Chapter 16 #2
“There’s no alarm clock, not as you little humans would understand. He’ll either wake up when he’s ready, or someone will have to wake him up. Sometimes, time is set. Lukas was the first to do that in a long time.”
Carefully, I took another small sip. “Oh yeah, I think he mentioned that. Actually, I may have overheard? I’m not sure. Sounds familiar though.”
The atmosphere shifted and I took a step back.
The longer I stayed in this Realm, the more I was picking up on the subtleties in the air.
Being able to see the magic around Kiam was new, too.
I’d never seen it around my door until recently, though it wasn’t even close to as obvious as to whatever Kiam had going on with him.
“You do realize, little girl, that you are not claimed.” She stepped toward me. “That means you are fair game.” Another step. “You are not safe.”
My hips were against the stone wall. “Lukas is not yours—he is my Lord. If Wyvon wakes up, whether you’ve been claimed or not, nothing can save you.”
“Your Majesty,” Kiam’s voice rang out.
Annalise moved away from me and the deep breath I took almost folded me in half. “Kiam, my love,” she crooned, kissing both of his cheeks.
He gave me a cursory look. “It turns out I am available to assist you after all.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! I knew you would, you’re such a dear.” Her skin practically glowed with happiness. “Come, Cassia, we’ll go inside.”
What the fuck was happening? Kiam curled his fingers, motioning for me to join them. Trailing behind them, I listened as they made small talk, laughing about something Kalix had done, but I didn’t quite catch what they said.
We settled in the Queen’s personal chambers, where her favorite slave napped in her bed, a corner of the ebony fur blanket thankfully covering his bare ass.
I settled in an armchair, still clutching the wine glass but using it more as a prop than anything else at this point.
Kiam strode over to the sidebar and switched out Annalise’s for a glass of blood before pouring one for himself. “More wine, Cassia?” He asked me. I shook my head.
It was on the tip of my tongue to apologize for Lukas’s earlier behavior, but I held myself back, not wanting Annalise to hear about it. It wasn’t that I thought she would disapprove; it just seemed wise not to give her more information than she needed.
“It is as you assumed, the boy is in the Third,” Kiam said.
Annalise nodded. “You will go and fetch him for me.”
“I will. It seems he has been associating with demons, working for them.” His lips turned down before he added, “I don’t have all of my resources here, but I can address any lingering concerns when I arrive home.”
Annalise hissed, the sound belying to her beauty. “Demons. What the hell is any son of mine doing around demons.”
Kiam lifted his brow and scratched his cheek as he leaned back on the couch. He set his arm on the rest, his fingers clutching his drink while he stared at it. “It appears he is working for them. Drug running, I believe. He’s with a high level named Alexander.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, so he is rich?”
He smothered a smile. “I don’t know his finances, but I think it is safe to assume he doesn’t want for much.”
“So, my Zaynan is smart. What a good boy.” Annalise smiled and tucked her legs under her, getting comfortable.
She glanced at me, “My son, Cassia. He is coming home.”
“Oh, that’s great. I’m happy for you,” I replied, returning her smile. “How long has he been gone?”
The Queen flapped a hand in the air. “Since birth?”
“Birth?”
“Of course. Why would I want to raise a child?”
My ears rang. “It's fantastic you’ll be reunited. How old is he now?”
She scanned the room, thinking. She moved her fingers as if she were counting. “A few hundred years, maybe?” She shook her head. “I’m really not sure.”
“Better late than never, I suppose.” Kiam gave me a quick warning glance, so I added, “May I suggest throwing a party when Kiam brings him back? I bet everyone would love to meet the beautiful Queen’s son.” Kiam gave me the barest of nods and I felt the tension in my chest loosen slightly.
“That is a fabulous idea, Cassia. I’m so glad I didn’t poison your wine,” she purred and I blanched. She blew me a kiss and turned to Kiam. “When are you leaving?”
“Soon, my Queen. I have one very brief thing to attend to, and I will take my leave. With your blessing, of course.”
Annalise stood, brushing her chest against Kiam’s face as she hugged him. “Yes, my love.”
There was simply no way she and Kiam hadn’t banged. Once again, I fought illicit images. It was hard, when everything about the woman was so sexual. I shot him a look and he grinned at me, standing up.
The three of us trailed out of her quarters and into the throne room. “Thank you so much for the lovely lunch, Your Majesty,” I said, bowing my head.
“You are welcome, little girl,” she replied with a glimmer in her eyes.
I didn’t miss the careful moniker from earlier and gave her a confident smile.
“I’ll escort Cassia,” Kiam said.
“Very well. See you both soon.” Annalise walked off, leaving us alone.
We were silent until we left. Kiam stopped once we were halfway down the hallway that forked with my own. “She’s going to try and kill me, isn’t she?”
“Maybe,” he answered honestly.
“I’m sorry about Lukas, when he stuck you on the ceiling. I didn’t mean to get you in trouble.”
He scoffed. “I made my choice, there’s nothing to apologize for. I shouldn’t have touched you.”
My hands went to my hips. “You know he’s being ridiculous.”
“No, I know you are. Get over yourself and get your shit together. This life is no joke. You can be as independent as you want, but there’s a steep price to pay. Do you have any idea what Lukas would do for you? He’s told you, and you just don’t get it through your thick skull.”
I was stunned speechless. Kiam had never opened up to me quite like this before. “Um, okay. I just don’t... yeah. I don’t know.” I stared at the floor. He had a point.
“Figure it out and quickly.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I’m leaving, I need to get out of here.”
My gaze flicked up to his. “You’re pissed at him too, aren’t you. That’s why you’re leaving.”
His face clouded, and his back stiffened. I was right. “I’ll be returning with the boy. Try not to die in the meantime.”
One moment he was there, and the next he was gone.
I was all alone.