Page 35 of Haunted

“I told you to name another chancellor.”

Now she looks at me, steadily, with a hidden fire she’s dying to unleash. “I will not release you from your duty.”

“You are stubborn.”

“You should know your place.” She steps away from the corner table.

“And where is that?”

She stops inches away from me. “Right here. With me.” Is she begging? I swear she is.

Her face is rigid with tension. She doesn’t know where to take this fight, which will result in backlash.

Inwardly, I brace myself as I enunciate my words. I’m so close to making her erupt, and I’m enjoying every second. “Why? Why do you want me here so badly?”

“I forbid you from your duties elsewhere. Name a steward to rule in your absence.”

“For how long? For your eternal rule?”

She grabs me by the hair and folds me over the table. “How about for your eternal rule?”

I ignore the pain as my cheek is smashed against the cool wood. “You’re just upset about what happened between us,” I grunt.

She bends forward until her nose almost touches mine. Her body presses into my shoulder as she shoves down on my back with her elbow. “I’m upset because you were too cowardly to face me.”

“I’m a coward?” I don’t fight her. I take her wrath. If she understands that I’m willing to submit, we can go back to our so-called trust, but I have to get in a final jab or she won’t acknowledge what happened between us. “That didn’t bother you when you were ripping my clothes off.”

She rips my head back and suddenly releases it. “I should kill you.”

I push off the table and straighten my clothes. “Please, why don’t you?” My eyes are embers. Irritation itches under my skin.

“Because I need you.”

Her words surprise me, but I act as if they don’t matter. “You don’t need anyone.”

She turns away from me, wringing her hands together. “I have a task. Something I hesitate doing.”

“That shouldn’t stop you. You take what you want.” I can’t imagine anything that would stop the empress.

“He demands it.”

“Who?” I step toward her and practically growl into her ear. “This master who controls you?” I loathe this being who has her under his command.

“I have to interrogate a prisoner.” Her voice sounds weak. “I want you to come with me.”

Is this weakness she displays another one of her games? “Why? Do you need my counsel? My advice? The best way to inflict pain?” My words are too harsh.

When she turns to me, I’m shocked. A stream of tears streaks down each cheek. “I just need you with me.”

I take her shoulders and lift her chin.

The woman in her does not fight me.

Caedryn! Neifion says. She’s all darkness. Her tears aren’t real. She is using you. Use her in return. Go with her.

I don’t want to believe my dragon, but he’s right. His words are truth.

Every second I’m with her, that truth crumbles.

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