From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Elara

I’d be lying if I said that after the screams, sleep came to me as if nothing had happened. The truth is that both Clarissa and Naida fell asleep on either side of me, and I stayed there with my eyes wide open like an owl. Almost afraid to blink, thinking that millisecond might be enough for Cassian to appear at the foot of my bed.

+15

That’s why today I’m up much earlier than usual. It’s just dawn, and I’m already in the gardens, wandering from one side to the other, nervous, restless. It’s no surprise that Drystan is about ten steps behind me, always watchful. A part of the gardens is completely off–limits to feeders, just like the west wing of the castle. I can’t help but walk very close to the boundaries, trying to catch a glimpse of something. There are large stone statues where vegetation has grown over the years. One of them catches my attention–it’s incredibly beautiful and sinister at the same time. A woman with parted thighs in a sensual pose, straddling a stone seat. She has generous breasts, scandalous curves, and two twisted horns protruding from her head.

“You shouldn’t get so close,” warns Drystan’s voice. “If your scent reaches Cassian’s gardens, he’ll skin us both alive.”

They must be pretty close for him to call him by name; here everyone calls him “sir,” always with a voice tinged with fear. Though it’s hard for me to imagine Drystan feeling fear. His body is slender like Cassian’s, with long limbs and absolute paleness. But it’s the black of his eyes that makes you think twice before contradicting him. They look like night itself, the rawest void.

I’m just looking,” I say weakly. “Seems like you all love having women unclothed, even in the gardens.”

I tilt my head toward the large stone statue. I think I see the shadow of a smile curve his lips, but it vanishes in less than a second. With his perfect posture and hands behind his back, he shakes his head, amused.

“She’s not just a naked woman. She’s our creator, and the one we worship. Mother among mothers. Show more respect–some would punish you for even the slightest offense.”

I remember what I read in the book that rests on my nightstand.

“Then that statue represents Lilith,” I venture.

“That’s right,” he says proudly. “The first woman.”

I don’t dare mention what Lea once told me she read in one of those old books everyone thought lost. She said it almost sounded like a fairy tale, and in it they spoke of the first woman, someone named Eve.

“Do you have powers too?”

“Besides my senses and strength?” I nod. “No, I don’t have gifts. Not all vampires do. They usually manifest in the most powerful ones, especially if they belong to an original family.”

“And how did you end up being his right hand?”

“My parents were advisors to his. We’ve known each other since we were young.”

“You still seem young to me.”

“You’d be surprised at my age.”

We fall silent and I resume walking, with him watching my every move. I end up beneath the same tree as always, next to the fountain where birds come to drink. I take the chance to bathe in the sun as much as I can, pleased with how its rays kiss my skin. If Drystan is bored, he doesn’t say anything. He stays there with his arms crossed behind his back, observing the surroundings. I don’t know how much time passes–I’m sure it’s at least a couple of hours—until I hear a small gasp of surprise.

I turn immediately and see how Drystan’s pose has shifted into an even more rigid one.

“Is something wrong?” I ask.

“I think it’s best we go back inside.”

“So soon?”

My shoulders slump in disappointment. The idea of going back inside does not appeal to me in the slightest. The days feel terribly dull, and now that I’ve heard the screams Cassian can cause, I don’t feel safe. Not even in my favorite corner of the library.

“You’re better off in your room today, trust me.” He steps aside to clear my path. “I don’t think Cassian’s in the best mood today.”

“So what I’ve seen so far… is Cassian on a good day?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I think I see him stifle a small smile.

1/2

12:19 PM

Chapter 19

“You could say that.”

“Very reassuring,” I mutter.

(15)

0

We enter the castle and I immediately feel the temperature change. Outside, the sun had warmed me, but in here it’s freezing. My skin prickles and I hug myself as I climb the stairs to my room. I sense more activity than usual. Halfway there, we pass a small group of feeders whispering and looking at me boldly as I pass by. I don’t lower my gaze, even though my nerves are killing me.

Before entering the room. I turn to look at Drystan, who clearly won’t move until he sees me go in. He’s beautiful, in

everything about him radiates hardness, though his facial features are fine and delicate.

“I didn’t thank you for stepping in during the argument with Mavka.”

He shows no emotion.

“There’s no need to thank me.” He starts to back away. “I did it for Cassian.”

“For Cassian?”

, it strange way, since

Ry

He doesn’t answer again. He simply turns and disappears down the long hallway, ignoring the looks the little group of girls shoot his way. Before they can shift their attention back to me, I shut the door behind me. I pace back and forth, casting fleeting glances at the little bell by my bed. Still silent. The book on my nightstand doesn’t seem like much of a distraction right now either. The last thing I want is to read about Cassian’s greatness and that of his kind. I walk over to the balcony, whose glass doors are still locked tight. I pointlessly try to turn the handle. Locked. I can

only settle for seeing a bit of the gardens through the glass.

There’s a knock at the door.

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