Page 102 of Cruelest Kiss and Fairest Blood
“The best we can hope for after so many tragedies.”
I try to tune them out but something about the tragedy statement sticks with me. Am I the tragedy? Are they talking about my mother? Or is it something else?
“What happened while I was asleep?”
“Much. You were out for six days.”
“No. There’s no way.” How long was I in the in-between before Harrow found me? Was he away from his kingdom for that long? He told me bad things happen when he spends too much time outside his domain. If something did happen, it will be my fault.
My chest tightens. Harrow didn’t follow me through the doorway. No, I didn’t even get the chance to use the door. What happened to Harrow? Was he able to get out? Panic sizzles through my nerves.
My gaze sweeps from face to face as we pass guards and servants, hoping to glimpse a mysterious figure lurking about. Harrow is not here.
“You’re safe now,” Cassius whispers, mistaking my searching as fear of something else.
The safety and silence of my quarters welcomes me as we stroll through the doorway. All I need is for Cassius to leave me in my room so that I can wait for Harrow to show up. He’ll come to check on me. Then I can ask him how he escaped.
“You’ve done enough. It would probably be best if I was left alone for a bit.”
“Don’t be silly. I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep.” Cassius smiles. Usually, I like how nice he always is. Right now, I find it suffocating.
“I could use some space to process.”
“I’ll give you all the space you need.” Cassius sets me down and relocates to an armchair by the fire. “You can let me know if you need anything.”
Scowling, I consider what unladylike thing I can say to get him to leave. There’s a small bit of guilt. Cassius did just kiss me awake and save me from a literal hell. Technically I was about to get out without his help. He doesn’t know that though. No one knows about Harrow or any of the horrific things I’ve just endured.
“I need to see my father.” He was in bad shape the last time I saw him. “Now.”
Cassius’s expression shifts. “I’ll take you to him, but first you must eat and rest.”
“Is he well? Why wasn’t he present when you woke me up?”
“I know you have a lot of questions. You need food and sleep. Then we can address all of your concerns.”
The door opens again and several maids enter. I don’t recognize a single one. They fill my bath and set a tray of tea on my bedside table.
“Where is Melly?” Now that I’ve thought of her, it seems horribly wrong that she hasn’t come rushing to my room.
“She’s been called away. We’re here to assist you in any way we can in her absence, miss.” One of the girls smiles. It’s a dead smile that doesn’t reach her eyes.
That doesn’t feel right. “Called away where?” I snap defensively.
“We weren’t privy to that information, miss.” Another girl bows her head.
“When will she be back?” I do not want these strange women in my room.
“We weren’t told. We’re here to assist you in any way we can in her absence, miss.”
“Yes, you’ve said that. Stop calling me miss.” The women don’t even flinch at my biting tone. “Leave me.”
“Your bath, miss.”
“I am capable of bathing myself. Thank you and good day.” When the women don’t move, I stomp to the door, opening it and pointing toward the exit.
They exchange glances before curtsying and hurrying out. I slam the door, jumping when the sound reverberates through my already-aching skull.
Cassius is silently watching me. “I don’t want to hear it,” I bark, storming to the bathroom. I don’t want to accept any help from those women, but if I’ve been under a spell for six days then I haven’t showered in six days. Self-consciousness awakens in me. I probably smell like the living dead and Cassius carried me, nestled into his chest, all the way up to my room.
