From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Cassian

The sun is at its highest point, and although this doesn’t guarantee we’re free from enemies, at least we know the worst creatures won’t be lurking along the paths. Not until night falls and protecting the little human–who can barely stay upright on the horse–starts to become a nuisance. There’s a little voice in my head telling me to get off the horse and return to the comfort of the castle. What does it matter if she dies? Then that voice is joined by my annoying right–hand man’s voice, inciting me to seek answers: “Don’t you think she’s a fascinating human, my friend?”

I growl.

“If you need us to stop at any point, just let me know,” Drystan says.

It hasn’t been long since we set out. We were especially cautious in the area where we were attacked yesterday, and now we ride on open roads, clutching our cloaks. Elara and Drystan share a new white mare, and I ride the black stallion who won’t stop rubbing his muzzle against the mare’s side.

“Of course, no problem, Elara. We can also chew your food and feed it to you like a little chick,” I say, rolling my eyes. I squeeze the stallion’s flanks and he surges forward several meters. “It’s a two–day journey, so don’t slow us down.”

I don’t bother looking at her reaction. I don’t need to. I extend those invisible fingers of my power and try to caress her thoughts. Huh. Maybe that ashen face is deceptive, because her mind is closed off to me. It’s been days since she resisted.

We pass near a village, staying on the outskirts to avoid attracting the attention of any ruffians tempted to attack us upon seeing the fine condition of our horses. To their misfortune, of course. The farther we go, the rougher the paths become, and before the sun sets completely, we camp in a clearing hidden by trees.

When I dismount from the stallion, I can’t help but feel relief in my legs. I welcome the short walk to a nearby stream to water the animals. By the time I return, Drystan has risked lighting a fire and holds a flask to his lips that, judging by the coppery smell, contains anything but water.

“Want some?” he offers. “It’ll do you good.”

I shake my head.

“It’s been sitting there for hours, that shit’s not even fresh or warm anymore.“”

He shrugs and drinks again, his eyes shifting toward Elara, as if inviting me to try my luck with her. She’s near the fire, breaking the bread into tiny pieces before putting them in her mouth with some cheese. She looks sickly and as unappetizing as possible. I wrinkle my nose.

“I’ll take first watch,” I declare.

We sit in silence watching the flames. With every gulp I hear go down my friend’s throat, my own thirst claws at me. And yet, I refuse to drink that rancid garbage. I want it straight from the source–especially now that I’ve tasted the fruity flavor of Elara. I’ve never admitted this out loud.

“I need…” Elara’s voice is raspy after staying silent all day. “I need to freshen up a bit.”

She stands shakily, as if even that simple dress she’s wearing is too heavy for her body. We both watch her walk away a more wooded area. I rise before Drystan gets the idea.

1/4

toward

X

Chapter 42

It doesn’t take long before I’m only a few meters behind her. She glances over her shoulder at me with tired eyes.

“Can’t I have a bit of privacy?”

“I’m just going to keep watch.” I keep my tone serious. “Lately, death seems to hover around you.”

My comment draws a soft laugh from her. I pause briefly, surprised by the sound. Until now, I’ve only heard her laugh with irony.

“What’s so funny?” I ask.

“The fact that you say death seems to hover around me–like you’re not a walking representation of it.”

I stop, tilting my head slightly as I watch her move away. I turn around to give her privacy and lean my back against a tree. I listen to the splashing of water on her face, the way she rubs her skin with it, and that little gasp of surprise at the cold. I try to focus on other sounds: the tiny animals scurrying through the bushes, the treetops rustling with a gentle breeze, the sound of the river.

The scent of wild berries caresses my senses when Elara returns. She walks past me and heads back to the fire under my constant scrutiny. Soon, Drystan and Elara settle against the cold, hard ground, each clutching their own blankets, backs turned to me. I sit against a tree, cross my ankles, arms folded across my chest, alert to any sign of someone–or something -approaching. I feel the exact moment when Elara falls asleep by the way her heartbeat and breathing become slow and steady.

I let time pass. I don’t wake Drystan to relieve me. I stay here, enjoying the night, this extension of myself, and also watching the small body beneath the blankets rise and fall with each deep breath.

What a weak creature. So sickly. So fragile.

Did you know she hasn’t cried even once since you bought her?

I don’t know how long she’ll last. I just know I want to see those tears fall, lick them, taste them on the tip of my tongue.

With those thoughts, the sun rises again, and we prepare for another long day on horseback. Drystan settles behind Elara and takes the reins. I ride as far from them as I can on my own mount. I’ve gone a whole day without feeding, and the vein pulsing in her neck is torture.

“How old are you, Drystan?”

They’ve started talking animatedly, like they’ve been lifelong friends.

“I’m so old you’d be scared to know.”

T

“And him?” She lowers her voice so much that a human wouldn’t hear anything–but I’m not human. “Is he as old as you?”

“Older.”

“How much older?”

“He’s over a thousand.”

Her voice blends with the breeze; still, I clearly hear how her breath catches in her throat and takes more than a second before it resumes.

2/4

8

0

X

Chapter 42

“That many?”

I can’t hold back the little smug laugh that builds in my chest.

“You see, little beast, your existence is ridiculous in comparison.” I glance at her over my shoulder.

“For someone so ridiculous, you sure pay a lot of attention to her.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify