Page 86 of Cages and Crowns
But it wasn’t me.
It was him.
“I couldn’t sleep.” I whisper, my eyes finally meeting his. They are lowered, his brows pinched.
“Little witch…” He steps forward and I turn around, heading back to the room.
“Good night, Nithe.” I say, cursing how hoarse my voice sounds. I close the door behind me, flicking the newly replaced lock back into place.
I don’t know why. I don’t understand it, but tears pool in my eyes. I hastily wipe them away as they treacherously stream down my cheeks.
“Gods.” I whimper as I let the pain invade my senses. Why? Why her? And why do I care? It’s been two days since we wed, but it’s not like I am offering him anything. He should be able to get it elsewhere.
I cross the room and crouch through the open window, stepping onto the balcony. The night is warm, the air still and thick. I collapse against the glass windowpane and allow the tears to fall freely.
My eyes fix on the stars, and I feel the thrum of electricity before my vision turns white along the edges.
“Just breathe. Let it out.” I whisper to myself as I let the excess power, the aether that is reacting to my emotions, funnel out of me, sinking into the stone floor.
“Let me in.” His voice is quiet, saddened and muffled by the door. I don’t move. I watch as the aether rolls off of me in waves, getting dimmer and dimmer as my heart slows. It only takes seconds before it stops, and the thrum of electricity is gone. “Please.”
I don’t move from my place on the balcony, and before long, his soft knocking is gone.
I don’t know how long I stay out there, how many hours have passed, but I don’t enter the room again until the sun has crested the hills.
The second the sun rose; I was out of the room and in the training ring.
I kicked and punched the air, over and over, until I worked up a sweat and tears poured down my cheeks. I continued over and over, repeating what Enzo taught me the day before.
I won’t be helpless.
I won’t be weak.
I will be somebodyworthsomething.
I scream as I punch the air again, before slamming my hands over my face, trying to stop the tears.
The door shuts and I turn to see Emery walking in. Her hair is in one long plait down her back, her face blank and emotionless. I fight the irritation I feel at her presence. But I know it’s not her fault. I told Nithe it was just in name. I told him that’s all I wanted.
So why do I feel so betrayed?
She is dressed in what looks like training leathers and boots. Sleek black leather coats her skin in tight shafts, a laced corset across her ribs that houses a couple daggers. She has leather cuffs around her forearms laced with leather cord and part of me wonders if it’s stained with dragonink like Theo’s?
Or would it be wyvosink?
She looks good, her outfit radiating power, and I made a mental note to ask for clothes like that. Not that I even knew who to ask.
“What are you doing?” She asks, an amused smirk on her face.
“Trying to learn how to defend myself.” I spit, my arms crossing over my chest.
“I hate to break it to you, cousin, but your tiny fists are ineffectual.” She says, her voice just as perky as her perfect face.
“Enzo already said as much.” I snap.
“You need to train with weapons.” She says after a few moments of silent glaring on my part.
“What if I don’t have weapons?” I counter.
