Chapter 12 #2
“And he trusted you that readily?” Thalia pushed aside the emotions clogging her throat, the rage that was as dark as the room.
“I couldn’t stay in the human realm after it happened. I think the prince realized I had nothing left to lose.”
Because even if he hadn’t committed such a heinous crime, he didn’t have any family left. He had nothing left in Agripa, except her. She’d thought she was his family. She and Marcus and Reina.
But apparently the gods had decided the sentiment was a joke. Because her true family would never have done what he did. Would never have betrayed her so readily.
She still couldn’t stomach asking him how it happened, how he’d even come upon a Vampyr in Agripa and gotten turned. Instead, she said, “Is that couch comfortable?”
Cassius grunted. “No. It’s like sleeping on a hard plank.”
Thalia couldn’t help the smile that quirked her lips. “A shame we’re still bound and you have to sleep in here.”
“A shame considering I still have two weeks on this thing.”
“The prince won’t return sooner?”
“I haven’t gotten word that he will. Trust me, as soon as he’s back, this will all be over.”
Thalia picked at her nails under the covers, her mind churning and churning.
The prince wouldn’t return anytime soon.
Which left her with nothing. No way to figure out how to get closer to the very creatures who mistrusted her as much as she mistrusted them.
And how could she destroy the courts if she couldn’t get close to them? Unless …
A terrible, twisted, partially selfish plan began to form in her mind. One that might just allow her to learn more about this world and complete her mission—to stir up discourse and cause the Vampyrs to turn on one another.
“Well, two weeks on a plank doesn’t seem like it’s going to do anyone any favors,” she finally said.
“What do you mean?”
Thalia rolled her eyes, even though he couldn’t see her. “You sleeping so poorly explains a lot. It’s no wonder you’ve been such a prick.”
“I’ve been a prick?”
“Yes you have.”
“Then I apologize, Princess. I’ll try to be less of a prick while sleeping on this bed of nails.”
More shuffling ensued, as if Cassius was trying to get comfortable. Thalia took a deep breath, then blurted out. “You can sleep here.”
The silence felt too deafening, and she suddenly wished she hadn’t even suggested it. Shit, this was a terrible plan.
“Sleep with you?” Cassius’s voice echoed.
“We’re stuck together for two weeks. I’d rather deal with a rested, happy Cassius than a prick. Besides, it’s not like proxies don’t share a bed. In fact, I think it’s encouraged, considering the binding oath we’ve taken.”
More silence followed, and Thalia thought Cassius would simply refuse her until soft footsteps padded toward her.
She didn’t move, didn’t turn to watch as he slid into the bed beside her, the mattress dipping slightly.
“Still sleeping on the right side,” Cassius said after he’d settled beside her.
Thalia’s heart rate climbed at his nearness, the scent of him enveloping her, as did the heat of his body. Fuck, she’d forgotten he’d gone to bed shirtless.
“Still being a prick,” she snapped.
Cassius chuckled low. “My apologies, Princess.”
Thalia swallowed, the sound audible. Carefully, she hedged, “What else is going on with the Houses? What other sort of issues does the prince need to know about but can’t since he isn’t here?”
“Why are you so keen to know?” Cassius said cautiously.
“Because this is going to be my home, and I want to know the affairs of my kingdom.”
Cassius chuckled. “You’ve been quick to step into the role of princess.”
“Camilla’s been a wonderful help.”
“Camilla needs to learn to keep her mouth shut.”
“What do you have against her?”
“Nothing, but she schemes as much as you do, and I’m already spread thin as it is.”
“How hard it must be for you as hand to the prince,” Thalia mocked.
“You have no idea, Princess.” Cassius’s words brushed against her lips.
Thalia’s eyes widened, her heart rate spiking for a different reason.
Cassius stared at her as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
As if he didn’t realize how close they lay, where one tilt of Thalia’s head would bring her lips to his.
“You should get some sleep,” he finally murmured, the sound as dark and deep as the shadows gathered in the corners of the room. Cassius pulled away, turning his back to her.
Silence pressed in, and Thalia nearly flew out of her skin when Cassius closed his hand over hers.
“Stop,” he said. Thalia turned, finding his attention on her. She’d been picking at her skin, the flesh snagging as she dug deep.
His eyes glowed softly in the night, his dark hair falling across his sharp cheekbones. He gave her hand a squeeze. “Sleep, Thalia.”
She swallowed as he gently squeezed her hand again, letting go. He turned his back to her, somehow falling asleep quicker than she’d anticipated, his chest rising and falling in deep slumber.
Something about the image caused tears to spring to Thalia’s eyes and she looked away, blinking rapidly so they wouldn’t fall.
But she didn’t sleep.
When morning came, her thumbs were a mangled mess.