I look at the gnashing, pointed teeth and the powerful arms holding weapons above their heads. It’s a battle of some kind, with blood dripping from their fangs and etched into the wood with harsh lines. But before I can study more, the door opens and I fall back, startled.
The heir stands on the other side, dressed far too simply for this palace. His black tunic is loose around his throat, the strings hanging against his glistening pale white skin. His trousers are dirty with red sand, smeared onto his knees and his weathered boots. Sweat drips off his chin, gluing rogue locks to his cheeks and neck.
He looks spent, wild like his ancestors, and my stomach twists along with the devious thoughts shining in his eyes.
He was either training or spent time rolling around with someone outside. I’m not fond of the curdle of jealousy swirling in my gut at the insinuation.
“Go,” he commands, ignoring Zeke’s warning glare. Only he seems to get away with doing it to the heir.
They disperse quickly, leaving me in the threshold, alone.
Kaden steps away, and I scan the dark room behind him not bothering to move.
If I thought my chamber in the White Palace was full of wealth and impressive size, then I was mistaken. This room, decorated with plush ruby couches, soft, padded chairs, and a massive black stone fireplace screams prestige and power. Dark art lines the wall, more images of Dark Fae but they’re more subdued, hidden by shadows.
They don’t appear as ferocious as the doors, but mournful images of forlorn Fae looking for answers. It keeps the room feeling heavy and somber more so than ostentatious.
It's reflective of the owner of this room.
Shaking my head, I ignore the pang of sympathy, the urge to understand him.No.I will not feel anything for the man who stole me away to his lands and who took my choice from me. Who bound us together without my consent.
When I wait too long, his shadows curl around the chains, tugging me forward as my knees slam into the tile. Pain radiates up my shin, but I bite my lip to keep from yelping.
He doesn’t move. Just watches as I wrestle with my body. Apparently, we can’t physically harm the other, but using magic is fair game.
What I wouldn’t give for my magic. Just one clench of his heart so he remembered who I am.
“You had the same look on your face when you entered the throne room to receive Griffin,” Kaden recalls, turning to fetch a spare rag. He dots his brow, staring at me. “Do you remember that day? I certainly do.”
Cracking my jaw, I glare. “I try to forget the first time I met you, heir.” I wish it were true—I replay the moment I met his eyes, when my instincts knew he was dangerous and I ignored it, intent to figure him out.
Gingerly, I stand, legs shaking, keeping close to the exit.
He may not be able to kill me, but that doesn’t mean I’m perfectly safe either.
That wicked face grins. “So, we’re back toheirnow.”
“As we will remain.” The chains clink as I move one more step, the fire burning into my side.
Sweat wets my upper lip and I’m intimately aware of how poorly I look compared to my surroundings. My nails are chipped, painted black from mud as I tried to claw my way out, and the rags I wear are grimy. Black hair falls in greasy strands across my shoulders.
I look as if I’ve been living in the forest for months, and I smell no better.
“You could try my name.” Those burning eyes watch meunabashedly, tongue licking his bottom lip. “Orlove. I’m partial to that.”
Snorting, I look away, choosing to stare at the jumping flames than him. “Pet names for someone I despise seems idiotic, don’t you think,heir?”
“Then how about husband?” He’s taunting me now. I’m going to stab him the first chance I find a weapon. Not enough to kill, but a maiming should be nice.
“Maybe I’ll kill you before the wedding?”
“And die along with me?” He cocks an eyebrow, eyes laughing. “If you kill me, I’ll wait at the gates ofSeti’shome for you, Max. You cannot escape me.”
Clenching my jaw, I choose to ignore the lick of pleasure his possessiveness draws in me.
Growing up in the Blackwoods Coven, no one ever wanted me—desired me. I felt abandoned; always the outcast. It was a dark dream to wish for someone to claim me, to take me as their own because they could not bear to be without me. I practically begged the Gods for it.
This is a cruel joke by Fate, to be given what I want by someone likethis.
