Page 76 of Cages and Crowns
“Everyone is already getting ready. This is happening.” He turns and walks back into the ballroom. I can hear him clap his hands and the guests go quiet. He says something and cheering ensues. The guards walk down the hall, dragging Enzo with them, before disappearing.
“Enzo!” I yell, but Nithe still won’t let go.
“Stop!” He snaps and I relax, letting my head rest onto his chest as I blink away the tears, only then does his arm loosen.
“Nithe.” Imumble, stepping out of his grasp. He steps around me, blocking the door to the ballroom. “I can’t.” His hand reaches up to touch my face and I flinch before stepping back. Hurt crosses his eyes, but he drops his hand.
“I’ll fix this.” He responds, before following after his father. I stare after him before turning back the way Enzo went. I start down the hallway, following after him. Ladies appear in front of me, stepping out of the darkness, and smile at me.
“Yes?” I say hesitantly as I stop.
“We are here to ready you, Your Grace.” One of them says before they guide me back towards the stairs.
“No, you’re mistaken. This isn’t happening.” I respond as one of their hands clamp around my arm, forcing me up the steps. “Let go of me!”
“The order came from the king, Your Grace.” Another says as I reach the second floor. Despite my protests, they usher me into my room and start stripping my wedding dress off of me. A white nightdress that is completely sheer and brushes my knees is pulled over my head. A thin dressing gown is tied around me. White slippers are slid on my feet and my new crown is removed. Pins are pulled from my hair, and the icy strands fall around me like a curtain.
I tried to fight, to pull out of their grasp, but everywhere I turned there was another one of them.
I am once again pulled out of the room and guided down the stairs. I protest, asking them to stop, but their cold fingers stay planted on my elbows. I am led down a different hallway to a door that is open.
“Please, I don’t want this.” I whisper, but they don’t look at me. Their faces are flat, lifeless and a little creepy. They shove me into the door, and I stumble, barely catching my footing.
My breath catches and it almost feels as if my heart will stop as I take in the room before me.
A large bed with gauzy white curtains draped around it, partiallyblocking the view, sits in the middle. Nothing else is in the room besides torches keeping it alight. The wall on the direct opposite side of the bed is covered in shutters. The shutters are open, revealing the crowd of people who all gathered to watch this horrific moment. They sit in partial darkness, smiles plastered to their faces as they get excited for what they are about to witness.
Noise behind me causes me to spin around. Nithe steps in, his eyes wide as he takes in the room. I don’t mistake the hand wrapped around his arm connected to his father. I step forward and he smirks at me before closing the door, Enzo and the guards close behind him. I don’t miss the sound of the lock as it clicks into place. My heart drops as I realize there isn’t a way out of this.
“Nithe.” I whisper, my hand resting on my stomach. His hands clench into fists as he stares at me. His eyes slowly pan down, taking in my nightclothes, before returning to my face. Tears prick in my eyes, and I don’t fight as they trail down my cheek. “Nithe.” I repeat. He steps closer, hunger deep in his eyes.
He’s going to make me do this, isn’t he? Scarlett was wrong. He’s the same as Tobias. The same as everyone. I shake my head and step back. He glances over at the shutters, the hushed whispers making it through the open slats.
“Don’t make me do this.” I whisper, trying to keep my voice as low as possible. He steps closer to me, his breath fanning over my face, caramel-scented whiskey coating his breath.
“My father is standing outside with Enzo. If we do not do this, he will slit his throat.” His voice is rushed as he says it through clenched teeth. My eyes widen and my knees give out. He grabs my elbow, holding me up.
“Why is he doing this?” I whisper back. “Is this really because he wants us to bear a child so soon? Is that all everyone thinks I’m worthy of? Every person in my life has demanded an heir, demanded a child.Iam still a child, Nithe.” His eyes soften and line with silver as his fingers loosen on my elbow.
“I know, I know.” He whispers. “I don’t know what to do. He is standing out there right now with a sword to his neck. What do you want me to do?” Hurt fills his voice as he stares into my eyes. “He’s my best friend.”
“He’s mybrother.” I counter.
“I don’t know what to do.” Resolve settles over me as reality sinks in.
“What’s one more night I didn’t ask for?” I mumble. He scoffs and releases my arm, stepping back.
“Don’t. Don’t compare me to the men who raped you, Elaenor. I am stuck in this just as much as you are.” My breath lodges in my throat as he spins around, walking to the door. He pulls on the handle, but it doesn’t open. He slams his hand against it.
“Don’t even attempt it, son.” The king’s muffled voice filters through the door. Someone laughs from the viewing room, and I fight the urge to scream, to throw something. He leans his head against the door, and I can see his shoulders shake as if he’s fighting against sobs that are building in his chest.
You can do this, Elaenor. You can do this.I repeat over and over.
I cross the distance between us and slip in the small space between his chest and the door.
“I’m sorry.” I whisper, looking up at him. Tears line his eyes, his pupils darker than normal. “I can do this.” My voice cracks and he searches my eyes. “We can do this.” I say, my hands lifting to rest on his chest. His breath shudders and he closes his eyes momentarily.
“I am so sorry, little witch.” He whispers. His eyes open, and the irises have gone black. His hands drop from the door, grabbing my face. His lips slam into mine, forcing them to open. My hands fist on his tunic as I fight the fear building in my chest. His hands slide down, wrapping around my waist as he pulls me against him.
