From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 54

Chapter 54

Chapter 54

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I grope my way to the curtains and pull them back to let in light. I immediately shut the door–I don’t want anyone to see me when my mind is this confused. I have a strange idea. I run to my nightstand where I find an unlit candle and a few matches. I light one and bring the flame to the wick. I watch the flame hopefully, wishing to see a tiny fiery body curled in it.

”

Ank doesn’t appear, and that makes me feel deeply alone here. Even though Naida and Clarissa soon come to check on me, I don’t feel comfortable telling them what happened. I don’t know if they’ll judge me. I know I do.

Did I like that kiss? Did I give in too quickly? Should I have resisted more? Does that kiss mean anything?

“You have to tell us everything you saw,” my handmaidens ask.

I tell them about our encounter with one of the kraugs from the Twisted Forest, what the banshee camp looked like, the appearance of the witch Naja, and my dance with Eleazar.

“You danced with him?”

“That’s what I said.”

“Cassian won’t like that,” Clarissa mutters.

“He won’t find out,” I say. “And if he does, I don’t care. He doesn’t get to decide who I can or can’t dance with.”

“You do realize he’s your enemy?”

“You do realize Cassian is my enemy too?” I reply.

The conversation ends there. They offer to help me change and wash up, but I ask to be alone. The real reason is I don’t want them to see the bite mark–and more specifically, where it is. They insist on preparing the bath, and once everything is to their liking, they leave me alone.

I peel off the dirty dress and look at my naked body in the full–length mirror in the corner of the bathroom. It doesn’t take long to spot the mark that’s already turned purplish on the inside of my thigh.

I touch the two punctures with my fingertips and feel my body shrink from the wave of memories. Memories I wish weren’t so vividly etched in my mind. I turn away from my reflection and step fully into the hot water, which quickly becomes murky.

I return to those memories, grazing my lips as I recall that blood–tasting kiss that, despite it all, was incredibly soft.

I tell myself this is just because it’s the first time I’ve experienced any kind of intimacy with a man. It would’ve been the same with anyone else. It has nothing to do with Cassian.

I wash and get out of the bath after a good while. I slip on the nightgown and am focused on detangling the knots in my hair when there’s a knock at the door. My heart skips a beat at the thought it might be him. Instead, a head with braided white hair appears.

“Mind if I sleep with you?” I blink, confused. “I don’t trust them.”

Evanora looks at me with a face so soft it’s almost childlike. I can’t say no to her words, so I gesture for her to come in.

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*It’s not like my presence would stop them from entering, but if it makes you feel better, you can stay.”

“I hope your blood is tastier than mine and gives me a slight advantage.”

I look at her, unsure if she’s joking or not–she must notice, because she bursts into laughter. She’s no longer wearing that strange mask that once covered her face, and I can see the markings around her lips again.

“I was joking, Elara.” She closes the door and sits on the bed. “I’d never stand idly by while they hurt a woman.”

“Good to know.”

The lack of enthusiasm in my voice gives me away. Evanora crosses her legs on the bed and watches me with a cat–like expression.

“What exactly happened when you went to the pool?” she asks. “You’ve seemed off ever since.”

“You don’t know me well enough to tell, do you?” I say defensively.

“You’re right, but I’m not stupid. And remember I told you all your questions show on your face?” She raises an eyebrow. “Well, now you’ve got guilt and regret scribbled all over it. Look, I’m not great at being someone’s confidante, but if you need to confess your sins–I’m here.”

The last part she says with a mischievous smile. I study her words carefully while my fingers continue the task of untangling wet hair.

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Chapter 54

“I hate them, Evanora. I hate those damned things,” I say with a sigh. “They’ve stolen my whole damn life.”

“I get it. I hate them too.”

“And I think I hate myself now too.” Evanora stays silent, waiting for me to explain. “He kissed me when we went to the pool, and I did nothing. I’m afraid I even enjoyed it–absolutely everything that happened there.”

“Everything that happened there?”

“He bit me.”

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