Page 17 of Bound By Stardust
Pivoting, I met those dark eyes, half-glazed, the edges of confusion shrouding her. I tamped down my frustration and the impulse to kiss her again. With a little shake of my head, I shut the door, wondering if it locked so I could search undisturbed. The last thing I needed was for her to burst out of the room, half naked, while I tried to hide a dead body.
I waited at the door until I heard a splash, then I tore through the room, searching for a secret entrance or a better place to hide the body. Worst-case scenario, I’d have to transport it through the halls, which meant I needed something that wouldn’t raise questions or suspicions.
The walls of the room were solid, holding no secret entrances, and I found no trapdoors underneath the carpets. Scrolls and drawings littered a desk, and jewels overflowed on the counters. He was known for wearing thick, heavy rings, and I wished I knew the symbolism of each one. Among the jewels, I found necklaces and earrings, and in the wardrobe, clothing for a female. A cold realization set in as I fingered the silks.
Iscariot knew he’d be mated, and the room had been prepared to share. The clothes and jewels had to be for Asira.
I stroked my jaw, the short stubble rubbing against my fingers. Pretending to be Iscariot wouldn’t last long. I had just about seven days to re-discover the clue and come up with a plan to unveil the treachery of the Masters.
Another splash came from the washroom, reminding me of my limited time. Springing into action, I opened a trunk. I’d stuff him in there – later, in the dead of night, I’d sneak down to the tunnels and leave him there. How many would recognize him without his finery and his mask?
After emptying the trunk, I turned to the unpleasant task of stuffing the body into it. Kneeling, I peeked under the bed and yanked my hand back in horror. I stared again to ensure my eyes did not deceive me and slowly, my memories returned.
Thiswas the clue I’d discovered.
11
Asira
I’d never seen such an elaborate washroom. An ivory tub with legs carved in the shape of serpents sat in the center, the edges curling like a budding flower, captured in the moment of unfurling its petals. It was cool to the touch, with tiny glass knobs that made water flow. It was nothing short of sorcery.
I sank into truly hot bathwater, delighting in the way it felt on my skin, and the fact that the tub was so big, I could lie at the bottom and fully immerse myself. This was the luxury I’d always imagined. Soap on my fingertips, I helped myself to sweet grapes, washed down with cold water. The idea entered my mind that the bath was large enough for two, perhaps three, and I giggled at the foolish notion.
Motes of light danced in front of me, and it was difficult for my vision to focus on anything. Worst of all, my mind kept drifting to Drazhan, his low voice in my ear, the way his arms had curved around me while a priest murmured vows over us. It hadn’t sunk in until later that it was wedding ceremony.
I should be furious, but the drug in the drink had muted my anger, and a pleasantness buzzed around me. I licked my lips, unable to stop my straying thoughts of undressing Drazhan, moving my lips against his neck, tasting his essence, and…
It was an aphrodisiac, or at least, that was part of the drug. It was mixed with something else to make me feel hazy. A darkness lingered behind my thoughts, and unanswered questions rose and faded because it was too difficult to focus on anything. And why should I?
The water smelled like lilacs as I leaned back, resting my head against the curve of the ivory tub. Warmth surrounded me, and my eyelids fluttered shut. The excitement of the day was catching up with me, and ever since I’d found Drazhan, I hadn’t slept well. Now, I was at peace.
* * *
The water wascold when I woke, and I sat up with a start, my fingers wrinkled, a chill passing over my exposed skin. It was a moment before I recalled that the woozy sensation from being drugged had faded, leaving me with a bitter taste in my mouth and a pang in the pit of my stomach.
Reaching for the tray, I drank some water, groggily climbed out of the tub, and wrapped myself in a fluffy, warm towel. My feet sank into the carpet, and I curled my toes into it, glancing around the washroom for something to wear. My eyes landed on a crimson, rose-patterned robe, right next to a much longer, black robe meant for a man.
My throat went dry at the reminder of what had happened: the flight, the slap, the wine and then…the ceremony. Scrubbing my hand over my face, I let out a low moan. Had I, indeed, just married Drazhan?
My heart kicked at the idea of living together as man and wife. It was certainly not what I wanted, and my knowledge of the tithe had given me no indication that a mating ceremony was to follow. Still, his rooms were large enough for two to live in comfortably, and there was the robe, clearly meant for a woman. I wrapped the velvet around me and towel-dried my hair. With deft fingers I plaited it, ensuring strands still covered the tips of my ears.
I hesitated at the door, unsure what to say when I faced Drazhan. I was quite sure in my drugged state that I’d flirted with him, and my face burned at the idea.
Mated.
Bonded together.
I didn’t want to be married, and even though I felt a flair of attraction toward him, I didn’t love him. Although, how many times had Grandmother told me love had nothing to do with it?
Marriage was for security, expanding family lines, and easing the burden of work. I’d imagined many things would change for the better when I reached High Terrin, but I never could have imagined this.
Pressing my lips together, I lifted my chin, opened the door, and stepped out.
Soft candlelight lit the room in a halo of gold, highlighting the decor of silver and crimson. Gems sparkled on the chandelier that hung over the bed. I swallowed hard and kept walking. I would not think of the bed or what married couples did on their first night together.
Padding into the main room, I found Drazhan. He looked up when I entered, and I detected a weariness on his face, one that disappeared when he smiled that easy, flirtatious smile. He wore a rich blue robe with gold edging that flowed around his body, and I assumed it must be what the Masters wore day to day. I met his golden eyes and lifted my chin. “We need to talk.”
Drazhan gestured to the trays of food that sat on a low table in front of him. “You must be hungry. How do you feel?”
