Page 113 of Cages and Crowns
“It does, because if it’s been a few months then I know without a doubt that it’s his, and not one of theirs.”
“How does that make you feel?”
“Scared. Kassius and I spoke.”
“And?”
“He thinks we should have Enzo end this.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about the shadows? About seeing him?” He presses.
“I didn’t know if it was real or not. I thought it was just in my head. No one has even attempted to teach me how to use this aether. Nobody is doing anything. Enzo says when we get to Labisa someone can help, but I need help now. And I can’t even properly use it if I have Tobias’s shadows flowing through my veins.” He opens his mouth to speak but the door opens, and Enzo’s voicereplaces his.
“Why the hell did I just hear from a kitchenmaid that the queen fucked the general?” Nithe’s head whips around, his arm tightening around me.
“I did not!” I yell, my mouth falling open.
“Well apparently Mama Collette saw you two together last night with you dressed, well like that, holding hands.” Nithe turns back towards me and drops his arm.
“Enzo, shut up!” I snap. “Nothing happened, Nithe. I swear. I found myself downstairs after our fight and ended up in the kitchen. Mama Collette gave me some food and asked which one of the guys brought me here. I didn’t want her to know who I was, so I lied.” My words come out rushed and panicked as I try to get him to look at me.
“She knows who you are!” He snaps and I bite my lip. “She was at the wedding, Elaenor. She’s brought you food. You havewhitehair, of course she knew who you were.”
“I was trying to not get caught.”
“Sneaking around with Nero?”
“I was not! He brought me to the library, and I told him he was getting too comfortable, too outspoken so I made him leave. I promise.” My voice raises an octave as I beg for him to believe me. Things just got better. Things just started to feel right.
“That’s not what I heard.” Enzo pipes up.
“Shut it!” Nithe says this time. I reach for his face.
“You have to believe me.” I whisper, holding his forehead to mine. Tears well up in my eyes as he stares at me.
“Enzo get out.” He snaps and I glance up to see him roll his eyes and shut the door. “You don’t speak to him or see him.” I push him away.
“No. That’s not how it’s going to go. You can’t order me not to talk to people—"
“I’m not ordering, little witch, I’m asking. You can sayno and you can tell me to fuck off, but I am pleading for my sanity, just stay away from him. Something feels off. I don’t trust him.” I stay silent and hold his gaze. I don’t answer, I just reach up and press my lips to his.
He kisses me back, hungrier this time. I can feel his need for me as he pulls me against him, as his hands dig into my hair. His teeth bite my lower lip and I wince. My hands slide down his chest before I grab the hem of his tunic and pull it up. He needs this.Ineed this. His lips break from mine for just a second as he rips his shirt off. They slam back into mine, his hand coming around my back, holding me as pushes me onto the bed. My legs wrap around his hips as he grinds into me. I gasp against his mouth, and he takes that as his chance to explore my mouth with his tongue.
My legs tighten around him as he moves again, my back arching as heat pools deep in my belly. My nails dig into his back, and he flinches. I do it again, this time harder, and he groans into me. He slides his hand in between us, lifting my dress. His lips part from mine as he kisses his way down to my abdomen. He tenses and I lift my head up. His eyes are on the brand, the letter carved into my stomach. He bends down and brushes his lips across the flesh-colored bump.
“Never again.” He promises as his tongue flicks out and touches my skin. A sickening feeling rushes through me and I sit up, nearly throwing him off of me. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t.” I whisper, my voice pained as I try to inhale. I gasp trying to inhale sharply, my hands going numb. I force another inhale and a raspy squeak happens instead.
“Hey, it’s alright. You’re just having a panic attack.” He brushes hair from my face as I start to hyperventilate. “Breathe. It’s alright.” He breathes with me for a second and I dig my nails into his arm. “In and out. Nice and slow. Whenever you feel this way, just breathe in and out.” I copy his breathing and he smiles. “That’s it, come on little witch. You got it.” I blink away the tears as I hold his gaze. My heart calms and I take my first full deep breath. “That’s my girl.” He smiles and kisses the tip of my nose.
I have breakfast with everyone in the library. Scar sits between Emery and Enzo, both of them touching her any chance they get. I almost feel sorry for one of them, and then she gives them equally loving glances. I don’t pity them in their little relationship, but I don’t ever foresee her giving either of them up. Maybe she doesn’t have to?
Erik and Laenie are quiet and oddly sitting on opposite sides of the room. Neither of them will look at each other and I catch Scarlett watching them too. She shrugs and goes back to eating. I’m sitting on the floor in front of the table and Nithe is sitting behind me on the settee. His knees cage me in between his legs and every time he leans forward, his free hand touches my face or my hair. Any part of me.
I keep flicking between enjoying it and feeling suffocated. But he doesn’t expect anything from me. Only what I am willing to give, and I can live with that. For right now.
I meet Kassius in the training room after breakfast. He stopped by and said we had to start training, and I was quick to accept.
