From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Elara

My feelings are confused and divided.

At this p

point, I don’t think I can deny the obvious: Cassian exerts a strange pull over me, and as surprising as it may seem, it doesn’t feel like I’m alone in this. I don’t know much about passion, but the way he kisses me, the way he consumes me–it doesn’t seem like the actions of someone who feels nothing for me. Despite all that, the claws of hatred are still deeply lodged in my heart, and that confuses me. Is it possible to desire and hate the same person?

As if that weren’t enough to drive me insane, there’s also Silas’s reaction. It hurts more than I want to admit. His look–that of someone betrayed is burned into my retinas. I can’t believe he isn’t happy to see I’m managing to survive. I wonder if he’d rather see me broken, sad, unable to adapt

To this life.

I hear the small sigh that escapes Abigail as she turns over in the sheets and faces me. She insisted on sleeping with me, and there’s nothing I could ever deny my little sister.

The morning light is already pouring into the room, so I quietly lower my feet to the floor and pose to the balcony, open its doors, and step out for some fresh air. The breeze is far too cold for the thin nightgown I’m wearing. My skin instantly breaks out in goosebumps.

I try not to let my thoughts drift back to the words whispered in my car in the gardens, nor do I want to relive the moment in the library. There are moths in my stomach, eating away at my insides every time I think about what we did, how I melted in his hands like clay. Moths, not butterflies- TU never mistake them for butterflies

We’re probably both confused. Our hatred is such an intense feeling that it pushes us to do irrational things. Yes, that must be it.

I force a fake smile onto my face, step back inside, and get ready for a new day. I choose a simple green dress and walk over to the bed to wake Abigail with tickles. A while later, we’re walking hand in hand down to the dining hall, following the scent of buttered rolls and freshly brewed. coffee. In the parlor, only my family is there–Evanora and, as always, Drystan, who seems unable to hide his amused smile when he’s near the

When I first arrived here, he was different, always very serious–at least in front of me. Maybe now I’m seeing his true self

“Good morning, dears,” Drystan greets with a small nod

I smile in response and help Abigail pull out her chair before taking my own sear at the table. I sit in silence for a few seconds, taking everything in

“Is something wrong?” my mother asks, her smile unshakable.

“No, it’s just.“I think carefully-“It feels strange to see all of us sitting together, having breakfast like before,

“I know. It was very kind of Cassian to prepare this for us. I’ll be leaving much more at ease after seeing you and how he’s treating you, my daughter”

Immediately, my eyes search for my brother’s. He avoids them. He looks away and focuses on his breakfast. I see his knuckles whiten as he grips his fork. I try to ignore the sting in my chest

“And where is her”

As I ask the question, I look at Drystan, since I know he’s the only one likely to have an answer. No one seems fated by it, except my brother, obviously. I hear the soft huff that escapes his lips, and it takes effort to remain composed and in my seal. I want to scream at him and maybe hurt him the way his words have hurt me. 1 grip the fork next to my plate rightly.

“You know he doesn’t really like being active during the day–he’s probably resting, Drystan replies “That’s why I’m here. 111 be showing you around the gardens like no other. Cassian hopes to be present before your parents leave

The way he looks at me as he

he says that last part makes my stomach twist into a strange knot,

Why would Cassian want to be present for something like that? I thought he’d avoid it at all costs. I don’t take him for someone who enjoys goodbyes and all they entail–kisses, tears, hugs, parting words.

I clear my throat, trying to swallow the knot

“Alright.” I nod, still a little confused. “So the plan is to walk through the gardens” I turn to look at my parents. “You’ll love them. They’re beautiful. Abigail and I spent almost the whole day there yesterday, didn’t we, Abi?”

My sister nods with her mouth full of toast and jam.

Dad smiles and looks at Drystan, who’s seated at the head of the table in Cassian’s absence.

“And besides whatever my daughter is supposed to do for your master” he says, “is there anything ebe occupying her time!”

1/2

12:21 PM ď ď

Chapter 731

“If you’re asking whether she’s been assigned duties, the answer is no. We already have staff for that, and truly, Elara wasn’t… purchased to be a maid:

I don’t miss how hard it is for him to say the word “purchased, as if it were mud in his mouth. But we can’t ignore the truth–that’s exactly what happened.

“Elara’s time here is hers to do whatever she wants. Read, play, walk, cat whatever she pleases.”

“Except leave,” Silas munnurs

“Well, I believe those are the terms of the deal,” the vampire replies firmly. “Without him, you’d probably be hunted constantly–chaos would reign Just as it did before the treaties signed by the Dravens.

“Oh, how grateful we are,” my brother mutters sarcastically.

“Silas Mom scolds. Please behave.”

Evanora, surprisingly seated beside Drystan, narrows her eyes at him. What surprises me more is that she hasn’t jumped at the opportunity to join in the attack against the vampires. Instead, she eats in silence but looks at me with soft eyes.

Drystan pushes his chair back and rises from the table, placing his palms on the surface.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify