From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24

She glances at the desk, where the scraps of paper I found rest alongside an elegantly crafted quill. She nods with a smile and soon reappears with a small inkwell, just as refined as everything else in this castle. I set to work writing letters to my family, hoping Cassian will allow me to send them. I tell them about how everything is going here, my long walks in the garden, its beauty, the grandeur of the walls, and I make sure to reassure them by saying I’m fine. I don’t speak about my feelings or my thoughts regarding Cassian because I’m sure all my letters will be checked if they are sent. Doing this is how I spend part of my day, recounting my life and telling them about the things I’ve seen, including that little salamander named Ank. By the time I finish, I still have a couple of hours that I spend reading in an attempt to distract myself, and it’s when my doors open again and Naida and Clarissa enter that I know relaxation time is over.

“I must admit I never thought the master would want to take you to one of those parties,” Clarissa says while briskly rubbing my limbs.

“I guarantee I’m not excited about it.”

“It’s quite an honor.”

“What happens to them?”

She helps me stand, covers me before I get cold, and runs her hands to dry me. Naida appears, as always, carrying one of those beautiful dresses; this time it’s white, so white it hurts the eyes.

Everything a lady shouldn’t see happens there,” she says. “The only one who’s ever gone to one of those parties was Mavka and, according to her maids, the girl came back quite disturbed.”

“Can’t you tell me something more specific?”

Clarissa huffs, apparently annoyed by my ignorance and our constant chatter. She grabs my cheeks firmly.

“Carnal sin,” she says. “That’s what you’re going to see.”

Without saying anything more, the two begin to work in silence. The only sounds are the rustling of the fabric as it passes over my body, the tools they use to cover my face with powder and my lips with rouge. They apply some kohl, sharpening my gaze.

“Cassian wants you to wear this tonight,” Naida says, taking from the jewelry box the beautiful necklace that now gives me my name among the

castle folk.

I make no objections, letting her fasten the clasp at the back of my neck, allowing the gemstones to rest on my chest. The loose white dress, barely cinched at the waist, leaves my neck and much of my shoulders bare. Once again, I’m surprised and relieved not to have to wear one of those monstrous corsets that barely allow a full breath.

Despite being terrified by what I might encounter or simply by having to spend so much time with my captor, a part of me feels a certain thrill at the possibility of going out, beyond the castle gardens. What I see tonight may not be pleasant, and yet it might help dispel this sense of isolation.

“Don’t keep him waiting.”

Clarissa takes me by the elbow and leads me to the door. Drystan waits on the other side and, without a word, begins to walk down the hall, knowing I follow closely behind. I lift the hem of the dress as we descend the stairs, catching a glimpse of the tips of my red heels. These, along with the jewelry I wear, are the only trace of color on me tonight. Everything else is pure white.

Cassian hasn’t bothered to wait for me in the foyer, as a gentleman would, but already seems to be inside his carriage. The coachman offers his gloved hand to help me up, and I think I glimpse the edge of his fangs beneath the brim of his hat.

I settle inside, feeling completely intimidated by Cassian’s presence, who, as expected, looks handsome as ever in his black suit jacket. I try not to make my scrutiny too obvious before turning my attention to the window.

“I hope you remember the rules I told you.” He speaks with that captivating tone only he seems to possess and master to perfection. “Don’t let anyone else sink their fangs into you.”

“Don’t you think you should tell your friends that? I couldn’t stop them even if I wanted to. Remember, I’m just a stupid and mediocre human,” I reply with a condescending tone.

One corner of his mouth lifts into something resembling a smile, though I honestly believe this soulless and perverse being doesn’t truly know what smiling is. He only knows how to curve his lips in an intimidating way to reveal the edge of his fangs.

“I’m telling you, and that’s enough.”

Annoyed, I turn my face back toward the window. Seconds pass, and with each one, I feel more intoxicated by his scent, which fills the entire carriage interior. I wouldn’t know how to describe it, even if I wanted to, but if the night had a distinct smell, it would undoubtedly be the one Cassian gives off. Night and moon. The mystery it holds for poets and artists. It’s unique and impossible to decipher; you simply feel embraced by the darkest night when you’re near him.

“Will there only be Purebloods tonight?” I ask through clenched teeth, unable to contain my curiosity no matter how annoyed I am.

1/2

Chapter 24

“No. Why would you think that?” He studies me for a few seconds, and at my lack of response, he continues speaking. “There will be Diluted, and also humans.”

That last part truly surprises me, and he knows it as soon as he sees me turn my face in his direction, lips slightly parted in surprise and eyes wider than normal, abandoning the constant wariness I feel when I’m near him.

“I thought you hated the Diluted–and humans even more.”

Or at least he seems to.

“Those are just lies they invent themselves to play the victim–and among themselves they know it. That’s why some of them stop throwing tantrums and mingle with the higher ranks or even earn a place among them.” He tilts his head, observing my expressions. “As for humans, several attend these parties hoping to seduce one of us–Diluted or Pure–it doesn’t matter to them.”

“I don’t understand how anyone could want that.”

vey

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