4. Evanee #2
The large crystal chandelier that hung in the entryway glittered in the glow of multiple torches lining the walls.
Black banisters with vine-like bars snaked upward, lining marble white stairs.
It was stark and clean. Oak doors lined the halls on either side of us.
On the left, the doors were barred. The double doors on the right stood slightly ajar, where raised voices drifted out.
The captain turned toward the latter.
“Wait here,” he said, motioning to a chair beside the room. He left me with two guards standing stoically in the hall.
I hated it here. Nothing good ever came from being in the castle for humans. Every human who entered came out entirely changed. Whether it was a session with Cressida below in the dungeons, or something worse. No one dared ask.
My fingers twisted together in my lap as the door silently clicked shut behind him. A fresh citrus scent clung to the air, triggering my gag reflex. Too clean. Too pristine.
The Queen’s muffled voice rose, and my head snapped up in response.
The door creaked open.
“Evanee!” she screeched.
My back twitched as I stiffly stood, tugging Aiden's’ jacket tighter around me as I slowly walked through the door. Not that I wanted his scent to cling to me more than it already was, but rather, I was still in my nightdress. And no corset.
The Queen sat behind a mahogany desk, still in her earlier attire, her crown now resting in front of her. Dark green eyes burned furiously as she glared at me, tapping long, black painted nails along the desk with a click, click, click.
“For some unfathomable reason, my husband wants you in the north.”
Click, click, click.
My attention flicked to Aiden as he crossed his arms, his face unreadable.
“I have half a mind to tell him no,” she scowled, this time at Aiden.
He stepped forward, voice firm. “You will allow me to take her. It would be unwise to refuse him. You don’t want to be on his less favorable side once he gains what he’s after, would you?” My heart beat faster as his eyes burned brighter, his tone both commanding and openly disrespectful.
“I am the Queen!” Valentina bared her fangs, shoving her chair back with enough force for it to crack against the wall behind her. “You will show respect.”
“And you know what I am.” The side of his mouth lifted in a wicked grin, lighting his face, canines on display.
I stepped back involuntarily. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea to go willingly. I don’t even know what he is. At least here, I knew the monsters I’m dealing with.
The Queen laughed, low and cruel. “Oh, I know what you are. And who, Aiden.”
His jaw worked as his smile faltered.
“I also know my husband. You’re a fool to think any actions or promises he makes aren’t self-serving.”
I was about ready to risk the wrath of both beings and run, until the Queen’s sharp gaze cut to me.
She leaned forward on the desk. “I'd be wary of your company over the next month as you travel, Evanee dear. This world is cruel, just as my dear husband is.”
“He requested your attendance as well,” Aiden bit out. The Queen straightened, wiping at imaginary dust on her shoulder, as she snickered—
“If he wants me to go to his desolate castle in the north, he can come drag me there himself. Now leave. I will be hospitable enough to allow Evanee to stay in one of the guest rooms tonight. But I want you and the rest of Raul’s lackeys gone before the sun’s up,” she growled.
Aiden gave a tight nod before snatching my arm and pulling me out after him.
I scowled when we found Cressida waiting in the room for us, and resisted Aiden as he tried to lead me forward.
He frowned at my hesitation. I tried—and failed—to hide the hatred for the Witch in my glare. A malicious smile spread across her face as if the display amused her.
“I need Cressida to change your appearance. This’ll be easier if you comply willingly,” he said, as if it were the most reasonable explanation.
“What for?”
“As a precaution.”
“For what?” I seethed.
Could someone be looking for me beyond these walls? Could it be my family, finally coming to get me?
My jaw burned from the force with which I clenched.
“Come now, Evanee, I don’t have all night,“ Cressida said with a bored sigh.
Aiden’s hand still gripped my arm, and I reluctantly stopped fighting as he pulled me into the room.
It was beautiful. Nothing compared to the squalor I’d grown accustomed to.
But I wouldn’t have expected anything less.
If I’d ever seen anything this beautiful, I couldn’t remember it.
The room wasn’t large, but it had an oversized bed in the center with thick pillows, a fluffy green comforter, and a canopy of gauzy white curtains.
Three large bay windows with heavy, golden drapes drawn over them overlooked the grounds, facing my river nestled within the trees.
Steam billowed from a porcelain claw-foot tub in the adjoining bathroom.
I shuddered at the thought of my aching back muscles being enveloped in something so warm for once.
Even more exciting was the functioning toilet beyond the tub.
Not having to squat over a chamber pot in front of others… luxury. This was luxury.
It made my skin crawl.
“I’ll stay until you’re done,” Aiden announced, shaking me from my repugnant admiration of basic things.
“Oh, Aiden dear, this part is just for us girls, but if you’re trying to hurry me along so I can come play with you next, you needn’t twist my arm,” she purred.
“No thanks. Get on with it,” he ground out.
Her head cocked to the side. “You were more than happy to warm my bed during your last visit.”
His eyes flicked to me briefly. Disgust made my lip curl.
“I’m on official business.” He cleared his throat, a shadow passing over his face.