Page 63 of A Crown Without Mercy

She felt jealous of Venthana, Stefania, and Aurelia, who would surely be in attendance for the nightly games and her stomach churned at the mere thought of another touching Nicolai and Kieran, knowing the ladies would swoon all over them again. She had never contemplated being a member of the court, yet here she was longing to be a part of a world they had given her a taste of. A tear dripped down her cheek at the mere thought of another being in bed with them.

A soft knock on the door and Calista’s voice pulled her from her misery. “Sylvana, you awake?”

She swept the tear from her cheek. “Yes, come in.”

Calista quietly shut the door behind her. “I thought you might have a drink with me? I can’t sleep.”

Sylvana readjusted herself, placed one foot on the floor, and pulled a knee to her chest. “I sure could use one.”

Calista handed her a cup and sat next to her. “You can’t sleep either?”

“No. Are you thinking about Father?” Sylvana asked.

“Sort of. He’s been gone a week now and hasn’t sent word.”

“It’s not the first time he’s left on clan business like this. He’ll be back,” Sylvana offered.

“I know.” Calista took a drink and stared out the window in the castle’s direction. After a few minutes of silence, she side eyed Sylvana but failed to find the words.

“What?” Sylvana asked. “I can tell you have something else you want to talk about, so out with it.”

“When you didn’t come home last night, I was really worried,” Calista admitted.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t have a choice. The storm washed the road out.”

“I think there is more to this story.”

Sylvana wrapped her hands tightly around the cup and looked at the amber hued liquid.

Calista immediately knew something else had happened. “Whatever it is, you can tell me.”

“It’s complicated is all.”

“‘Complicated’? How so?”

“I will tell you everything, but you have to promise me you won’t say a word to anyone.”

“We have always confided in each other. Tell me, Sylvie.”

“Please reveal nothing to Alaric. He will go after Nicolai and Kieran, and if he does, you know what they are capable of.”

“You’re scaring me,” Calista replied.

“It’s not you who needs to be afraid,” Sylvana said.

“What the hell happened? Did they hurt you?”

“No, not at all. It’s just—I slept with them,” she whispered.

“You what?”

Sylvana looked out the window, trying to come up with an explanation for her actions. “It just happened. It was an amazing night; we were drinking, playing games and the next thing I knew I was in Nicolai’s bedchamber with him and Kieran.”

“That is the lamest explanation I have ever heard.”

“It is what it is, Calista. I can’t take it back now, can I?”

“I can’t believe this. Did you really sleep with them? Together?”

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