From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88

It sounds hollow. 1 drum my fingers on the vanity, impatient. When she finishes my hair, I stand abruptly, dragging the stool with me. I yank a loose black dress from the wardrobe–something I can manage alone–and belt it tightly. Flat shoes next, then I’m striding for the door.

“What are you doing!”

“Seeing for myself how busy he is

She grabs my wrist. The world tits, but I won’t back down

“Don’t go.”

“Why?”

Just don’t”

1 click my tongue, angry–not at her, at myself. Now I see it pity in her eyes. My fault. I’ve made people piry me

I wrench free and storm out, knowing exactly where to go. Saci whisper as I pass, but 1 ignore them. Les them talk. About my scars, about Cassian, about my sanity—–1 don’t care.

Cassian’s wing is colder, darker, I march past doors, around corners, until I reach the long hall leading to his chambers. My fist is raised to knock when the door swings open.

A young woman, maybe my age, with golden waves cascading over her shoulders, blinks up at me with bright blue eyes. And just behind her, lowering over her slight frame–Cassian.

“Oh, Elara. I suppose no one told you” Cassian’s voice drips with mock surprise. “Your services are no longer required”

1 look up at him, confused.

“This is Maryse,” he continues, gesturing to the golden haired girl beside him. “My new freder From now on, she’ll be the one to sustain me

I don’t understand.

The girl shifts uncomfortably, her dress rustling as she adjusts her weight

“Maryse, if you’d retire to your chamber, Cassian says smoothly. Tll see you at dinner tonight”

Dianert

The girl nods stiffly, offering me a tense smile before slipping past. I don’t watch her go. My gaze is locked on Cassian lips

on the smirk twisting his

“What the hell is this?” I finally snap.

“You’re replacing me with her?” My laugh is jagged. “And since when do I offer my services! You’ve always taken what you wanted without asking”

“Since when are you so particular about wording, Elara?”

“I’m not. I uh my chin up. “Just wanted to know what was stealing your time. Now I do.”

I turn sharply, already walking away when his voice lashes out–cold, deliberate, designed to lay me open.

“Don’t tell me you came here begging for my attention” A cruel chuckle. This is why I don’t involve myself with humans. So emotional”

I whirl on him, serpent–quick despite the dizziness clouding my head. My teeth grind together, fire scorching my veins. I want to break something, Him. My nails be into my palms, drawing blood–I know it by the way his nostrils Dare, scenting it.

“I’m Elara Voss. I don’t beg. Ever. My name night not be as grand as yours,” 1 jab a finger at his chest, “but mark my words–one day, you’ll be on your knees. And I be there to watch.

“171 wait with bated breath, little bea

“Rot in hell, Cavian”

“Oh. Elara,” he murmur. “We’re already in it”

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12:23 PM c d

Chapter 88

I stare at him one last time, disgusted with myself for ever believing he wasn’t the monster I first thought, Wrong I was just a game to him. Worse-

a toy, outgrown and easily replaced by something shinier. This gaze burns into me, but I don’t care anymore. I walk away before I shatter and give

ham the satisfaction.

Now I understand the whispers. Everyone knew. Even Evanora

When did this happen? Yesterday While I was recovering from an attack by his enemies, he was out finding a new pet to torment

It shouldn’t matter.

1 slam into my room–empty, thankfully—and the door rattles in its frame. Pacing like a caged animal, I glance at the balcony. Not caged anymore.

The cool air does nothing to soothe me. My hands tremble; 1 clench them, praying the shaking stops when I open them again.

I was a fool to think any of this meant something to him. Covering my face, I curse myself for letting him touch me, for beleving his lies about

taunts me. Freedom. My eyes burn, but I refuse to cry. One tear would crack the dam.

The horizon taunts

A dangerous thought takes root. The balcony isn’t that high. With a makeshift rope…..

I won’t die here,” I whisper.

Decision made. I tear sheets from the bed, knotting them into a rope. I yank it taut–strong enough,

I’m leaving. Let his fury come. Maybe his indifference will save me–after all, what’s one lost human to him?

The door creaks open. Damn it. Evanora slips in, unsurprised by the serne.

“I knew this would happen,” she says. “Don’t rush. If you let me plan-

I won’t trade one cage for another.”

d” she snaps.

“With us, you’d never be caged,” she

A hollow laugh escapes me. “Don’t lie. You live in that e

camp like a cul–rules, suspicion, no outsiders.”

“We’re family”

“One I don’t belong to

She steps closer, hesitant, as if I might hurt her. The irony stings

“And what will you do out there? Die! If Cassian doesn’t find you, something else will”

“If I stay, I die anyway At least this w

Evanora grabs my hand, squeezing. This is a game, Elari. He’s provoking you–and it’s working.

“I don’t care” My voice cracks. “I should’ve left sooner. Irma prisoner

Her face softens Resigned, she pulls a wrapped bundle from behind her back,

“Td hoped to take you with me” she admits. “Here. Food–not much, but enough for a few days.” She tucks it into my big hun fast, far. The woods are dangerous, but the roads worse. Cassian will send bunters.”

I know

She equates. “Fund Bravar”

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