From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 83

Chapter 83

“I can imagine the reason for your delay.”

I swear he sniff’s something in the air, and suddenly the memory of our earlier conversations overwhelms me

Right now, I’d give anything to

g to have one of those fans I’ve seen to cover my cheeks.

Certainly. I’m not ashamed of what I did with Cassian–or at least I think I’m not–hut it’s something the entirely to be pleased that everyone can smell is on me.

“The road to Ciro’s villa is long,” he excuses.

“Not if you used some of your gifs.”

He winks and 1 frown

What does he mean by using some of his gifts?

Does that mean I haven’t yet seen everything Cassian is capable of?

I see, your dear one doesn’t know that we’re not just strong

We’re also very, very fast”

“She’s not my dear one,” Cassian growis

“And I don’t think carrying her in my arms the whole way would be the west choice”

“Are you sure that’s the reason?” Aeron asks with a sideways smile.

I draw a fake smile on my lips and look at Walter with a pleading expression

Would you mind accompanying me for a drink, Walters”

He nods as soon as he looks at Aeron, and the latter gives a sign of approval.

For a moment. I worry that Cassian might offer or prevent me from moving away from his side, but he does none of that

He simply stays there, brooding, and lets me leave without looking back.

We’re both prudent enough to wait until we’re far away to speak–though surely it makes little difference in a room where everyone seen is to have a highly developed sense of hearing

WE

approach a table where a Diluted one is serving drinks with a punch ladle.

Upon seeing the thickness of the red liquid pouring from the ladle, I realize there’s nothing here for me.

Same goes for the small snacks on the trays.

They look far too alive and bloody for my liking.

“Should I congratulate you?”

I turn to look at Walter, who remains behind me with his hands clasped behind his back and an amused expression on his face.

“For what exactly!”

“You’ve entered on the arm of the most coveted vampire. Elara”

“Is that really so strange?” 1 reply, feigning boredom.

Walter steps toward me, squishes my cheeks and speaks very close to my face, as if the words might soak in better that way.

“Let’s see, my friend, how can I explain this- he thinks for a second,

“Cassian never comes with someone clinging to his arm. And when I say never, I mean never ever.

Oh yes, he fornicates at these parties, that’s a fact–but always after a thorough screening, and after he’s finished, he makes you feel like dirt under

his shoe.

1/3

12:22 PM 다

Chapter 83

Oh, and I almost forgot–his lovers never include humans”

“You talk like you know what it feels like”

“I talk as someone who’s been to enough parties to know your vampire’s behavior”

“He’s not my

“Keep lying to yourself. friend.”

I cross my arms and he smiles, feeling like the winner of our little debate

He offers his hand with a small bow of his torso, acting like a complete gentleman

**Would you forgive me if I danced with you?”

“I don’t know are you going to keep pestering me?”

“I can’t promise much.”

I roll my eyes and slide my hand over his.

Many throw glances our way when they see two humans dancing on the floor, and I know that in their minds, they’re thinking we shouldn’t be doing this

To them, we shouldn’t even be alive.

And if we are, it should be with a chain around our neck to keep us close to our buyers

Walter is a good dancer–you can tell he’s been attending these balls for a long time, and even more so by how easily he ignores all the stares and keeps smiling.

“How do you do?” ask.

“How do I do the what?”

“Turn elegantly, dragging me and my clumsy for with you”

“Ignore them.”

A rough laugh rumbles in his throat before he looks at me with something I refuse to call sadness–yet it resembles it too closely,

“Ive gotten stares my whole life, Elara. I like men, sleep with them, kiss them. Fuck them. There’s always been a pair of eyes questioning what I do and who I am. If a few pale stiffs with sticks up their asses are unhappy that I’m human and dancing among them, I couldn’t care less.”

I know those around us have heard him, and I can’t help but smile at that. I try to ove to his rhythm, forcing more confidence into my steps. Surprisingly. I find that when I trust myself a little more, I enjoy it more 1 spin when Walter’s holy guides me to, feeling the strands of my updo fighting to break free, rebellious against the world. I laugh when my foot accidentally steps on his, and again when we catch a Diluted woman recoiling at our presence,

I pull away from Walter’s chest, lace our hands together, and spin endlessly across the floor. I laugh until my stomach aches, pausing so catch my breath, clutching my middle. This dress will be the death of me. A tap on my shoulder makes me turn, expecting Viktor’s eyes–but instead, I’m met with a pair of pink ones.

“Elara,” he replies. “Is now a good time for that dance!”

1 glance back for Walter, but he’s gone. Trantor

Focusing back on Ciro, whose expression betrays his certainty that I won’t refuse, I give a weak nol. He places a hand on my waist, the other holding mine. The musicians begin a slow song, as if answering Ciro’s wishes directly. Wouldn’t surprise me.

He steps forward; I step back, matching his rhythm,

“How has life in the castle treated you since I last saw you!

“Fine, thank you for asking”

We turn, and his grip on my waist tightens, stealing my breath. I try not to look at him–and fail spectacularly. Up clase, his eyes aren’t just pink Viele clings to the ins, the edges a deep red. They’re the strangest, most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.

Chapter 83

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