Page 21 of The Cursed Queen

Virgil's hold on me tightened. "We're going to make it through this."

"I know," I said, and I did. But it didn't stop the fears from festering. I guess it didn't matter how scared we were, so long as we kept going. Tomorrow began the first step towards my independence and the liberation of dragons.

Happy birthday to me.

We wrapped up our plan before packing up and turning in for the night. Sneaking out without being spotted was now a sport for me, one that I was becoming a professional at. Looking to see nobody in my vicinity, I stepped out of our hiding spot and proceeded to casually walk back to my chambers. Just as I turned the corner, I noticed someone standing outside my chamber doors. I almost turned back around to run, but upon further inspection, I realized it was Vivienne.

"Viv?"

Vivienne turned to the sound of my voice, relief washing over her. "Sera, thank the gods. I've been looking all over for you. Where in blazes have you been?"

I felt bad for worrying her, but I tried my best not to wear my emotions on my face. "I was out."

"Out? That's all I'm getting from you?" Vivienne scowled. "Talk to me, Sera. What's been going on with you?"

Oh, how I wish I could tell her. I so desperately wanted to include her, to believe she'd consider my actions noble. I couldn't, not when we were so close to making our getaway.

"There's nothing to talk about." I shrugged nonchalantly and walked over to her. "I was with Virgil. He and I were planning something for my birthday tomorrow. Just the two of us."

Vivienne eyed me curiously. "Is that right?"

"It is, and might I remind you, it's not your place to question me. You're my servant,notmy guardian." I hated using that tone with her to make it sound like she was nothing more than a hired hand. What choice did I have?

Vivienne looked as if I'd slapped her, which hurt more than any betrayal. I hated the disgruntled look I put on her, but it soon morphed into disappointment.

"Of course, your highness. My apologies," Vivienne muttered. She stepped out of the way, which left me able to reach my door. I wanted to apologize to her, but I needed to hold firm. Any show of weakness would have me cracking.

"Sera." I had the door halfway opened when I froze at the sound of Vivienne calling my name. "Whatever has been going on with you, I just hope you know I'm on your side. I willalwaysbe on your side."

That sounded like a hint. Like she knew I was plotting something, and that I had her support. My grip around the doorknob tightened as a war ensued in my head. To tell her, or not to tell her.

"Thank you," I got out through a choked voice.

Before I lost my nerve, I hastily entered my chambers and slammed the door behind me. My back pressed against the door as I finally let out the breath I'd been holding. My eyes squeezed shut as fresh tears ran down my face.

Vivienne, I hope you can forgive me someday.

Feeling exhausted and defeated, I changed out of my dress and into my nightgown. Before the dragon crowning ceremony, I'd pack up anything in my chambers I could sell and have it ready for Virgil to collect. I wasn't sure what would happen to us, but I couldn't imagine that I'd be welcomed into the dragon's den. Once we made sure Andriel and the others were home, Virgil and I would be on our own. Therefore, we would need money to live off for a while.

Laying in bed, sleep wouldn't come to me. All I could think about was what would happen in the morning. My mind raced over all the plans we made, making sure there were no errors we overlooked. Everything seemed cut and dry, but nothing was foolproof. Something could go wrong and that made me nervous.

I wasn't sure how much time had passed since laying there with my working mind. I must've dozed off at some point because I stirred to the feel of something stroking my cheek. A hand, it felt like. My eyes took a moment to open, my vision blurring at first. But once it cleared, I found myself staring into the face of Andriel above me.

"Hello, darling." Andriel's voice rumbled softly.

"Andriel?" It couldn't be. I was in the castle. In my chamber. It should've been impossible for Andriel to be here.

"Yes, it's me," he said.

"But... how?" Andriel was in my bed, naked as the day we were born, and hovering on top of me. My body instantly grew hot at how close we were. How his naked form was mere inches from my body. I had to lick my lips because of how dry my mouth went.

"With Virgil's help. An invisibility enchantment, plus and secret passage into the castle. I can't stay for too long, but I at least want to have one night with you before we leave."

Oh dear, I was going to owe Virgil big for this. But I still couldn't believe he would do this for me. For Andriel. Now that he was here, I ached for his embrace. To feel every inch of him.

Unable to reign in my urges, my arms wrapped themselves around his waist and pulled him down to me. Andriel went willingly, his hands on my face as his lips brushed against mine. It felt like a dream. The most beautiful and sensual dream I ever had, and I never wanted to wake from it. Andriel brushed his tongue along my lips, and I eagerly opened for him. Hesoon enveloped my mouth with his, taking ownership of me. I whimpered as the kiss deepened, my body writhing beneath him. The feeling of his cock pressed against my lower belly, hardening at an instant. I wanted more. Wanted to feel his length. To taste it. To feel it inside me.

Andriel's lips left mine, but began peppering kisses all over my face. He then brought it down my neck, trailing down to my collarbone. Every kiss be left felt hot against my skin. My lower region tingled as I felt myself getting wet. More, I needed more.

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