From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

After our conversation, I try to distract myself. I check the correspondence but find only letters from useless people I couldn’t care less about–including that bastard Eleazar. He suggests a meeting between the three main Pure families and the rebellious Diluted ones. Bored with so much drivel, I decide to pour myself a drink while I think. I summon one of the feeders, and a blonde girl with a heart–shaped face appears, knowing perfectly what I expect of her. She makes the cut herself to pour her blood into my cup. I would never sink my fangs into her, no matter how seductively she bats her lashes, hoping I’ll do it.

The other night I was a fool–I almost broke one of my own rules. That’s not like me. I’ve never even considered biting one of them.

That beast seems determined to make me reconsider everything.

The feeder backs away without turning her back to me and disappears shortly after filling my cup. I bring it to my lips, savoring the thick liquid. It’s not remarkable–just like the blood of any other. Tasty, but not special. I relax as I drink, and my thoughts drift back to Elara. Drystan’s words surprised me. It’s true–despite fearing me, she hasn’t shed a single tear. Amazing, coming from someone so weak.

I blank my mind with the intention of jumping between the consciousness of the people in the castle. I look for her maidens, whose minds are wide open to me. The eldest, Clarissa, seems genuinely worried about the girl’s health. Naida, on the other hand, has someone else on her mind–someone I know well. I hop from one to another, easing my boredom by violating their privacy.

Until I stumble upon a mind I had no intention of entering today.

“Cassian, Cassian, Cassian…”

She calls me like a siren’s song.

That little girl says I disgust her and that she hates me, unaware that her mind never stops calling out for me.

“Cassian, Cassian, Cassian…”

Her cry becomes more demanding, and tired of hearing it, I get up from my chair with a screech as I drag it. I slam the cup down, spilling some of its contents. My guards are startled to see me walking down her hallway–it’s not common for me to venture into the feeders‘ wing. I always try to keep my distance.

“Open the door,” I order one of them.

He obeys quickly. Inside, the fireplace warms the room. Everything is in order, only a few books stacked on the desk she actually lives here. Otherwise, it remains as I remember it when it was empty.

suggest

On the bed that dominates most of the room lies Elara, the sheets pushed aside. She’s wearing only her nightgown; her feverish body has soaked it with sweat. My nostrils flare when I notice her curves–I think I can almost see the color of her nipples. I quickly look away. No matter what she thinks, I wouldn’t ogle her body in this state.

Not that I wouldn’t, if the situation were different.

“For Lilith’s sake, Cassian, what nonsense are you thinking?” I scold myself out loud.

I look at her again, this time focusing only on her face. I’m sure if I pushed just a little harder into her mind, I could see what

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Chapter 32

she’s dreaming. Because I believe what I heard is part of her dreams.

“Cassian, Cassian, Cassian…”

Damn it.

I clench my fists, unable to look away. Her neck is damp with sweat, and I feel the urge to run my nose along it, inhaling her scent again. It’s sweet–like wild berries.

That scent…

The restraint makes me bite my lower lip with the edge of my fangs. I snort, disgusted with myself.

What is it about this damn girl, this human I bought filthy and with the hem of her dress torn? I storm out, furious at reacting this way. My guards flinch as I leave, and one even peeks inside.

Perhaps he thinks that feverish creature has died by my hand.

“My lord.”

Narkissa, with her hands clasped before her lap, waits at the start of the castle wing that most are forbidden to cross.

“What do you want, Narkissa?”

“Just to see you.”

“Not the time.”

My words hurt her, and her face shows it.

“What’s going on?”

Narkissa knows full well she shouldn’t take such liberties with me. Just because I let her lips touch part of my body doesn’t mean I’ll let her into my life.

“Nothing that concerns you,” I reply, resuming my path to my quarters.”

H

“It’s that human again, isn’t it?”

“I have thirteen humans. Which one are you referring to?” I say as if I truly didn’t know which one she’s worried about.

I’ll never understand the female sex. They get jealous of those who are the least threat. That human could never outshine her in beauty–she’s a sack of rot. With each passing second, her body decays.

“The one with the rubies,” she replies with contempt. “That human.”

“What about her?”

“She’s a nuisance.”

“On that we agree.”

“And yet she’s still here.”

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