Page 63 of Cages and Crowns
“Rosie?” My gaze snaps up as Nithe walks in, leaving the door open behind him.
“Stop calling me that.” I snap as he collapses on the foot of the bed like a dog. “What are you doing?”
“Making sure you don’t kill yourself or run.”
“Fuck off.” I surprise myself as the words leave my mouth, a gasp following. I don’t know why I feel so angry, so disturbed by his presence. I bite mylip and look away.
“I thought you’d be meek and quiet, but my gods you are vulgar.” He snorts, rolling onto his back.
“Leave me alone, Nithe.”
“Or what?” My eyes narrow and I can feel the electricity trickle through my veins before my peripherals turn white. I scare myself, my breath catching as I slam back into the headboard.
“I don’t understand.”I say, my voice more breath than sound.
“Maybe little witch is a better nickname than Rosie.” He snorts.
“I would like to be alone.” I clear my throat and look at him, trying to seem as demanding as possible, but I’m sure I look like a mess.
“Trust me, the last thing I want is to be here, but it will keep my father away.” He replies and I don’t miss the disgust in his voice at the mention of his father. Davenport didn’t seem like a kind man, giving me a weird sensation of repeating time. As if this is all something I have done before.
Because it is.
“Why would you need to keep your father away?”
“He isn’t kind, Elaenor. And if I stay by your side, he’ll leave you be.” His eyes glance down at my dress before returning to my face.
“So you are protecting me?” I say while pulling the blanket up higher around me.
“Unfortunately.” He sighs.
“I don’t need protection.” I mutter, crossing my arms. I am fully aware I may look childish, but I’m tired.
“You need more than most.” He snorts.
“Nithe–”
“Look, you just learned a fuck ton of information about your life, found out you have a twin, and found out more about how you almost died. You have been asleep for nine days. You have a lot–”
“I don’t need a babysitter!”
“I don’t care.”
“What is your problem?” I snap.
“I am trying to help you, little witch.”
“I don’t want your help.” I spit, bringing my legs up to my chest and wrapping my arms around them.
“Look at me.” I don’t, keeping my gaze on the bed. “Elaenor.” He says sharper this time. When I don’t look up, he sighs. “I can’t even imagine what is going through your head, but I am trying to be your friend here. I am trying to make sure you aren’t alone, or that you don’t do anything stupid.” He says softly.
“What would I do?”
“You called out for him. In your sleep.” My eyes finally meet his and I can almost see sorrow crossing the bright irises.
“What?” I whisper.
“You cried for him, begging him to come. You woke up once. You were confused and said Tobias would come for you.”
