Page 95 of Cages and Crowns
“Who are you?” I ask instead.
“Nero, Your Majesty, General of the Rakushian Royal Guard.” Hisvoice deepens, diplomacy replacing the playful lilt.
“You look a little young to be a general.” I say, cursing the disbelief in my voice. He’s going to think I’m a bitch.
“You look a little young to be the queen of an entire continent.” He snaps back. My lips part and I fight the urge to smile.Maybe not.
“That was rude.” I say softly, but I can’t help but want to laugh. A small giggle bubbles out of my throat and his eyes widen in surprise. The giggle turns into a full-blown laugh as I drop my knees and hug my stomach. He slowly stands and looks down at me with a cocked eyebrow.
“My gods. Are you mad?” He asks, causing me to laugh even harder. I can’t fight the tears coursing down my cheeks as my stomach grows tender from the laughter. When it finally stops, I take a deep breath and glance up at him.
“What?” He shrugs and I roll my eyes. He offers his hand, and I take it. His skin is warm against mine as he helps me stand. “Thank you, general.” I smile and he returns it.
“You are very welcome, my queen.” My cheeks heat and I step around him, heading for the door, but I pause before I open it.
“I don’t know if I want to go out there.” I whisper. He walks up behind me, the clanking of his armor giving him away.
“You can’t move forward unless you go out there. You need to accept what happened.” His voice is soft, concerned. I look over my shoulder at him.
“What if I can’t handle it?”
“You do it anyway.”
“What if I can’t bear the thought of being a murderer? What if everyone hates me?” I press.
“You go out there anyway.” He repeats. He nods and I turn back towards the door, pushing it open. I walk into the hallway and am greeted with a few other guards. I don’t look up at them, afraid of what their faces will say, as I follow the long hall to the entryway. Nithe is there, his hands gripping the tunic of a guard, fury filling his face.
“Hey!” I yell as I run towards them. “What’s going on?” Nithe spins around, his eyes scanning my body for any sign of harm before relief finally crests his eyes.
“Where have youbeen?” He snaps, grabbing my face. I push his hands out of the way and step back into someone. I quickly move to the side and watch as Nithe looks behind me.
“General.” He says by way of greeting.
“Your Grace.” Nero responds with a subtle dip of his chin. “If you are no longer in need of my services, my queen, I have matters to attend to.” His hazel eyes meet mine and I smile. He bows deeply before turning and walking back down the hall we came from.
“Services?” Nithe snips as my eyes follow Nero until he disappears. I turn back to Nithe and catch his glare. “My queen?”
“He found me hiding, made me laugh, and made sure I returned.” I say with a shrug, heading towards the stairway, avoiding the glances of the guards gathered around.
“He made you laugh?” I nod and climb the tall steps. “How?” I turn around to face him on the stairs. He’s a few steps below, making our eyes even. He leans forward, his breath cascading across my face. I inhale softly and relish in the relaxation that follows.
“What do you mean how?” I say softly.
“How did he make you laugh? Was he being inappropriate? Speaking to you in a way that is above his station?” Jealousy crosses his eyes and I snort before shaking my head.
“He spoke to me like a person, unlike everyone else.” I start to turn again, and he grabs my arm.
“Look at me.” I glare at him, and his eyes soften. “Be careful, please.” His voice softens as if he’s worried.
“Of what?”
“Adultery is punishable by death.” My jaw drops and I can see the regretfill his eyes. My pulse skips and an overwhelming sense of disappointment fills my mind.
I was right all along. He’s not different. He isn’t similar to Theo or that of a decent man. He’s the same ashim.
The same as Tobias.
“For someone who keeps assuring me they are not like Tobias, you two seem to be identical.” I rip my arm from his and quickly walk to my room, shutting it behind me.
