MAX
The heat of the day causes me to wake, my brow dotted in sweat, lips dry and the dress sticks to my body uncomfortably. Sitting up, I inspect my surroundings, mind groggy and body tense. There’s a moment of fleeting sadness at seeing an empty spot.
No, I’m relieved he didn’t come back.
But where did he go? He couldn’t stand to be near me, but did that mean he sought comfort from another?
My heart pounds harshly, rattling my breath as jealousy strikes.Blasted bond. I am not the jealous type, but the bond, the need to have my apparentmate, is a thorn in my heart. Hurtful, gnawing pain grows in my body and will continue to grow until I know where he is.
Rubbing my breastbone, I look skyward. One day, I’m going to get even withDey, the God of Love, for creating these soul-bonds. It’s their fault for this suffering.
Gently, I slide off the tall bed, my feet hitting the cool floor and I sigh, enjoying the chill. The red haze of the day is light, meaning it’s still early, but the heat is unbearable. Now, with more torches lit, I can see the entire room, taking inthe smaller, finer details.
The walls aren’t black, but a deep burgundy red, so dark it could be considered black in the dark. The heir’s dresser holds various boxes, expertly crafted. Lifting one, I see more jewelry inside fit for a female, with golden chains or silver rings. Were these also his mother’s?
Turning, I look around and find in the far corner an armoire, and hope flares dangerously high in my chest. An armoire means weapons. Weapons mean protection.
I dart to the doors, yanking on them, metal locks clanging. They don’t budge.
“They’re locked.”
Spinning around, I watch as Fee leans against the bedroom door. Breathing heavily, blood pumping, I gesture to the doors.
“Why?”
She smiles, pleased. “My brother didn’t trust his future wife not to steal a dagger and kill him in his sleep.”
Thoughtful.“From what I understand, a claimed mate cannot kill the other without inflicting self-harm.”
She nods pushing off the door to fully enter. Glancing to the bed, her nose wrinkles, as if smelling something sour. “So, he told you that much. You must have tried to kill him after all. When?”
There’s no point in lying. If she doesn’t like it, maybe she’ll send me back to the dungeon. I’ll get a break from the heir and this heat.
“In the dungeon, with a rusted piece of iron from the cot.”
Fee laughs lightly, approving. “Clever. I can see why my brother loves you.”
The wordlovespikes adrenaline through my limbs, turning my entire body feverish. “He doesn’t love me,” I deny, shaking my head. If he did, he wouldn’t have done this.
Coming closer, it’s easy to see the warrior she is. She may be dressed in a simple black day gown, a dusting of black shadow around her eyes, but she’s tall, imposing, as she stares down at me. I’ve never felt truly powerless until now.
“My brother loves you. If he didn’t, well.” She shrugs. “Things would be different.”
I snort because, what could be worse than this? Drugged, imprisoned, ready to be given to his father as a prize? What would love look like with the heir?
I remember Zelos’ gaze and shudder. Whatever he wants, it will not be pleasant for me. If the heir loved me, I would not be here.
“Here.” She slips a dagger off her belt, the hilt pure black with a simple red ruby at the edge. “A woman should not be completely powerless in these halls.”
“Then you know what your brother is doing to me.” I take the dagger, the weight a comfort I’ve longed missed. “He’s keeping me drugged. I can’t access my powers.”
Fee hesitates for a moment and it’s the first time I’ve seen her look conflicted. “I understand that this is all new for you. This is a new world for you, a new role, new lands. But you must trust that it’s in your best interest.”
“My best interest,” I echo, watery eyes scanning the dagger. “What is that, exactly, Fee?” I challenge, throwing my hands out. “The part where your brother tied my life to his? When he kidnapped me and stole me away to this desert? When I spent weeks in a dungeon, drugged, a piece of myself missing, just to be put into a royal’s chambers to be given to your disgusting father? How about the part where I am being kept,defenseless, by your wonderful brother? Which part isforme?”
She wars with her words, looking to the side as if she can’t bear to see my face.Good. I hope this makes her as uncomfortable as possible. “You don’t understand anything. My brother risked a lot by claiming you. He still risks everything. Foryou.”
I step close, pleading with her. “Then convince him to release me. If I’m such a risk, get rid of me.” Maybe she can do what I can’t—get Kaden to see reason. “He’ll be safe if I’m gone.”
