“I-I don’t know really. My father died years ago, and I never learned to use that side of myself.” It’s the truth. Mostly.
“Because…you’re afraid or because someone didn’t want you to?”
My lips part, and I don’t really want to admit to either, but one of those two truths is safer than the other.
“I suppose I am afraid.” The weak wane of my smile is honest.
I hate how real those words are. But admitting that my father feared for me to reveal the beast inside myself, that’s too much to tell anyone.
I’ll die with that secret.
“But you’re not a hell fae?” he asks oddly.
A hell fae?
“Why would you think that, my Prince?”
“Answer the question, Cersia.” His lips are a thin crack against his serious face.
“No. I’m not any sort of fae.”
Pure relief smooths the tension in his features.
“They’re more shifting than any shifter I’ve ever met. More demonic than any demon. Their glamours are forbidden, and some of their own kind have been exiled from my kingdom. They’re lucky they’re not slaughtered into extinction like the dragons once were so long ago. I appreciate your beauty, but do not ever lie to me. Because I won’t hesitate to slit your pretty throat, Cersia.” A manic glint shines in his eyes, and it’s held on me for so long I become all too aware of my beating heart.
“I would never, my Prince,” I say with a tilt of my chin lifting high to show him as much respect as I’ve ever given anyone.
And it’s a fucking lie. I cling to that lie like it’ll save my life.
Indeed, I hope it does.
“You’re dismissed,” he says flatly with a sudden snapping click of his fingers. He does it three times.
It startles me until I realize it’s a doggy order that Avian hasn’t yet taught me.
I refrain from rolling my eyes or doing anything more than shuffle across the room with too many emotions churning through my stomach.
My gaze is lowered to the floor as I pass him by, and he moves clear out of my way as I pass. There’s no longer humor in the shitty antics anymore though.
Not a single ounce of happiness is in me.
Because I entered this room feeling like I’d won the game.
And now I’m not so sure if I’ll even survive it.
Sixteen
The Time Has Come
When I returnto the safe haven of their bedroom, there’s a long white gown hanging near the bath. It’s thin and sheer like my one from home, but black glittering diamonds are gleaming along the hem of the sleeves and the base of the dress.
It’s a gift. Just like he said he had a gift for me.
I hate how much it looks like a mating gown.
I ran away from one of those already.
At least that ceremony wasn’t going to end in my death.
