From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 59

Chapter 58

He can keep my first kiss-

I’ll keep the satisfaction of knowing that, for a moment, he gave in to a human.

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Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Cassian

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Everything in Elara’s posture reeks of anger, and I find great satisfaction in imagining what might have caused it. Her taste lingered on my tongue for hours, and the reminder of my weakness was so unbearable that I quickly had to find something to rid myself of her sweetness. Narkissa is helpful, loyal, and, above all, compliant. She doesn’t ask to stay longer in my bed because she knows the answer, just as she doesn’t ask for displays of affection I won’t give. That’s why she’s always the easiest option.

What isn’t easy is ignoring what my hungry nature demands now that I’ve had a small taste.

We arrive at the stables, where Orpheus has already been saddled on my orders. The stallion seems pleased to see us, although perhaps I shouldn’t extend that assumption to myself. The animal seeks Elara’s hand, and she, unable to resist, ends up stroking his snout.

“I’m not dressed to ride,” she comments over her shoulder.

“Don’t worry, you’ll ride with me.”

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Her body tenses immediately, and I’m glad to know I provoke that reaction in her. I want her to suffer from my presence as much as I suffer from hers. I check that everything is properly fastened on the horse and briefly survey Elara’s clothing. She’s wearing a silk dress that slips over her body, molding to her hips and hugging her breasts. Definitely not clothing for riding, nor for being near someone thirsty.

Before she can voice her refusal, I scoop her into my arms and, ignoring her cries, set her atop the horse, then mount right behind her, my thighs trapping hers.

“I want my own horse,” she demands.

“Too bad I never do what pleases you most, little wild thing.”

I leave the stables with the reins loose in my hand. Outside, a human waits holding my cloak. I take it without paying him much attention and wrap it around both of us, almost making Elara disappear.

“What are you doing?”

“Would you like to be attacked again?” I ask in return.

That seems to silence her. She doesn’t relax against me; on the contrary, she keeps her back straight and tries to maintain the greatest distance possible between our bodies, which causes her head to protrude more than desirable through the cloak’s collar. If I don’t want surprises during the ride, I have no choice but to do something she won’t like. I wrap my arm around her waist and force her to press against me, feeling her shoulder blades through the fabric of my shirt.

We cross the gates that welcome us to the castle grounds, and a while later we’re far enough that they are just a small point in the distance. The city is still far by horseback, and I can’t help but think the journey would be faster if I used my speed, though I fear she’s not ready for an experience like that.

“Have you sent any letters yet?” I ask, and without needing to look, I know I’ve surprised her once again.

“As if your guards haven’t told you…”

*Believe it or not, I’m not constantly keeping tabs on you,” I reply, the words like ash in my mouth. “I’m too busy avoiding people who think I’m a politician.”

“What were people like before?”

“Freer. You had practically lost faith in religion. You lived wildly, being who you wanted to be. But then we came, and that small portion of the population who still clung to archaic minds convinced you that salvation lay in restraint, in judging the different, covering your skin, forbidding love that wasn’t like theirs. You changed for the worse.”

“How did your parents manage to bring peace between humans and vampires, then?”

In my mind, mengries begin to flash by, each one stabbing between my ribs, nearly stealing my breath.

suppour they needed each other. There’s no better path to understanding than when both sides can benefit.”

Did everyone accept it just like that?”

Ittle a small laugh

“No, of course not. There was resistance on both sides. Humans called those willing to negotiate mad, and vampires accused my parents of being traitors for allowing a human to believe they had the right to set limits”

Chapter 59

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“So your parents had to go through a lot. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it almost sounds like your family was… good.”

Her mood, fiery and eager to contradict whatever I say, shifts quickly. I can feel it, and although I won’t say it, part of me recognizes that feeling in the heart when you’re far from your family. Maybe I’m so selfish that I want her to know perfectly how that feels. Or worse, I’m jealous because her family is alive and mine is not. I’m the only Draven walking Drystia, and if I die, the surname dies with me.

I know she wants to keep asking, and a small part of me is grateful she doesn’t. There are things I’d rather leave behind. The rest of the journey passes in silence, and once we reach the city, I hide Orpheus as I have so many times before. I make sure the cloak is in place, then adjust my leather gloves. Elara looks surprised when I offer her my hand, and I’m almost sure she’ll reject it when she slides her delicate palm over the glove. The leather cannot prevent me from feeling the roar of her blood beneath her skin.

She walks beside me without complaint, and I guide us through the darkest corners of the city. We pass through filthy alleys where small puddles of excrement gather and where rats find paradise. We only come across vermin or the poor fallen into disgrace. I try to shield Elara’s body with mine, always leading her along the safest path. The last thing I need now is for us to be ambushed by someone.

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