Page 69 of The Rose in the Shadows

He arched that infuriating eyebrow at me and it was all I could do to sigh and attempt to keep myself standing. His arms tightened to take on more of my weight as I leaned heavily against him. I was close to tears, and I didn’t want the others to see that.

“Please, Clay,” I whispered, turning towards him and away from prying eyes. “Please, just take me home.”

I wasn’t quite sure when I’d started to think of it as home.

Our gazes tangled together. I saw his irritation with me, but also his worry and confusion. I wondered what he could see written on my face.

“On second thought,” he finally sighed. “Perhaps Lady Moore would feel more comfortable in her own bed tonight. Iris will stay with her and Nurse Kira, you will check in on her again tomorrow morning while the Council discusses this matter. The rest of you can go home.”

I squeezed his hand as a thank you, and he didn’t hesitate to lift me into his arms once more. On any other day, I might have insisted that I walk on my own, but I didn’t. I simply buried my face in his neck, breathed in the scent of him, and allowed him to take me through the gardens, into the palace, and down the hall of Hyrax. The ever-watching eyes all bowed their heads as we passed. Iris followed behind us silently, and eventually, the three of us crossed into the safety of my suites. Clay kicked the door closed behind him with a resounding thunk.

He didn’t let go of me while he sat on the couch in the foyer.

He didn’t let go of me while I reached for Iris’ hand.

He didn’t let go of me when I finally released the emotions I had held back and allowed my sobs to echo throughout the room.

Chapter Twenty-One

The stench of sulfur was overwhelming, burning my nose and gagging me. Struggling to ignore it, I pulled my cloak tighter and looked around me. I’d been here before so many times. I knew these rock caverns with their winding tunnels and icy chill as clearly as I knew the hall of Hyrax at the palace. As I twisted through the endless maze, I traced my hands along the stone walls, recounting my previous steps until I was back in that room with the throne of skulls. Somehow, even though I knew he would be here waiting for me, his presence caught my breath again.

“Back again so soon?” He asked, combing a hand through his gray hair with a mischievous and knowing smile. He lounged in his chair, the picture of relaxation, with one leg kicked over the other and his hands thrown proudly over the armrests.

“I suppose,” I replied curtly, joining him at the table again.

That’s where I was supposed to be. At least, I think that’s where he wanted me to be.

He pushed forward a chalice of wine, and with a wave of his palm and a rush of magic, the same eerie music that filled the air during my first visit returned once more. He must have liked it to play it so much, but I didn’t personally care for the melody. It raised the hairs on my arms and neck, leaving me uncomfortable and on edge.

“And why have you visited me tonight, my dear?”

“I didn’t.”

Why in all of creation would anyone choose to return to a nightmare?

He pursed his lips. A smile danced on his features. “No? You’re here, aren’t you? There must be something you need from me. Something those friends of yours can’t provide. Not even that so-called Prince.”

His voice had darkened, betraying his disdain, and I titled my head, questioning. “Clay?”

Anger flashed in his eyes as I said Clay’s name, and the air chilled suddenly. Instinctively, I flinched away from him, but his rage was gone within a moment, as if I had imagined it entirely. The temperature warmed again, and the music picked up in tempo. He leaned back in his chair, playful once more, and crossed his arms behind his head. He grinned widely at me.

How strange.

“Yes, Clayton Vail, of House Zion.” He tsked his tongue disapprovingly. “You two have gotten quite close.”

“I suppose we are friends.”

“Is friendship all you feel towards him?”

I frowned, partially because the question felt too personal to be coming from a stranger and partially because I wasn’t sure if I knew the answer.

“Come now,” he sighed. “You must know that a son of Zion will never love the daughter of Hyrax.”

Frustrated, I looked anywhere but at him, ignoring his words.

Why was I here? Night after night, I dreamt of this place. Sometimes, I walked the caverns for what felt like hours with nothing of importance to remember. It mattered not whether I had a good day or a terrible one. Nothing I did in my waking life could keep me from this underground hell. What was so special about this place, this man, that it would constantly invade my dreams?

“Who are you?” I mused, leaning forward and resting my elbows on the table before us.

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