From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 34

Chapter 34

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An exasperating chuckle escapes Cassian–it’s pretty obvious he just got into my head again. I hate him. Isn’t there a way to keep him out? This is a total mental violation.

“I don’t need to get into your head to know you’re sore.” For a second, I think I see a lascivious glint in his eyes. “You’ve been bouncing in that saddle for ten minutes.”

I press my lips together and stop moving, now fully aware that no gesture of mine escapes him. We’re nearly at the city’s edge when Cassian pulls the reins harder and steers his horse off the main path. We end up behind the underbrush. He dismounts in a swift movement, and I do the same. He ties the horses to a nearby tree trunk, and from the way he moves, I know this isn’t his first time doing this.

No words are needed—when he steps out from the brush, I follow, making sure my hood covers my face well, though I doubt anyone in the city would recognize me. Even if they did, it wouldn’t matter. I’m no one to these people.

We enter one of the poorest neighborhoods. We blend into the walls, walking down the darkest and loneliest alleys. It’s hard for me to keep up–he moves too quickly and silently, something I can’t replicate. His footsteps float. I, on the other hand, feel like an elephant trying to tiptoe.

As we wander through the slums, the stench of urine, feces, and garbage is suffocating. I try to cover my mouth with the cloak’s fabric, but it does little to help. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a nearly naked child. We share a very brief look before a man appears and pulls him away, I want to believe it’s his father. I hope it is. From that moment, I feel my heart shrink in my chest and I move forward in a daze.

We stop in front of a building that looks in better condition than everything we’ve passed. True to form, Cassian goes in first and doesn’t even bother to hold the door for me. Inside, it’s quite dark, and we have to climb three floors until we reach a door with a snake–shaped handle. He knocks three times exactly, and then a familiar face opens the door: Walter.

He can’t hide the bit of delight he feels at seeing me again.

Cassian steps past him, removing his cloak and gloves as he scans the room.

“Aeron and Ciro are waiting where they always do, sir.”

He walks off without saying a word–the thud of a door at the end of the hallway is the only sign he entered one of the rooms. We’re left in silence for a few seconds, and slowly a wide grin spreads across Walter’s face.

“I’m so glad to see you again and to know you’re okay. I was really worried when you left like that.”

My hand instinctively travels to my wrist, where the wound is already healing. I’ll carry a reminder of that night. He notices the gesture, and for just a second, the brightness in his eyes dims.

“Yes, I’m better. It was just a small accident.”

“I’m glad that’s all it was.” He points to a small chair–not exactly glamorous compared to the luxuries I’ve had these past weeks. “Please, take a seat. I don’t think they’ll take long; they never do.”

“Who’s Ciro?” I ask, remembering the name he mentioned earlier.

I know Aeron De’Ath is his lord and comes from one of the three original bloodlines.

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Chapter 34

“Ciro Amery.”

I open my mouth in an “O” shape and then nod to show I know who he means. Well, only in theory. Honestly, I don’t remember seeing him at the party. Maybe I did, but didn’t recognize him.

“And what do they do?”

“They discuss things.” He waves his hand dismissively. “Or rather, Cassian discusses and the others listen.”

“Do they fear him?”

“Everyone does–or at least they should.”

“What do you know about him?” I lower my voice so much I think he didn’t hear me. Though I’m sure they did, with that devilish hearing of theirs.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” he replies. “After all, you’re the one who lives with him and feeds him.” Seeing my blank expression, he sighs and continues. “I guess I know almost the same as you. He has a lot of power–so much that even those of noble lineage fear him. He has gifts no one else has. His temper makes him wildly unpredictable, and most of the time people are afraid to anger him, afraid he’ll destroy everything. Generally, he’s not violent, but when he chooses to be, it’s absolute terror. What happened the other night wasn’t the first time–I’ve seen him do the same to almost an entire room.”

“Does he go around killing humans?”

He arches one brow, as if saying of course–haven’t I heard the rumors about feeders who don’t survive?

“If it’s any comfort, he doesn’t do it for pleasure. Or so I think. He just gets rid of the ones who irritate him–especially if they’re human. He truly hates us.” He shrugs. “Doesn’t surprise me much. I think he hates everyone. Sometimes I even find it strange that he lets anyone touch him at all.”

“Man or woman?” I repeat. “Cassian…?”

“Most enjoy the company of both men and women.” He winks. “Why settle for one gender when you can have both?”

I feel myself blush immediately, remembering how many men–many of them Diluted–lingered near him.

“Do you have a problem with that?” he asks.

“Not at all,” I say hurriedly, waving my hands in front of me. “I just didn’t imagine it.” The start of an awkward moment looms, so I prepare another question to keep the conversation going. “And what do they discuss?”

“No idea. I don’t like to gossip.”

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