Page 24 of The Dragon King's Curse
There wasn’t much I could say to that. I had indeed made such a remark. I didn’t know what I’d been expecting. Maybe I’d thought we would still have some kind of partnership once back in the prison. Some willingness to help each other out in such dire circumstances.
Noxx made it perfectly clear he had no interest in that. He’d also made it sound like the elves had instigated the conflict between my people and the dragons. If my people had done something to his, why wouldn’t my family have told me?
Of course, Noxx might have been lying, although I couldn’t see what he might have to gain from that. When I made it back to my family, I would have some questions for my father. There were too many details about Noxx’s curse that I needed to know. That I should have known all along.
Chewing the stale bread with a bite of cucumber for flavor, I stared down at the carrot in my other hand. I was alone now. Nobody left to lean on, to find reassurance in. If I was going to get out of here alive, I needed to figure it out for myself.
Tears threatened at the thought of Miranda being hunted down by Atlas and his friends. She’d only been here because she had the misfortune of being caught with me. I was the one he really wanted after all.
Feeling the weight of his gaze upon me, I glanced up to find Noxx looking at me. His expression revealed nothing of his thoughts. As soon as I caught him, he averted his gaze.
My appetite suffered. The stress of being alone and having struggled to survive this long was weighing me down. I forced the rest of the bread down and tucked the carrot into my pocket for later.
Since there was nothing else to do, I rested my head against the stone wall behind me and closed my eyes. A sudden bang on the iron bars startled me. I opened my eyes to find a guard pointing a finger at me.
“You. Princess. Stand up. The king wishes to speak with you.”
A cold dread filled me. The last person I wanted to see right now was Atlas Rein. Having no choice, I slowly approached the iron bars as the guard slid them open enough for me to pass through. I didn’t glance back at Noxx. There was a great chance I would never see him again.
I kept my head down as the guards marched me to the castle. Inwardly, I did my best to talk myself up, reminding myself that I was not merely a princess but a warrior who’d earned the right to be called such. I’d faced my share of foes. I’d survived several battles. This was just another battle I had to face.
Again the guards took me in through the side door, escorting me to the throne room where Atlas lounged on his throne. He perked up at the sight of me. I was disappointed to find Lyre seated next to him.
“Princess Feryn,” he greeted me with a smile, like we were old friends. “I see that you survived the hunt. Impressive. I’m afraid I can’t say the same for your friend.”
My heart split in two at his words. So it was as I’d suspected. Miranda never survived the night. I said nothing as the guards brought me to a stop at the bottom of the steps leading up to the King’s throne.
“My men have informed me that your father has learned of your capture. I’m sure that I will be hearing from him soon now. I’m hopeful that he and I can come to an agreement of sorts. One that suits the both of us.” Atlas glanced over at Lyre who merely smirked.
I continued to stare up at the king, avoiding any eye contact with Lyre. I had nothing to say to either of them.
Atlas clasped his hands together, leaning forward in his chair. “One of the matters I plan to discuss with your father is the joining of our two houses. I believe that you would make a wonderful wife for my son. The two of you together would unite our realms, bringing together that which was so long ago divided. Don’t you think that would be wonderful?”
I was confused as hell. Noxx had said that Atlas wanted to partner with him to overthrow my father and steal our land. What was going on here? Was this another way for Atlas to get close to our land? By using me to gain access?
“I think that would be absolute hell. I can’t imagine a worse husband than your son. There is nothing in this world or the next that would convince me to marry him. I will never agree to it.” My voice was steady despite the fear that shook up my insides.
Atlas nodded, as if he’d expected such a response. “I understand your reluctance. Let me remind you that you don’t really have a choice. Not as long as you’re my captive. The two of you marrying makes perfect sense. Light and dark united once again.”
“I would rather die,” I hissed between clenched teeth.
Lyre shot from his seat, descending the steps until he stood before me. “Would you? If you prove to be more trouble than you’re worth, that can be arranged.”
He stood tall, glaring down at me. Large black wings cloaked him, lending a regal elegance to his appearance. Magick rolled off him in palpable waves.
Forcing myself to meet his sinister gray stare, I brazenly said, “Do it then. Kill me. You must know that it will only guarantee that you quickly follow me into the afterlife. My people will never rest until you’re dead.”
Lyre and I engaged in a stare down that made my pulse pound. He may very well kill me right here and now. I was ready to go down standing my ground. I would not be intimidated by this man.
He waved a hand, motioning the guards to move aside and give us space. Not once did he take his gaze from me. Tightly gripping my chin in his hand, he leaned in closer.
“That kind of attitude from my future wife simply won’t do. Wouldn’t you rather show me how obedient you can be? How willing to please.” Peering deep into my eyes, Lyre let his magick flow. A hypnotic force that swirled around inside my head, chasing away everything until only he remained. “Get on your knees for me, princess.”
Unable to resist, I sank to my knees before him. Deep down I knew that I didn’t want to do this. Some piece of me fought against his hypnotic pull, trying desperately to break free. Yet I could only stare up at him.
“Much better,” he said, reaching to twist a loose tendril of my hair around his finger. “You look good on your knees. I could almost eat you up right here.”
He snapped his teeth together, flashing his fangs. The sudden action broke through the magickal haze, pulling me back to myself.
