Page 27 of The Poison of the Earth
I chuckle, “Cheater.”
She sticks out her tongue at me.
Now on the main floor, I lead her to her room in silence. Once there, I turn her towards me, her back to the door. “Now. Tell me: Do you want me? Do you see yourself enjoying my bed, Allie?” My voice is low and husky.
She blushes deeply; I can see it spread across her chest. “I... my lord.”
I gaze hard at her, silent.
“Y–yes, my lord.”
And at that, she spins and flees to her room, slamming and locking the door behind her. I lean my head against the wood, still in shock.
When I can finally pull myself up, I sneak back to my room, silent as I go past Kai’s door.I cannot see him right now.
As soon as I’m in my rooms, I pour myself a double shot of liquor and down it in one go.Did she figure it out too?I replay the moment in my mind. The tentative touch of her tongue, the full press of our lips together.No, I don’t think so. She doesn’t seem like a good liar, I would have noticed if she felt it too.
I run my hands through my hair, disrupting the bun.How? How is this happening? To me? And now?
What an utter disaster.
Kai and I have kept our relationship secret, let everyone believe that we consider ourselves brothers, because, we’ve known for decades now, that we’ll most likely both have to offer ourselves in marriage to secure the treaties needed to pull off this coup. We spoke of it, once, years ago, and decided that it was a price we were willing to pay for our revenge.
But now. Now.Oh, fuck, how could I give up them both?I grab the bottle and pull straight from it.
THE NEXT MORNING, Idrag my sorry ass out of bed and take a long bath. I’m late to breakfast, but Cook has held the food for me. I slip into my seat and Kai glances at me archly. Achlys is across from me, looking as foreboding as ever. Caspian and Tazi are chatting.
“Good morning,” I greet them, my voice rough.
“Tis late evening to me,” Achlys says calmly.
“Ah, yes,” I nod. “I look forward to our discussion after your rest, Ordained.”
I’d rather have sticks driven under my fingernails. This damn Ordained has proven to be nothing but slick, refusing to give solid terms or agree to any we propose.
The kitchen door opens and Allie steps out. I stare at her like a fool. I notice she has the hair sticks I gave her in her hair. I make a note to myself to get her some earrings that will graze that delicate neck of hers. She delivers our plates for breakfast, tray balanced on her shoulder easily.
I am staring at her as she makes her way around the table, in a way I hope is not too wistful. But I notice the glare Kai is throwing her way. As she hands him his plate, he asks her something, causing her to lean down, the high neck of her rich blue gown dipping so that I can see the heartbeat flutter in the hollow of her throat.She’s afraid of him,I think. Feelings war inside me. Allie turns and heads for the kitchen.
Suddenly, the doors to the hall open and in marches Lilac. I nod at my Captain. She looks tired but triumphant.
“Allie, please have Cook fix Lilac a plate,” I project my voice so she’ll hear me across the room.
Lilac takes a seat, a grin playing upon her lips.
“How was your mission?” I ask, leaving out details given Achlys listening intently.
“Good. The suggestion given was very useful and I learned much.”
Allie slips back in, silently, and places a plate in front of Lilac. Lilac’s eyes land on Allie and for a moment, I see undisguised hatred in her gaze. I blink, protectiveness leaping inside of me and I grip the arm of my chair for control.
I force a tight nod as I watch Allie head back to the kitchen. “Good,” I say shakily. “We’ll meet after breakfast and talk more.”
AS SOON AS I CAN, Iretreat to my rooms. I flop down on a couch and close my eyes, hoping to grab a few minutes of sleep.
BANG. BANG.
Lilac.
