Page 57 of Cages and Crowns
“Mal is my child, and despite the fact that I did not sire you Enzo, you will always be my son.” He stands, pushing Scarlett off his lap.
“Not only have you lied to me about Elaenor, but also my parents? You told me my mother died—”
“She did—”
“Andyou told me that Elaenor was my other half, leading me to believe that she was my soulmate!” My eyes widen as I look at him. His face is flushed, and his brows furrowed, and I realize something. We look almost identical. The freckles, the hair, or at least what my hair used to be. The shape of our eyes. We look the same. “You had me pining after my ownsister.” His voice cracks and he shakes his head. “Excuse me.” He leaves the room quickly, Scarlett following after him.
“This is why your father wants me to marry you?” I ask as I look up at Nithe. His face is still filled with shock as he tries to process everything.
“Yes, it is.” He responds, clearing his throat and straightening his back as he faces me.
“I won’t do it.” I say as I rise from the settee and walk to my room without giving him another glance.
ChapterThirty-Four
The Caged
I walk quickly down the hall to the room that will be mine for the foreseeable future. Tears burn the back of my eyes and I feel as if I am seconds from losing it entirely or passing out.
Probably both.
The door across from mine is open and I stop short, peeking in. Emery is lounging on her bed, golden waves a mess behind her as she reads. She’s wearing a tunic and trousers similar to my own but trimmed in gold and cut perfectly for her toned body. I can’t tell what she’s reading, but she seems bothered, upset even. I take a silent deep breath and knock on her door. Her eyes flash to mine in anger, before dissolving into surprise.
“Elaenor.” She whispers as she sits up, her perfect hair flowing behind her.
“Emery.” I respond and take a hesitant step inside. Her room is a little smaller than mine, with a huge balcony and sitting room. The sky is a bright,cloudless blue and I can see the tips of wisteria trees brushing the balustrades of the stone balcony. It’s peaceful in here, comfortable.
“How are you doing?” She asks quietly and I offer her a small smile.
“I’m not entirely sure. I’m just tired and probably due for a meeting with a mender.” My hands knot in front of me, and I can feel my limbs shake as I take another step forward. Her eyes track my steps as if I was a deer she is afraid to startle.
“Well, that’s to be expected, we can have someone sent to your room.” I can almost taste the awkwardness in the room, but I have to know.
“Your father, have you heard anything?” Her eyes widen and she bites her lip before shaking her head and looking down at her lap.
“Not since we received word that he saw you. I am holding out hope that he isn’t dead, but we haven’t heard from Ren either.”
“Ren?” She looks back up at me.
“Father Reynolds. He was sort of our inside man.” Shock settles deep in my belly as it all starts to make sense. How they knew things.
“Can I ask you something?” I ask and she meets my gaze.
“Of course, cousin.” She smiles.
“Nithe,” a soft laugh escapes her throat as she slides off the bed and walks towards me. Her cold fingers wrap around my hands, prying them apart and lacing her fingers through mine.
“Nithe is one of my favorite people in the world. He’s kind and caring, protective and strong. I know you may not want it, nor do you even know him, but you would be lucky to marry him. Anyone would.” I stare into her golden-brown eyes for a moment before stepping back and out of her grasp. Her mouth falls as she tilts her head again, studying me.
“I am not in the market for marrying anyone, Emery. I am already wed. I won’t be forced into another union. Not like this.” I spin around and make my way across the hall to my room, shutting the door behind me and flicking the lock.
I cross the room quickly, climbing through the open window and onto the balcony. I drop down onto my knees, my palms pressing into the stone as the sobs start to build.
Brother.
Twin.
Uncle.
