From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Cassin

I’m angry at myself. I feel like Timm betraying a part of who I am by giving in to my basest desires, I could almost swear I hear a little voice in any head mocking me, telling me it warned me this would happen. That need to buy her at the Red Auction wasn’t of this world the feeling of seeing myself reflected in her was my damnation.

Her mind has closed itself off to me again, but I don’t need access to know she’s happy. From one of the towers in my wing of the castle, I have a clear view of her balcony, and I can see her right now leaning against the stone railing, observing everything around her with eyes full of wonder and a smile that would turn any man foolish.

After hearing her brother’s words, and the pain–tinged answers Elara gave him, I wanted to be the reason behind one of her small smiles–and that makes me an idiot.

1 look away from her and retrace my steps back to my office. Inside, hundreds of letters from other Purebloods have piled up, arguing in favor of Acron’s experiments. My decision is made no experiments. If they want to defy me, let them. Everyone knows there will be consequences. In the end, they’d come begging for my help to clean up the aberrations they created. Other letters report more uprisings. I sigh. I’m tired of being seen as if I were like my parents–focused on politics and the well–being of all. I’m not them. I don’t care about any of this

There’s a knock at the door.

“Come in.

Narkissa’s red hair is an explosion of color compared to the gloomy tones of the room.

“You summoned me!”

As if she didn’t clearly hear my voice in her head a moment ago demanding her presence, I don’t throw a sardonic remark, though I’m tempted. I merely nod, gesturing for her to enter.

“Is something wrong?”

• Tlace my fingers in front of my face as 1 soften my paze–pure theater.

“No, I was just curious about something.” I feedingly lift the corner of my mouth in a ghost of a smile “What were you talking about with the Ruggiero boy?”

If our nature already gives us pale skin, I think hers just lost all color. She shifts uncomfortably in her seat and forces a tight smile.

“Nothing special, he was lost, I was just warning him it wasn’t wise to wander alone.”

“And did you offer to be his guide?”

“What? No! Of course not?” She clenches her hands into fists that wrinkle her dress. “I have no interest in babysitting a mortal. I have enough on my plate managing your bloodmaids” adaptation.”

In my head, narrowing my eyes, studying her with suspicion.

“Speaking of the adaptation of my bloodmaids, I’ve noticed you haven’t paid much attention to Elara.” I smile a little more. “You’re usually more poble, Narkina.”

“What is this about?” she snaps.

“I don’t know. Maybe I just want you to be honest in this conversation.” I click my tongue in irritation. “Tell me, what poisonous seeds were you planting in the Ruggiero boy’s head! Don’t lie to me–11 know,”

the doesn’t answer. Instead, she rushes to my side and does everything she can to hold my hands. I let her and watch as she pathetically presses thern to her chest, just where a heart used to beat–one now frozen in tipar. 1 hide my disgusted expression at the sight of her reaction.

“Im sorry, forgive me. I shouldn’t have spoken.”

“What did you cry. Narkiau?

me, dropping to her knees, eyes wide with fear.

“I just told him that his sister didn’t seem unhappy here.” She gaps like a fish out of water as she feels the pressure of my gift toying with the strings that make her who she is “That maybe she was quite pleased with your presence. As if she desired you”

“You knew that wouldn’t sit well with the idiot brother. I know you too well. Karkiwa” I crouch down to her level and dig my fingen into her chin. “You’re very manipulative, but you forget Eni wone–and that if there’s even a sliver of malice bi you, it’s because I taught you what it truly means

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Chapter 71

to be rul

“Yes, my lord”

“Seems you forgot that, just like you seemed to think I’m a complete fool. I know it was you who tampered with the letters. It didn’t take me two seconds to figure it out, though the poor bastard you fucked didn’t keep the secret long before I killed him. You had everything planned, that’s why you organized the dinner. You thought Tid cause a scene, maybe huri Hara, or that my rage would drive me to kill her.” My fingers dig deeper as fury burns through me at how she dared to underestimate me. “Now my question is: what should I do with you? Haven’t I been generous all these

years

I let go of her as if her skin had turned to filth and disgusted me.

Tim sorry, It won’t happen again” She clings to my legs

I used to enjoy being begged From her, it sickens me. There was a time, I think, when I respected her. A Diluted. Who would believe that?

“Get out

She blinks rapidly.

Tha

need me to explain the verb? I want you out of my siglu.”

She doesn’t hesitate. She lifts her knees off the floor without caring if she steps on her dress. Her checks flush as she backs toward the door without turning her back to me. She bows her head.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she repeats. “I won’t happen again. I won’t have anything to do with her again.”

“Don’t thank me. You’ll wish you were dead soon.

With a flick of my hand, I open the door, the clear order that she leave and vanish from my sight. I release an exasperated breath when I’m finally aloor. The papers on my desk no longer interest me, so I ignore them. Instead. I walk over to a small hidden safe and pull out a decanter filled with crimson liquid that will dull my senses enough to keep my rage from making me do something foolish.

I fill a glass and lean against the wall to watch the view. The sun has begun to set, casting orange and pink tones over the gardens, treating a dreamlike image. Once the sun sets completely, it will look more like something out of a nightmare, with all its mazes and cruel flowers.

I don’t know why the contrast makes me think of Elara and me. She, human, fragile, soft–straight out of a fairytale. Me, cold, immortal, cruel–her nightmare. Sull. I can’t deny the strong pull she has over me, one I’d like to blame on my destructive nature. Her taste still lingers on my tongue, which is why I take a long drink from the glass, hoping her sweetness fades from my mouth. If not, I fear I’ll go back to her chambers right now, bury my head between her legs, and make her scream. I said there was something better than her blood–her screams. I didn’t know the ones I’d crave most would be those caused by pleasure.

And her smiles–1 want more. So many mont

H