Would you like to know the true story behind Sable’s banishment by my father? Ego, power, and most of all, father’s insecurity. No man, particularly a king, would ever admit to feeling threatened by a woman. After Everett’s death, Sable was no longer a hazard; she was an arrow shot free, hunting for her target: the crown. She just required support.
Sable sinks her teeth into her smirk as she studies my reaction.
“What joyous news,” I scoff.
“Father was quite upset about the nobles. He demanded King Galen return their bodies. Galen thought if I delivered them, it might help smooth things over.” Sable’s smirk curls up too sharply to be kind.
“You make ripples, not smooth water,” I voice. All I can smell is the floral scent of the roses covering the kingdom. It’s a deception to mask the shit hidden within Galen’s walls.
Sable’s presence back home will only heighten the tension between Galen and my father.
A frown pulls at my lips. But of course, that’s why he’s doing it. Galen told me himself he never wanted peace. He wanted me. He’s got me.
This is his silent declaration of war.
I don’t move when Galen slides his hand into the dip in my lower back. He looks at the mage. “Are you ready?” he asks.
She’s going to open a portal for Sable to use. Of course, Galen wouldn’t allow Sable to travel by horse; that would give me time to send a secret message back to my father.
“King Galen,” Sable speaks in a saccharine tone. My teeth are about to fall out from rot. “May I have a word with my twin before I depart?”
Galen makes her wait before he replies. “Quickly,” he agrees, bends down, and kisses my cheek. “This is the price for denying me, my love,” he whispers and then joins the mage.
The sun slips behind a cloud as Sable joins me, a mirror of my own image cast in shadows.
“I’ve waited so long for this day,” she beams as she clasps her hands behind her back.
“I didn’t think you missed home so badly,” I retort, biting the inside of my cheek and watching her like a hawk.
Weeks ago, Titus asked me what Sable would do after he chose me and kicked her out of my room. I told him she’d attack me. This is her attack. I also promised him I would warn him, so he could protect me as he demanded.
This is me breaking my promise.
Titus was wrong; I am not the most important thing. He is. I am nothing but a bridge to help him. Some bridges don’t stand the test of time. It’s okay.
Breathe in and get rid of the awful pain in your heart!As long as I collapseknowing he’s on the other side. Away from Sable.
“Home,” she echoes in an ominous tone. “I hope your memories of it are strong.”
What’s that supposed to mean? I tilt my head to rebuke her chuckle.
Sable kicks my shoe.
“You’re a child.” There, I gave you a reply. Not what you wanted? Too bad.
A sprinkle of her spit rains over my face as she says, “You always thought you were better than me.” Her balled fist swings like a pendulum at her side.
“I never wanted to be better.” I wipe the moisture off my cheek. “I wanted to be nothing like you, Sable,” I coldly state. “Different. Opposite. You forced me to be good because your heart is so evil.” I smirk as I pretend to inspect my nails.
This conversation is making me filthier than growing the farm did.
“You think you are so wise and sly?” I press my palm to my heart. “You made me, Sable. This is all your doing. There is no one else to blame.” I grin. “You made your own worst enemy. The question is why? But you're not strong enough to answer that.”
Oh yes, you’re seething. All your weapons are aimed at me. Good. That’s what I want. Attack me and not Titus.
“You always had everyone’s love. Father’s. Everett’s,” she sneers.
That’s not why you hate me. That’s your cover.I’ll bite.
