His silence could easily delineate borders and establish new territories within its vast expanse.
“You’re a queen. A pawn. You forget your place.”Is that hurt in your voice?“That’s okay. You will find it. I know you, Selene; I know how to make your body purr and hum, beg and shout. You think you crave love, but you need hate.”
He smirks darkly. He raises the rose I gave him to his nose and inhales.
“You love my cock. You will beg for it again.” He presses the rose to my lips before he places it between my breasts. “Vampires and fae live long, Selene. I’ve mastered how to play the long game.”
“Being an old player makes you blind to the rules, Galen. They will come back to haunt you.”
“I make the rules, Selene.”
I chuckle. “The mere fact that you think you do shows how deluded you are. Kings who don’t see reality don’t see the knives aimed at them. Sleep tight, husband. Careful who you invite into your bed; even a whore can get lucky and land a deadly blow.”
“It bothers you that I sleep with others.”
“Oh no, not at all. It gives me a break from having to act like I enjoy our sex.”
His lips press against my ear. “You need more acting lessons. Say that more passionately next time.”
The mattress dips. He stands, legs wide, chest proud; his chin raises as though the world itself bends to his will.
I curl my fist, wishing I could smack him.
“You don’t know the game you started, but in time, you’ll learn the rules. You kicked and screamed, and yes, I heard you, but now you will hear my silence.”
“Finally.” I dismissively roll my eyes. “Careful, husband, your jaw is clenched so tight, we wouldn’t want you to chip your pretty fangs.”
He wants to step forward. His heels raise, but then he flattens them. “Mark my words, it will beyouwho comes crawling back to me.” He runs a hand through his hair, watching me fume. “You’re losing your composure. I suggest you find it.”
Neither will concede. It will be our undoing.
I can’t untie us fast enough.
“Define the word for me, Galen. I don’t think you know its true meaning.”
Galen slithers to the door. “A queen needs composure in order to remain alive. It’s the impulsive ones who the people tend to overthrow and kill.”
He raises his hands; vines grow, replacing the door.
“Sweet dreams, Selene, or should I say, welcome to the nightmare you begged me for?” He snickers. “If you scream loud enough, I might just come.” He makes sure I understand every pun before he walks away in victory.
Chapter
Nine
Titus
Not even the morning sun can lighten the dark circles under my eyes. The definition of sleep for me was sitting next to a dying fire, as I told Tristen everything Galen ordered me to do.
Sunlight leaks in through the small window, illuminating all the dirt and dust in the air. I flex my toes, stand, dress, and then… I panic.
My feet bring me to the window. I stick my head out and breathe deep. Black surrounds me. Towers of the famous Blackthorn stone comprise the houses and shops. The crudely cut blocks cause the sunlight to be trapped in all the nooks and crannies.
Do the people feel as trapped as the sunlight?
If I were not used to the scent of decay, I’d flinch. Galen should grow his roses here to counteract the sour smell of the soldiers’ boots and the merchants’ stale goods.
My elbows slide on the lacquered window frame. Why do kings never learn their opulent lifestyle has a vicious side effect called jealousy?
