Page 136 of Cruelest Kiss and Fairest Blood
“Oh no you don’t. You may have been in charge for those few minutes, but I’m back on top now.”
I shriek as he drags me into the bath, soaking us both.
“Where the hell did you learn how to do that?”
“Oh, well, I didn’t even know a man could experience pleasure from that. Amidia told me.”
“Dammit, Amidia. I’ve got to keep you two separated. Before you came here, the Serpien were well-behaved.”
“Lies. They just kept their devious proclivities hidden from you. Do you know what kind of equipment they have beneath those snake bodies? Mytha said she once almost tore her girlfriend in half when she?—”
Harrow’s palm presses over my mouth. “No more, please. I have to work with them every day. Keep the stories of their sexual escapades to yourself.”
I wiggle out from under his palm. “You’re saying you didn’t like the things Amidia taught me? Your cum all over the throne room floor would suggest differently.”
Harrow flips us, pinning me to the edge of the tub.
“That mouth of yours gets filthier by the second.”
“Must be from that dirty cock you keep shoving between my lips.”
Harrow’s eyes widen. “Fucking hell, Roseheart.Who are you?”
I squeal as he descends on me, covering me in kisses and murmuring things about cleaning every filthy inch of me with his tongue. It takes us two more hours to make it out of the tub. Not that time matters down here. We have all day, all night, an eternity to spend together.
It takes longer than anticipated, but I still make sure to visit my animals when we’re done. Dragging Harrow along with me is always entertaining. The animals are far more comfortable with him now that they’ve passed on. We tour the forest, finding even more lovely blooms than the day before. The landscape is constantly changing. It grows, blossoms—like our love.
My herd of furry and feathered friends follows us as we walk. A patch of star-shaped lavender flowers catches my gaze. Picking a full bouquet, I take them to my favorite garden—the one where my parents reside.
They don’t know me. It’s difficult, but for the best. Not knowing me means they no longer know pain, tragedy, or fear. They’re not worried about whether I’m safe and healthy. I was happy to see they ended up in the same garden. Harrow says no one recognizes each other here, but I’ve seen things that make me believe otherwise. The brush of my father’s hand against my mother’s fingers as he ambles past. A moment of stillness where they stand inches apart, staring at one another. I like to believe they know one another still.
I’ve never learned how my mother and father died. All I know is that it was at the hands of Cassius and Catreena. Poison would be my guess, though I’ve never been able to confirm my theory. I just hope they didn’t suffer. At least they aren’t suffering now.
A third figure moves toward us. I was elated the day I discovered Gestin ended up in my parents’ garden. Of course he did. He’s guarding them even in death. Knowing his end was so brutal always sickens me. Seeing him here, completely at peace, has brought me some measure of peace too.
Laying the flowers on the edge of the garden, I wish them a silent goodbye. It joins the dozens of other bouquets I’ve left behind. It turns out Underworld flowers never wilt. My mom would have loved this place when she was alive.
“I’ll be back tomorrow.” I always say the same things. My words fall on deaf ears, but it makes me feel better to talk to them as if they can still hear me.
Harrow is as patient as ever. He stands nearby, quietly watching the interaction. I’ve spent hours here before—especially when I first arrived. He never rushes me, never says a word. My Raven King.
When I’m finished, Harrow extends a hand to me. I take it, and he guides us through the forest.
“Were you able to see Melly when you last surfaced?” I ask.
“She is just as you remember. I shadowed onto her property just in time to hear her call the horse she was learning to ride a ‘right cunt and a half.’ It threw her shortly after.”
I laugh so loud I snort. “Sounds like her lessons are going well.”
Melly survived the atrocities of Catreena and her monster. After she fled the castle, Harrow was able to track her to a small inn outside of town. The poor thing was in bad shape after hiding in the castle walls. Lucky for her, a mysterious distant relative died that very week and gifted her a gorgeous country estate and a fortune to go with it.
Melly is a survivor. She didn’t bother to question the details. It meant a new life for her. The castle itself is condemned—too much death and darkness surrounding it. No one enters its cursed halls, which means no one noticed Harrow’s ravens when they removed the royal collection of gold and jewels and deposited them in Melly’s new home.
On one of Harrow’s trips above, he spotted Heelin roaming the woods. The poor dog had been living on his own in the wild. Harrow dropped him out in front of Melly’s new home. She welcomed him with tears of joy. Harrow said Heelin was overjoyed as well, spinning and barking. Maybe they both needed a reminder of home—and someone to comfort and love after all the terror they endured.
She’s living like a queen with her faithful guard pup by her side. Harrow visits her often to ensure all is well. Maybe one day I’ll be able to visit her too.
When I look up to Harrow, his brows are deeply furrowed.
