Page 59 of Her Dark Promise

“Are you quite finished with whatever it is you were trying to prove?”

I left him sitting there because if I didn’t leave right at that instant, then I would have killed him just to spite his brother.

As I was about to turn the corner, I could hear Soren exclaim, “What the hell did you guys do to my chair!”

It was almost sunset by the time I made my way back to my chambers and walked to the balcony to bid farewell to my nemesis, the sun. A beacon of hope that would never come, my castle meant to be forever isolated and covered in fog.

When I was a child, I was so full of life that I never knew a day of turmoil. That is until Circe. No. I would try and go on one moment without her consuming my mind.

I stripped my clothes off and let them fall on the ground, walked to the chair on the balcony, and sat down, loving the feeling of the moon's rays licking my naked skin, even if it was through the fog.

Callum entered, walking next to the chair, and asked, “May I speak freely, your majesty?”

“I wouldn’t stand too close, Callum. I can’t promise that I won’t kill you where you stand at this moment.”

I could hear his shuffling movements, and when I looked over, I saw that he was kneeling again next to my chair, his head bent low to the ground.

“I beg for your forgiveness. I just do not trust those two and I was upset that they came in here and began to make your life a living hell. And Emilia…”

He looked up just as I stood up from the chair, grabbed his neck, and pushed him against the railing of the balcony.

“Who the fuck are you to tell me what constitutes a living hell? Do you even comprehend the word?” I was squeezing his neck so hard that he was writhing in pain, begging me with his eyes when his voice wouldn’t work. I knew that I needed to let up on his throat, but I couldn’t stop. “To have every single person in your lifedieright before your eyes. To live alone for hundreds of years, with no one else but yourself! Now, tell me, do you knowanythingabout hell?”

His eyes began to droop, life slowly slipping from them.

I think your little bird has had enough, Callie.

“Fuck.” I let go of him and he crumpled to the ground.

Good Callie.

“Say another fucking word and I will end you. I am not in the mood for your antics tonight,” I cursed Circe aloud.

I turned my back to him and sat back down, thrumming my fingers against the arms of the chair.

There were a few moments of silence until he whispered, hesitant, “I should have spoken with you privately about Emilia. I am thoroughly concerned about her health. I heard her crying throughout the night.”

She did? Circe was right. I was useless.

I rested my palm against my forehead, rubbing my temples. He was right. He was always fucking right.

“Why are you avoiding her?”

I crossed my arms. “I am not necessarily avoiding her. I just…” I grumbled, trying to find the right words. “I don’t know how to talk to her. I don’t know how to comfort her. I am not good with emotions.”

“Emilia thinks highly of you. I am sure she will understand. Is killing them really not an option?”

“The brothers aren’t their father. You should understand that better than anyone.” I paused, allowing it to sink in. “I will speak with Emilia first thing tomorrow morning.”

“I don’t want anyone to die. I feel guilty wishing death on another, but I want to protect what I have found inside these walls. I will do anything to protect you and Emilia.”

“I understand.”

He turned around to stare out into the forest. I stood up and ran my hands up his back, leaning into his strength. “I will forget that dinner and this conversation ever happened. Let me remind you that they are both staying, and that is final.”

“You are too…” Upon seeing the look I gave him, just as he was about to usethatword, he changed course at the last second and said, “Generous. I don’t deserve it.”

“No, you don’t. But I know that you will do anything to try and live up to my expectations.”

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