From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Elara

When I wake up in the morning, Evanora is already gone.

In her place, my maidens fill the room, moving dresses from side to side and pulling me out of bed to get me dressed. I am definitely back to routine.

I eat breakfast in my room and then, returning to my old habits, I head to the gardens–only this time I do so knowing what hides in the places I’m forbidden to visit.

Lilith’s garden.

A garden where flowers are not just flowers and where beauty can be cruel and wicked.

Before leaving, I handed my letters to one of the guards stationed at my door without giving too much thought to how cold his fingers were or how his fangs peeked out like a threat.

To my surprise, I’m not the only one who has decided to spend the day outside. Many of Cassian’s blood maidens are here, and I can hear the murmurs they hide behind their fans.

It doesn’t take me long to understand why they’re here.

Beneath the tree with violet flowers resembling wisteria, Evanora sits again. She wears that kind of mask that covers her mouth and part of her nose. Her gaze is fixed straight ahead, lost.

I walk toward her, trying not to startle her.

“May I?”

She lifts her eyes to me, and now that I’m close, I can see how her fingers gently stroke the small head of her snake.

“Please,” she replies.

She makes room for me beside her, and I quickly take the spot. I can feel the eyes of the others on us.

“Nice pet,” I comment.

“She’s useful and doesn’t make noise, which I appreciate.”

“Useful in what way?”

“Intimidating enough to make people think twice before approaching me, like all the ones staring at us now.”

I look around and see she’s right.

“And she also helps me communicate with Naja.”

J

My eyes widen, surprised. For some reason, I lower my voice, as if this conversation shouldn’t be overheard.

“How do you communicate with her?”

“I’m sure you noticed her appearance. Among her gifts is the ability to communicate through any reptile or possess their consciousness.”

She strokes the snake again.

“When she needs to speak to me, she simply takes over her, and somehow, I understand her.”

“Not all of you can do that?”

“No, that’s not something typical of a banshee.”

“Does that mean you’re not an ordinary banshee?”

She turns to face me.

“You ask a lot of questions,” she sighs. “But no, I guess I’m not a regular banshee, I can do some basic spells. Magic seems to like me.”

“Are you half witch?”

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8:41 PM

Chapter 56

“You could say that.” She shrugs. “I couldn’t resist being more than one thing.”

I have many questions, but I decide I’ve asked enough. I don’t want to overwhelm her. Though, could she blame me? Every day I’m surprised by everything around me. I’ve been so blind…

Even though the silence between us isn’t uncomfortable, the constant stares from the other women walking through the gardens are.

I suppose they sense Evanora is different. She isn’t like us.

Evanora grabs my wrist suddenly, startling me.

“That mosquito again.”

“Mosquito?” I ask, confused.

“Let’s go. I’m sure you know something we can do for fun.”

She pulls my hand forcefully as she stands, intending for me to do the same.

I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and spot Drystan approaching us.

As always, he walks with a calm and confident stride.

His black eyes catch mine, and a sly smile begins to form on his lips.

“Why do you hate him so much?”

Evanora frowns as if I’m the one acting strangely.

“Do I need a specific reason to hate that thing?” she insists, tugging my wrist. “Elara.”

I give in, though it seems too late. Drystan is almost upon us, and he surely heard everything we said and is quite pleased to know he gets under Evanora’s skin.

Since they met, they’ve acted like cat and mouse.

The banshee starts walking quickly, dragging me along.

I try my best not to slow her down, but I fear her supernatural nature means running doesn’t affect her the same way.

We’re not far enough not to hear the vampire’s voice.

L

“Good morning to you too, grumpy!”

“Go to hell, leech!”

“Only if you come with me, darling!”

Not laughing takes all my willpower. I’m sure a certain someone wouldn’t find it as amusing as I do.

We dodge a few women walking with parasols. In their eyes, I see a flicker of recognition as they meet mine.

Possibly no one here doesn’t know the supposed Ruby Queen. The title is ridiculous.

We step back into the castle, and I feel the temperature change immediately.

I bend over, placing my hands on my knees and trying to catch my breath.

Evanora gives me no respite; she grabs me by the elbow and pulls me.

“Anywhere that’s just yours?”

I’m forced to think fast, and the image of my peaceful little spot by the window comes to mind. I walk ahead and lead her toward the side of the main staircase, to the small door that opens to a spiral staircase.

“Please tell me your spot isn’t the dungeons.”

“Oh. I’ve been there too. Not pleasant. This place is much better.”

I tread carefully on the steps, feeling Evanora’s hand on my back.

We descend in silence, and when we finally reach the library, I wait eagerly for her reaction.

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8:41 PM

Chapter 56

In just one month, I’ve made this place my favorite spot in the castle.

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