she said. Atalee ushered me into the chair and began her magic.

I stood in front of the mirror admiring the craftsmanship that went into my look. I didn’t recognize myself. My hair was straightened like the alfar’s. It was long and went past my bottom. It shined and glistened in the light. My eyes had black liner on the lids, making them appear as if they were bigger than they truly were. Silver dust garnished my cheekbones, and my face was completed with a burgundy lip.

Lily had outdone herself. I wore a dress made completely out of diamonds. They were sewn onto a sheer fabric that revealed every mark on my body. I was practically naked. The diamonds were strategically placed to cover my private parts, but most of my breasts could be seen through the fabric. It was extremely formfitting and had two long slits on either side up to my hip bones. The sleeves started at the ends of my shoulders and went down to the middle of the back of my hands. Diamonds were scattered on each sleeve. The back was completely visible down to the top of my bottom.

I felt uncomfortable and exposed, but this was what it was going to take to get our treaty signed. Me dangling on a hook in front of Gaelin, again. I didn’t know how it was going to feel to see him. To hear his voice or look into his eyes. I had to stay strong and ready for anything.

Atalee brought out a diamond crown and placed it on my head. It had an emerald gem in the center of it. Diamond earrings hung from my ears and my star pendant, the one he had given me, was perfectly displayed.

A knock came at the door. Atalee went to open it and then left the room. I stood in front of the mirror. Small shivers ran up my spin in anticipation of seeing Gaelin in the flesh. I knew this day would come, but it didn’t mean I was ready for it. In the mirror, I saw Eren staring at me from the doorway. I turned, walking over to him in silence. He looked me up and down slowly, seeming to take note of every strategically-placed diamond.

“Are you going to say something, or just stand there,” I snapped, uncomfortable from his lingering look.

“If that dress doesn’t say ‘fuck me’, I don’t know what does,” he said, with a heat behind his tone.

Laughter exploded from me, relaxing my nerves. He smiled as he watched my expression. He was wearing a solid black suit with his normal silk trim, but this time it was white. His jacket was shorter, stopping at his bottom. His hair was slicked to the side and his face was radiant.

“I had a last-minute idea to push Daealla over the edge,” I said, breaking our awkward silence.

“Go on.”

“I thought I’d have Otar follow in behind me. He could take a place in the back and then disappear once the dancing began, but she would see him. The thing that killed her father.”

He grinned, reaching his fingers out to my chin. He brought my eyes up to his. “How something so bright can be so dark, I will never understand. I think it’s brilliant,” he whispered, dropping his hands from my face.

I called for Otar as Eren entered the throne room first. My father and the light court were already seated. Otar was overjoyed to bring more pain to Daealla, so he did what he was told without a fuss for once.

I waited nervously until I heard the announcer clear his voice. “Rise, for the heir of Doonak, Princess Genevieve Drezmore,” he said in a deep, booming voice.

The doors opened. I took a deep breath and took my first step. At the head of the table, my father sat with the queen next to him. There was an empty seat for me, then Eren to the left of my chair. Queen Daealla, Gaelin, and Levos sat across from them, now turned in my direction.

Daealla locked her eyes on me and then on Otar as he walked behind with his teeth bared. She sucked in air and held her breath, making a disgusted face. I smiled, proud of myself. I got to the middle of the room and stopped, waiting for the music to begin. Soddram approached first, bowing, and then taking me into his arms. The music began as we slid across the floor.

The dance was seductive and intimate, but I felt nothing when he touched me. Within seconds, Avalon cut in, twirling and bending me low as he smiled into my eyes. Next, Therosi pulled me close against his toned body. His handsome, devilish face scoured my figure as he licked his lips with delight. I smiled, pretending I was flattered.

The middle of the song began to play when Eren tapped Therosi on the shoulder. Eren took me into his arms and glided us across the dance floor, just like he had so many times before. His eyes entrapped mine, preventing me from looking anywhere else.

His hand slowly glided down my bare back, savoring my skin with each touch. He flung me around, then I brought my leg up to his side, as the dance called for. He held me there for a moment, sliding another hand along my leg up to my hip in the most pleasurable and seductive manner. I closed my eyes, arching my back as I enjoyed the feeling of a male for the first time since before Lysanthier. Something I never thought I’d be able to do again.

He pressed his lips softly against my neck before he pulled me up. I looked at him, shocked by the action. That was not a part of the original choreography. He winked at me, pressing his body closer to mine. He twirled me around, pulling my backside into him as he trailed his fingers down my arm, slowly taking his time while he grazed the side of my breast and then continued to the slit in my dress.

I turned back around, face to face again before he spun and dipped me, just in time before the song came to an end. I was panting, out of breath from the excitement of it all. He pulled me up slowly, never taking his eyes from mine. The court applauded as we stood locked to one another, but I didn’t care. In that moment, everything but Eren faded into the darkness. He took my face with his hands and kissed the side of my cheek softly. I felt his lips move to my ear.

“How did I do?” he asked.

I dropped my head, not wanting to give him the honest answer. I almost forgot it was all for show. I enjoyed his touch. The feeling of his body against mine. The feeling of his lips against my neck. I pushed the thought of him from my head. I couldn’t go there. It would only lead to another broken heart.

He bent down to search for my eyes. “Princess,” he whispered, “you’re blushing.”

I gathered myself and smiled at him. He nodded, offering his arm so he could escort me to my seat.

The court sat as we got to the banquet table. My father leaned over and kissed me on my head proudly. Eren took a seat next to me and undid his napkin. Gaelin was directly in front of me, which gave him a front-row seat to our production. I found the courage to meet his gaze.

His beautiful yellow eyes were filled with so much pain, I could barely stand it. A crown adorned his shimmering head of white hair. His cream suit hugged his well-built body. His lips were frozen into a straight line.

I smiled at him softly, trying to get a reaction, but he simply diverted his eyes to his plate. Eren addressed Levos and laughed at something he said. What it was, I didn’t know. I was too busy hating myself for what I was doing to Gaelin.

“Quite the show you two put on, Princess Genevieve,” said Daealla from across the table. “Ambassador Lyklor, I never realized how passionate you were until just now.” She narrowed her eyes at him seductively.

He smiled at her, turning his eyes to me. “Passion is easy when you have the right partner,” he said.

Her seductive gaze flashed to anger as she looked away from him.

The rest of the night was an uncomfortable mess. Negotiations began and got ugly halfway through. Daealla lost her temper while Gaelin tried to keep everyone together. In the middle of the debate, Eren would casually lean over into my ears, whispering stupid things that I couldn’t help but laugh at. He drew his fingers through my hair and noticeably slid his hand under the table to my thigh. Gaelin took note of it all.

Finally, the negotiations ended. We got what we wanted. They had foolishly agreed, and the plan worked. I got up from the table first, excusing myself back to my rooms. I couldn’t stand to be in the same room as everyone for another second. I felt guilty for what I had done. Before I could make it back to my rooms, Eren pulled my arm, getting my attention.

“What?” I snapped.

He pulled his touch away uncomfortably. “I … I just wanted to make sure you were alright after all of that. I know the physical aspect must have been unsettling for you,” he said, more caring than I had ever heard him sound .

I took a deep breath, calming myself. “I’m fine. It wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

He smiled, placing his hands in his pockets. “You know … for a moment there … I could have sworn you were enjoying yourself.”

“Maybe for a moment,” I admitted, laughing at myself, still in disbelief my body had acted the way it had.

“Then what is the problem? If it’s not me, then what?”

“Oh, you’re always the problem,” I chuckled. “It’s just … I didn’t like hurting him like that. He doesn’t deserve this. He never harmed me. He tried his best to protect me, but some things were out of his control. I feel horrible for what I just did.”

Eren exhaled, walking slowly towards me. He placed a hand on each of my arms and looked into my eyes. “You have nothing to feel sorry about. He may have not intentionally harmed you, but he put you in harm’s way, and then stood by and did nothing about it while you suffered. He deserves to suffer, if only a little,” he said with a smile. His eyes flashed down to the star pendant that sat displayed upon my chest. “He gave you that, didn’t he?”

“Yes, but that’s not why I wear it. It reminds me of the stars, and my freedom.” I said softly.

He smiled at me, allowing his hands to fall from my arms. “Get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.” He turned to walk away.

“Eren,” I called out.

He stopped, turning back around.

“I forbid you from sleeping with Queen Daealla,” I blurted .

He hung his head and laughed. “Princess, I wouldn’t touch her if she was the last female on this planet,” he replied.

“I find that hard to believe.”

He chuckled, walking away and leaving me in the hallway.