Page 34 of Cages and Crowns
“Just Enzo and I. No one else. We can cross the Delaquar by boat, it’ll be quick. We would make it before the moon rose.” I look over at Kassius. “Would that give us enough time?” He shakes his head.
“The moon had not yet risen in this vision; it may be too late by then.”
“We can leave now.” Enzo replies as he guides his little sister off his lap.
“I can’t allow it.” My father snaps, his hands digging into the table.
“I have said it before, and I will say it again, you arenotmy king.” My father’s eyes harden as he stares at Enzo, preparing for another verbal battle.
“Dav. She will be gone, and all of this would be for nothing if they do not get her out.” Kass cuts in, hoping to diffuse the situation. His eyes relax, his brows unfurrow.
“Fine, but you both go into this knowing you may not make it back. Knowing that you will not be rescued. You willnotbe saved.” I nod and clamor out of my chair, following Enzo closely behind.
“Enzo?” Scarlett’s voice is soft, and he spins on his heel to face her. “Bring her home.” She whispers. She leans up, pressing her lips to his. He kisses her back, and I can almost see it, I can almost see love pooling in his eyes.
Emery is not going to be happy.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The Caged
His hands are tight around my neck as he thrusts into me. The whimpers are soft, barely audible, but I have no energy left. No energy left to fight. My physical wounds may be closed, but the mental damage is done.
There is no saving what is left of me.
It will be over soon.
Chapter Twenty-Three
The Discarded
Five Weeks Ago
He was rough, but he didn’t touch me. Not in that way. He hasn’t since she arrived. Since she arrived, things have been different. He’s always been aggressive, but he’s obsessed. Obsessed with her.
It’sherfault.
Everything that has happened is her fault.
And now she gets to raise my son while I rot in a dungeon.
It’s been two weeks since my son was taken. Two weeks I have sat in this dungeon, waiting to die. Will he kill me? Willhe make it quick?
I’ve been well-fed. Enough bread and cheese to fill my belly until the next meal. No one has spoken to me, not directly, but I hear them whisper. I hear them whisper about the deranged king and the infant forced upon the queen.
My infant.
Myson.
I can’t stand the screaming.
It’s too much.
The noises as he slices her open. As she sobs. As she cries.
She just keeps repeating that she’s sorry.
He’s mad, I think.
