Chapter 4
Chapter
Four
MAX
The water is long cold by the time they take me from the bath, the servants patting me dry even as I fight their touches. But they won’t be deterred.
They comb and style my raven locks into loose waves, painting my eyelids with thick black lines. They allow me to put on my panties, a bare slip of red lace and put a silken robe over my shoulders, but nothing else.
“Bring her out,” the heir commands again and my jaw bounces.
I could defy his orders. But what good would that do? I am in his rooms, he is a prince and I am just a pretty bauble to be used until he gives me away to his father.
The urge to pull my magic, to squash his heart is overwhelming. I hate this, being used by a male I thought to give my heart to. How stupid was I to give it to him?
Sighing deeply, I stand taller, shoulders back. He’s not the only one who can play this game. I just have to endure, until I can figure out a way to escape.
The servants lead me into the bed chambers, blackness hovering around the edges, obscuring most of the room. I can only make out the bed, a grand piece with thin dark silk sheets and a long dresser. An ornate mercury-colored mirror sits on the wall above it.
Unfortunately, even as I squint, there isn’t much light to see the rest of the room.
Standing in the center of the room, arms crossed, black locks wild, is the heir. Staring at me, eyes unreadable, he doesn’t move as I enter, but he grows more agitated the closer I come.
I’m pushed the final step as my feet stumble. Close enough now, I can see the flecks of black in his amber eyes, the tips of his fangs, and the flaring of his nostrils. He’s scenting me.
“Remove it.”
The robe falls away, and dry heat hits my chest as my nude body goes on display.
He scans me again, carefully drinking in my form, more critical than hungry. If I didn’t know him, it would almost appear as if he’s looking for injuries, but that’s a foolish thought. This is all a game to him.
The mirror behind him shows my reflection—tall with ribs poking through my sides from my lack of nourishment, arms long, legs visibly shaking. It’s been weeks and I look as if I’ve aged years.
Stopping behind me, he peers at my reflection, face thrilled. He’s enjoying this.
It doesn’t help I’m damp between my thighs from his ravenous look.
“Leave,” he demands quietly. The servants hurry through the door and I try to watch them, but his hand finds my chin. Forcing me to look in the mirror, he breathes, “You may think me cruel, kitten, but this is for me. Only me.”
His gaze burns as his eyes fall to my chest, my stomach, and then, my hips. I shift, uncomfortably wet, but I don’t comment on it.
“You are cruel,” I snap. “You act as if my body is yours to do as you wish.”
He chuckles into my ear, nuzzling me. “You act so upset, Max. As if I can’t smell how fucking wet you are for me.”
“Do you plan on making me kneel next? To prove your power?”
“Although the idea of you kneeling before me like this is making my cock stiff, I have other plans.”
Kaden releases me, scooping a red silken dress from his bed. It’s nothing but fabric, a few golden chains, and I inch away, uncaring if my nude form is bare to him. I don’t trust him at my back. Not after everything he’s done.
“I don’t need your help to dress.”
“Help?” He shakes his head, shadows locking my feet to the ground. Trapped again. “No, Max. This isn’t help. This is a mate touching what he has claimed for the first time in weeks. This is for me.”
He drops the cool dress over my head, followed by the golden chains around my neck. They crisscross in a patten over my torso, keeping the fabric tight to my form, but it slides like water. It’s scandalous and light, perfect for the oppressive heat of the Shadowlands.
Fingers drift over my enflamed skin, a bare brush that raises the hair on my nape and my heartbeat follows. Disgust and want war under my skin, and I fight the shudder of pleasure it evokes.
“Is this a game to you?” I ask, pulling at my stuck feet. “Dressing me like a doll for your personal amusement?”
Grabbing my throat, he holds me still. “If this is merely for my amusement, Max, I’d have you naked in my bed, moaning my name, not dressing you to receive guests. This is to prepare you for what we’re walking into tonight.”
He acts as if we are donning armor. Finally, his shadows break and I step back.
Pointing to the mirror, he demands, “Look.”
I don’t want to follow his command, but timidly, I turn.
Begrudgingly, I look good. Elegant. Beautiful. The red dress matches my lips, the gold shines against the bodice and highlights my pale skin. My eyes shine like the night sky against the kohl.
I look every bit a royal, like he wanted.
Except one part.
My hand drifts to the scar at my throat, feeling the rough edges under my fingers. I’ve always kept it covered, to hide myself and my past in the Blackwoods Coven. Yet here, I’m exposed. Vulnerable. Weak.
His rough palm clasps on to my wrist at my throat, pinning it down to my side. His opposite hands burns my hip, as he holds me immoveable. I’m trapped once again, but this time it’s not panic that claws up my throat, but the blistering heat of lust.
His covered chest brushes my back, the dress hanging low as his body heat sears me like a flickering flame. It’s too hot—I can’t breathe with him so close.
Kaden’s eyes find mine in the mirror and I glare, trying to silently communicate how much I hate this. His touch. His hold. Him. Even as my body—and heart say differently.
“There she is,” he murmurs, words sliding over me like a caress. “Hold on to that fire, that inner hellcat, Max. You’ll need it. Now, stay.”
My eyes heat, blood surging with the callous demand. “I’m not some obedient dog to be commanded, heir.”
The hand on my wrist grinds my bones together as I wince in pain.
Smirking, he hisses, “Pretend that you are and stay.”
Releasing me, he grabs something from his dresser before a necklace appears in my face.
It’s a simple silver chain, clashing with the gold of my dress, the large sapphire so dark it looks black.
“Don’t hide your scar here, kitten.” He clasps the necklace around my throat, his forefinger trailing over my scar. “You will wear it with pride. Just like this necklace.”
“Why? What is it?” My jaw clenches, as I resist the urge to enjoy his touch. Not here. Not now.
“A gift,” he breathes. “One that will protect you in this court. So be a good pet, and don’t hide it. It could save your life.”
Tossing me to the side, we glare at each other, tensions high. I hate everything he’s done to me, and it seems the heir feels the same. But we are trapped in this world, this bond, and we have no other choice.
Anger rises like a twisting snake. Everything in me wants to attack, to throw this necklace into his face and run. Leave him, this court, and forget I ever gave him my love.
But before I can, the bedroom door slams open, hitting the far wall with a flourish.
Striding into the room on sharp heels, Fee stops short, scanning both of us, a small smile spreading across her face.
She looks completely different than the warrior I knew her as in the Eternal Night Forest. Now, she looks like a privileged princess with her fair makeup and many jewels decorating her fingers.
“Ah, so, they finally freed you.” She smirks, looking to me, then Kaden. “Tonight is going to be very interesting, big brother.”