From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Cassian

It’s been a week since Evanora has been living with us in the castle. Wait–us? I shouldn’t speak as if we’re a team, considering I’m basically a prisoner. That aside, I’d say it’s been one of the most fun weeks I’ve had since I got here. Evanora loves getting into trouble, and I’m so eager to live the little thrill of mischief that I get caught up in all of them.

“Are you aware that by doing this, you’re only fueling the fire of your war?”

I pass her another garment from Drystan’s wardrobe while she focuses on cutting out delicate shapes with the garden shears shapes, I mean forms that strongly resemble the male parts I’ve seen in medical books from the library. Maybe less detailed.

“Ruby Queen, I don’t intend for this war to end.”

we

stole.

By delicate

“Don’t call me that,” I protest. “Besides, I can’t take you seriously when you talk about war while cutting shirts with pruning shears.”

She huffs, brushing aside a strand of white hair that falls over her eyes. She’s not wearing her black mask, and I can see the mischievous smile that

lights up her face the entire time. She’s enjoying this. The albino snake coiled around her neck hisses as if amused by its mistress’s mischief.

“Would you take me more seriously if I started cutting his underwear? The Ruby Queen and the White Banshee. Think about it, it sounds like powerful duo.”

“Yes, we have the superpower of cutting perfect male genitals.”

“Thanks for appreciating it.” She winks.

“Seriously though, why are we doing this? Wouldn’t it be easier to just ignore him?”

“Like he ignores me? Do I need to remind you that yesterday I washed my hair with blood because of him? I still feel the stickiness…”

“Okay, I admit you’re both fighting in this war…”

“And I refuse to lose.”

a

That said, she gets up from the floor where she’s surrounded by scraps of clothes and dusts her hands off on her skirt as if this had dirtied them. She twirls the shears in the air while eyeing the silk sheets on the bed and smiles again.

“I hope he and his lovers appreciate my taste in interior design.”

I doubt Drystan’s lovers are very happy with us. I can still hear the screams when they woke up with little hissing, crawling friends in bed. In my defense, Drystan should thank me for talking Evanora out of putting one on his rear. If anyone asks, I’ll deny having looked at that part of his body for more than two seconds.

I let her finish her masterpiece while I peek out through the crack in the door to check that we’re not about to be caught mid–mischief. My eyes wander briefly toward the hallway I know leads to Cassian’s wing. Since the day he took me to that lifeless place, we haven’t seen each other again. I haven’t been summoned as a feeder, and that, strangely, unsettles me.

“Mission accomplished. Should I leave the shears on the bed for dramatic effect?”

“You want him to stab you with them?”

“You’re right, better take them.”

She hooks her arm through mine and we slip out of the room, closing the door silently and painting innocent smiles on our faces. With the tip of her shoe, Evanora nudges the guard she put to sleep by blowing powder in his face. I don’t know if I should ask for some–it looks useful.

“I think we’re in real trouble this time,” I comment.

Because there’s a big difference between placing a few snakes in a bed and knocking out a guard. We’ll probably get a proper scolding.

“Well, that’s where you come in, my dear Ruby Queen. She gives me a look of fake innocence. “You just have to brush your lips against the vampire’s and flutter your lashes seductively so he forgives us.”

“Oh great, if that’s your secret plan then I guess.. we’re getting punished.”

“I think you’re the one who’ll get punished–and there’ll be a bed involved.”

I blush instantly and try to shut her up by bumping her shoulder with mine. Her laughter fills the hallways—it’s beautiful, melodic, and sparkly. We approach my chambers. Evanora walks off, waving her hand in a goodbye gesture.

1/3

D

+20

8:42 PM

Chapter 64

“Will you have dinner in my room tonight?” she asks, walking backward.

Cassian has stopped requiring me as a feeder in every sense of the word. I no longer dine with him–now it’s alone or, occasionally, with Evanora. I’m about to tell her yes, that I’ll see her tonight, when my door opens and Clarissa appears, lips pursed.

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible. Tonight, both of you are required to come down to the hall.”

“To the hall?” I ask.

“Tonight, you’ll all dine together.”

“Who’s ‘all‘?” asks the banshee.

“I don’t know,” Clarissa replies curtly. “I just know you must be in the great hall by eight and look presentable.” She looks past my shoulder at Evanora. “Young lady, there are two handmaidens already waiting in your chambers.”

With that, she shoos Evanora away and pulls me into the room. Inside, Naida has already begun laying out beautiful dresses on my bed, but when I look at her, I notice she doesn’t have that usual sparkle in her eyes as she admires the clothing. Now that I think about it, both of them seem quite serious—almost angry, I’d say. I don’t dare ask while Clarissa undoes the knots on my back and undresses me. I’m becoming less modest by the day, and though I know my body isn’t sensual or even pretty, I no longer cover myself with my arms.

I step into the tub and scrub myself until the pleasant scent soaks into my skin. When I’m done, Clarissa places a robe over my shoulders and tells me to sit at the vanity. She smooths and styles my hair, opting for a high bun that leaves my neck fully exposed. I open my mouth to protest, but her pursed lips stop me.

“What’s going on?” I decide to ask.

“What makes you think something’s going on?” Clarissa replies without even glancing away from my hair.

“You’re both acting strange. Did I do something wrong?”

Clarissa locks eyes with me through the mirror’s reflection, sighs, and sets the brush on the vanity. She cups my cheek in a purely maternal gesture. I smile, relieved.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify