Chapter 9
Chapter
Nine
MAX
The heat of the day causes me to wake, my brow dotted in sweat, lips dry and the dress sticks to my body uncomfortably. Sitting up, I inspect my surroundings, mind groggy and body tense. There’s a moment of fleeting sadness at seeing an empty spot.
No, I’m relieved he didn’t come back.
But where did he go? He couldn’t stand to be near me, but did that mean he sought comfort from another?
My heart pounds harshly, rattling my breath as jealousy strikes. Blasted bond. I am not the jealous type, but the bond, the need to have my apparent mate, is a thorn in my heart. Hurtful, gnawing pain grows in my body and will continue to grow until I know where he is.
Rubbing my breastbone, I look skyward. One day, I’m going to get even with Dey, the God of Love, for creating these soul-bonds. It’s their fault for this suffering.
Gently, I slide off the tall bed, my feet hitting the cool floor and I sigh, enjoying the chill. The red haze of the day is light, meaning it’s still early, but the heat is unbearable. Now, with more torches lit, I can see the entire room, taking in the smaller, finer details.
The walls aren’t black, but a deep burgundy red, so dark it could be considered black in the dark. The heir’s dresser holds various boxes, expertly crafted. Lifting one, I see more jewelry inside fit for a female, with golden chains or silver rings. Were these also his mother’s?
Turning, I look around and find in the far corner an armoire, and hope flares dangerously high in my chest. An armoire means weapons. Weapons mean protection.
I dart to the doors, yanking on them, metal locks clanging. They don’t budge.
“They’re locked.”
Spinning around, I watch as Fee leans against the bedroom door. Breathing heavily, blood pumping, I gesture to the doors.
“Why?”
She smiles, pleased. “My brother didn’t trust his future wife not to steal a dagger and kill him in his sleep.”
Thoughtful. “From what I understand, a claimed mate cannot kill the other without inflicting self-harm.”
She nods pushing off the door to fully enter. Glancing to the bed, her nose wrinkles, as if smelling something sour. “So, he told you that much. You must have tried to kill him after all. When?”
There’s no point in lying. If she doesn’t like it, maybe she’ll send me back to the dungeon. I’ll get a break from the heir and this heat.
“In the dungeon, with a rusted piece of iron from the cot.”
Fee laughs lightly, approving. “Clever. I can see why my brother loves you.”
The word love spikes adrenaline through my limbs, turning my entire body feverish. “He doesn’t love me,” I deny, shaking my head. If he did, he wouldn’t have done this.
Coming closer, it’s easy to see the warrior she is. She may be dressed in a simple black day gown, a dusting of black shadow around her eyes, but she’s tall, imposing, as she stares down at me. I’ve never felt truly powerless until now.
“My brother loves you. If he didn’t, well.” She shrugs. “Things would be different.”
I snort because, what could be worse than this? Drugged, imprisoned, ready to be given to his father as a prize? What would love look like with the heir?
I remember Zelos’ gaze and shudder. Whatever he wants, it will not be pleasant for me. If the heir loved me, I would not be here.
“Here.” She slips a dagger off her belt, the hilt pure black with a simple red ruby at the edge. “A woman should not be completely powerless in these halls.”
“Then you know what your brother is doing to me.” I take the dagger, the weight a comfort I’ve longed missed. “He’s keeping me drugged. I can’t access my powers.”
Fee hesitates for a moment and it’s the first time I’ve seen her look conflicted. “I understand that this is all new for you. This is a new world for you, a new role, new lands. But you must trust that it’s in your best interest.”
“My best interest,” I echo, watery eyes scanning the dagger.
“What is that, exactly, Fee?” I challenge, throwing my hands out.
“The part where your brother tied my life to his? When he kidnapped me and stole me away to this desert? When I spent weeks in a dungeon, drugged, a piece of myself missing, just to be put into a royal’s chambers to be given to your disgusting father?
How about the part where I am being kept, defenseless, by your wonderful brother? Which part is for me?”
She wars with her words, looking to the side as if she can’t bear to see my face. Good. I hope this makes her as uncomfortable as possible. “You don’t understand anything. My brother risked a lot by claiming you. He still risks everything. For you.”
I step close, pleading with her. “Then convince him to release me. If I’m such a risk, get rid of me.” Maybe she can do what I can’t—get Kaden to see reason. “He’ll be safe if I’m gone.”
Shaking her head, Fee scoffs. “Whatever hope you have, blood summoner, get rid of it now. Once a claiming begins, it finishes. You cannot break this bond because it goes beyond simple words. Your souls are connected. Your hearts are one. You cannot end this bond because it is simply not of this world. And if he could?” Fee snorts. “Kaden wouldn’t let you go.”
All hope vanishes, leaving me cold in the sweltering room. I cannot be free of him. I’m stuck, bound to the heir, in this life. I’ll be a weapon even if I don’t want to be.
How do I fight against something not of this world?
Servants walk in, heads bowed. Unlike with Kaden, they don’t hurry in fright, they glide through the room, placing clothing on to the bed, and a tray of tea beside it. Two of them move to the bathroom, filling the tub with water that immediately heats the back of my neck.
Fee grabs the tea cup, her skirts swooshing along her legs. “Drink.”
I shake my head and the princess sighs, sipping from it as if to show me it’s safe. “We’re not your enemies. You need to keep your strength while here. Trust me in that much.”
Taking the out-stretched cup, I sniff it. It smells like lemon-mint and without the herbal tang of the blocking drug mixed into it. “Your brother said the same.”
My heart feels as hollow as my words. Fee seems to understand, nodding as I drink.
“He’s right.” Such utter confidence in him. Does she ever think he’ll fail? “Of all the Fae, Kaden would never be your enemy, blood summoner.”
I snort, draining the glass. Of anyone in these halls, he’s probably the only true enemy I have.
Waving off the servants, I peel the dress off my sweaty frame. Once I’m submerged in the bath, Fee walks in, arms crossed. Clearly, the royals have no concerns about privacy. Or nudity for that matter.
“You should allow the servants to tend to you.”
“I don’t need servants,” I mutter, using the soap to lather my arms and legs. I don’t bother to hide my disappointment at my situation. “We didn’t have servants in the Coven. I took care of myself there; I can do so here.”
“Here, you’re to be a queen.” Amber eyes flicker with a grief I can’t place. “Queens are taken care of.”
“Then find another queen, because I won’t allow anyone to wait on me.”
Dunking my head under the water, I enjoy the heated bath, holding my breath for as long as I can. Only once my lungs start to burn, do I rise, chest exploding with oxygen.
It’s petty, but I hope the constriction bothered the heir, wherever he is. It’s his fault I’m stuck here, like this.
Wiping my eyes, I notice Fee hasn’t moved. She stares, head tilted again.
“Maybe you’re the kind of queen we need.”
She retreats as I grab a towel, meeting her in the bedroom. Dresses cover the bed. There’s a deep purple dress that reminds me of the items I wore for the peace summit on behalf of the Blackwoods Coven, a black dress similar to Fee’s and another blood red gown.
I miss the Coven but I’m pulled toward the red, running my fingers over the silk. It’s a day dress, capped sleeves and straight down to my legs. It’s not meant to be beautiful but the color reminds me of my powers. Of when I was strong. I want to be strong again, now.
“Let us, Your Majesty,” the one servant says, coming to my elbow.
The title scares me and I refuse. “No, I’ll dress myself.”
When they look to Fee for verification, she shrugs. “The future queen gave a command.”
They accept her answer, bowing before excusing themselves. I don’t bother to hide from Fee, dropping my towel to pull on the dress. I’ve never been ashamed of my body, but uncomfortable with my powers and scar. Here, neither seem to bother the royals.
The dress goes on smoothly and annoyingly, I notice how well it fits. Because, of course it does. The heir must have had it made for me.
“Don’t forget this.” Fee hands me the necklace again, making sure to watch me put it on.
Carefully, I tie my hair back into the simple braid, my purple-black locks hanging over my shoulder. Like the princess, I strap my dagger to my belt. She smiles, approvingly.
I might be powerless but I am not defenseless.
Slipping on the heels, I silently curse the Gods for these creations and look at Fee. “Now what? Off to bring me to another prison?”
She smirks, crossing her arms, enjoying my quips. “Not quite. Breakfast. I’m told you’re not eating and there are a few of the dignitaries who rise with the sun. They wish to eat with the royal family before more strenuous talks occur.”
Trembling, I hide my hands in my skirts. The royal family means being close to the king once more, and I don’t know how I’m going to handle that.
Zelos is a ruthless Fae and just being in the same room as him terrifies me.
Licking her bottom lip, she searches my downward eyes. “He won’t be there, blood summoner.” Fee seems to hold herself still, eyes piercing. “You’re safe.”
I let out a heavy breath, my shoulders sinking.
She might be lying, lulling me into a false sense of security before leading me to slaughter, but something tells me Fee is sincere.
It’s in the subtle way she positions herself between me and the door, her slender hand resting on her dagger, ready to strike.
No harm is going to come to me. Not with her there.
Stepping close, she adjusts my hair, moving pieces from my neck. Again, they want my scar to show, put the necklace on display. When I catch Fee’s eyes, I ask, “Why?”
She hears my question. What does this all mean? How will this protect me?
I don’t expect a clear answer.
“Let them see you as a threat.” Fee gestures to the dagger and my scar. “Let them see you cannot be killed. In these halls, appearances are half the battle. If they think you’re weak, they’ll pounce. If you’re strong, you hold all the power. Use it.”
Swiftly, she turns on her heels, not bothering to wait for me to follow.