Page 20 of To Dwell in Shadows
Then she sighed dramatically and laughed to herself. “Ah, forgive me for raising my voice, dear sister. It’s that Malkina moodiness weare so famous for. It’s been a difficult journey, so let us speak of more pleasant things. And enjoy each other’s company instead of arguing! You can discuss this matter another time, when we aren’t all so frazzled.”
She looked around the table with a smile, but the steeliness behind her eyes dared anyone to object. “Lamia, I have so much gossip to share. You must hear the story of how Queen Cebna took on a Lycah lover… ”
Gradually, the tension in the room dissipated with Thema’s jovial story. Soon, the imps appeared with their food, further lightening the mood. Sam tried to catch Selene’s eye as they ate, but her gaze remained downcast.
Her discomfort was palpable, making him long to sit closer so he could hold her hand. It pained him to see her like this, especially knowing how much energy it had taken for her to bring them to the Underworld.
Being caught between his parents’ expectations and his desire for a peaceful life with Selene was difficult, but he would not tolerate any disrespect toward his mate. He would reiterate his intentions to his parents tomorrow and reassure them that he would always be present in their lives.
Chapter 11
After the dinner dishes were cleared away, Selene was more than ready to collapse into bed—any bed. She was about five seconds from curling up on the stone floor when Asmodeus finally bid them goodnight, and an imp escorted her and Sam to their suite.
The gothic beauty of their space was breathtaking. Their chambers were comprised of a parlor, bathroom, and bedroom decorated in emerald and black tones. Arched stained-glass windows lined one wall, depicting demons engaged in a courtly dance with skeletons. A fire crackled in the ornate fireplace, and soft light glowed from sconces on the wall. The furnishings were plush but unconventionally shaped. The couch curved in the shape of a C, and several padded stools were scattered around the room—perhaps to accommodate those with cloven hooves.
The stained glass continued into the bedroom. A huge four-poster bed sat in the center, draped in black velvet. An elaborate vanity stood in one corner, and a matching chest of drawers in the other. Selene noticed a set of glass doors near the bathroom that led to a balcony, but she was too tired to explore further.
Sam was still in the hall talking to someone about bringing them toiletries and clothes when Selene slumped onto the bed.
Watching Sam reunite with his parents had been one of the most beautiful moments Selene had ever witnessed. She felt honored to be part of it, and deeply grateful for the winding path that had brought them all to this point. That dinner, on the other hand…
A complete nightmare.
She could understand his parents’ desire to keep him close—of course she could. But the pressure they had placed on him to assume leadership mere moments after his arrival felt manipulative. She also hadn’t expected them to regard their relationship with such disdain.A human, his mother had sneered, as if her son were mated to a diseased rat.
Guilt gnawed at her. It hurt to know they saw her at the center of their disappointment, the living symbol of Sam “failing” to fulfill his destiny. Selene had harbored such high hopes of building a loving relationship with his parents, imagining they would see her as the human daughter they never had—a quirky but welcome outsider, just as she was regarded in Aurelia. But so far, everyone, including Vanthee, seemed to wish she would just disappear.
Selene rubbed the back of her neck. Maybe his parents just needed some time. It was a lot to take in all at once, and they were allowed to have mixed feelings. Was it fair to judge their interaction by human standards—when they were anything but? Once they got to know her, Selene was sure Sam’s parents would grow to care for her just as Brunie and Eldridge had.
When Sam finally came into the bedroom, he looked as exhausted as she felt.
“What a day, huh?” Selene said.
“Yes.” Sam sat on the bed beside her. “Father wants to take me fishing in the Swamps of Sanctuary tomorrow. It’s something we used to do when I was a boy.”
“That’s sweet. When are you going?”
“At dawn. His schedule is very busy for the remainder of the day.”
“I bet.” Selene glanced through the balcony doors at the darkness beyond. “How do you tell when it’s morning here?”
“The sky changes from black to orange. The Underworld is warmed by fires that burn beneath the ground, not the sun. They ebb and flow like an ocean, creating times of darkness and light. You and Queen Thema might find it difficult to acclimate at first.”
“Interdimensional jet lag,” Selene said, yawning. She began changing into the nightgown she’d brought.
When they crawled under the covers, Selene nestled against Sam as she always did. He was quiet for a moment then said, “Selene, I’m sorry my mother wasn’t very welcoming to you today. The argument at dinner was completely unnecessary.”
“It’s all right,” she murmured. “It was a big day, and everyone had a lot of big feelings.”
“Yes. I will speak with them about it.”
“Don’t worry about it,” she said, already half-asleep. “It was an awkward beginning, but they just need to get to know me. I want you to enjoy the time we have here.”
“And I want us both to feel comfortable. I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen,” Sam replied. “Goodnight, my love.”
“Goodnight.”
Selene woke up the next day alone. The room was dark, but orange light shone through the stained-glass windows. Rubbing her eyes, she hoped she hadn’t slept so long that she’d committed some breach of royal etiquette.
