Shaking her head, Fee scoffs. “Whatever hope you have, bloodsummoner, get rid of it now. Once a claiming begins, it finishes. You cannot break this bond because it goes beyond simple words. Your souls are connected. Your hearts are one. You cannot end this bond because it is simply not of this world. And if he could?” Fee snorts. “Kaden wouldn’t let you go.”
All hope vanishes, leaving me cold in the sweltering room. I cannot be free of him. I’m stuck, bound to the heir, in this life. I’ll be a weapon even if I don’t want to be.
How do I fight against something not of this world?
Servants walk in, heads bowed. Unlike with Kaden, they don’t hurry in fright, they glide through the room, placing clothing on to the bed, and a tray of tea beside it. Two of them move to the bathroom, filling the tub with water that immediately heats the back of my neck.
Fee grabs the tea cup, her skirts swooshing along her legs. “Drink.”
I shake my head and the princess sighs, sipping from it as if to show me it’s safe. “We’re not your enemies. You need to keep your strength while here. Trust me in that much.”
Taking the out-stretched cup, I sniff it. It smells like lemon-mint and without the herbal tang of the blocking drug mixed into it. “Your brother said the same.”
My heart feels as hollow as my words. Fee seems to understand, nodding as I drink.
“He’s right.” Such utter confidence in him. Does she ever think he’ll fail? “Of all the Fae, Kaden would never be your enemy, blood summoner.”
I snort, draining the glass. Of anyone in these halls, he’s probably the only true enemy I have.
Waving off the servants, I peel the dress off my sweaty frame. Once I’m submerged in the bath, Fee walks in, arms crossed. Clearly, the royals have no concerns about privacy. Or nudity for that matter.
“You should allow the servants to tend to you.”
“I don’t need servants,” I mutter, using the soap to lather my arms and legs. I don’t bother to hide my disappointment at my situation. “We didn’t have servants in the Coven. I took care of myself there; I can do so here.”
“Here, you’re to be a queen.” Amber eyes flicker with a grief I can’t place. “Queens are taken care of.”
“Then find another queen, because I won’t allow anyone to wait on me.”
Dunking my head under the water, I enjoy the heated bath, holding my breath for as long as I can. Only once my lungs start to burn, do I rise, chest exploding with oxygen.
It’s petty, but I hope the constriction bothered the heir, wherever he is. It’s his fault I’m stuck here, like this.
Wiping my eyes, I notice Fee hasn’t moved. She stares, head tilted again.
“Maybe you’re the kind of queen we need.”
She retreats as I grab a towel, meeting her in the bedroom. Dresses cover the bed. There’s a deep purple dress that reminds me of the items I wore for the peace summit on behalf of the Blackwoods Coven, a black dress similar to Fee’s and another blood red gown.
I miss the Coven but I’m pulled toward the red, running my fingers over the silk. It’s a day dress, capped sleeves and straight down to my legs. It’s not meant to be beautiful but the color reminds me of my powers. Of when I was strong. I want to be strong again, now.
“Let us, Your Majesty,” the one servant says, coming to my elbow.
The title scares me and I refuse. “No, I’ll dress myself.”
When they look to Fee for verification, she shrugs. “The future queen gave a command.”
They accept her answer, bowing before excusing themselves. I don’t bother to hide from Fee, dropping my towel to pull on the dress. I’ve never been ashamed of my body, but uncomfortable with my powers and scar. Here, neither seem to bother the royals.
The dress goes on smoothly and annoyingly, I notice how well it fits.Because, of course it does.The heir must have had it made for me.
“Don’t forget this.” Fee hands me the necklace again, making sure to watch me put it on.
Carefully, I tie my hair back into the simple braid, my purple-black locks hanging over my shoulder. Like the princess, I strap my dagger to my belt. She smiles, approvingly.
I might be powerless but I amnotdefenseless.
Slipping on the heels, I silently curse the Gods for these creations and look at Fee. “Now what? Off to bring me to another prison?”
