Page 387 of Alchemised
Several people laughed.
Aurelia grew dangerously pale. “Get out! All of you, get out!” She picked up the nearest thing, a vase, and flung it straight at Helena.
Helena was wrenched forcefully from Stroud’s grip. The porcelain passed her head, shattering on the wall behind her.
Kaine was standing beside her, his eyes glowing so that they were almost white. “I agree.” His voice hummed like resonance in the air. “If anyone has further doubts about the power or stability of the regime, you are welcome to see me for personal reassurance.”
There was a pause and then several of the Undying muttered excuses, edging towards the door.
As the room emptied, Stroud rounded on Kaine. “The High Necromancer was specific that this was to be a diplomatic meeting, and you were not to threaten them into compliance.”
Kaine’s eyes were still gleaming. “The only thing they understand is power and fear. There’s no reasoning with someone whose sense of entitlement is threatened. Now I have an unpleasant domestic situation to resolve, thanks to you. You may see yourself out and assure our great leader that the Undying will continue to keep their heads down, because they know it’s their only means of keeping the ones they have.”
Stroud’s face puckered, but she drew herself up and left.
Helena glanced around as the last stragglers departed and blinked when she recognised two more faces. They were the only other women in the room beside Stroud and Aurelia. They’d been near the windows. Both were pretty, although one had a slightly grey cast to her skin; her features were soft, and she had a detached look in her eyes. The other had an almost foxlike quality about her. She was staring at Helena, her lower lip caught between her teeth.
It was Ivy and Sofia Purnell.
Ivy glanced towards Kaine, a look of confusion on her face. She turned back to Helena, seeming as if she wanted to speak, but then averted her eyes, taking Sofia’s hand as she left.
Finally, Helena and Kaine stood alone with Atreus and Aurelia.
Kaine stepped past Helena, towards his family. “Take her back to her room,” he said over his shoulder.
Two servants came forward, but Aurelia spoke up.
“No! She should stay. You were always hiding her away, ensuring you’re the only one allowed near her. It’s just as I thought after all.”
Kaine’s expression tensed. “As Stroud said, it was at the High Necromancer’s personal command. I assure you, nothing about the process was pleasurable for anyone involved.”
“Well, that’s a pity,” Atreus said in Crowther’s low voice. Crowther’s clouded eyes drifted slowly across Helena as he came forward, an awful scent of astringent chemicals and lavender rising from him. “I’d hoped to hear this had at least invigorated you to do your duty to your family. I have it on good authority that you were once a regular at certain city establishments during the war. So clearly you do not lack experience or capacity, leaving me to assume you lack motivation.”
“I have better uses for my time than worrying over your legacy,” Kaine said, his eyes glittering with malice.
Atreus glared at him for a moment and then moved suddenly towards Helena. She shrank towards Kaine on instinct.
Atreus looked sharply at his son. “For a captive, she doesn’t seem very afraid of you.”
Kaine reached over and snatched Helena away from his father. “Well, that’s all thanks to Aurelia here. After she assaulted my prisoner in a fit of rage, I ended up in the heroic role of saviour.” Kaine smiled down at Helena, his eyes ice-cold and mocking. “Isn’t that right?”
Helena did not have to pretend to tremble. Her heart was pounding so hard, the room was swimming.
“It’s time I put her away for the night. You can both see yourselves out.” Kaine turned to leave, seemingly dragging Helena behind him.
Atreus spoke up again. “The High Necromancer may have given you a long leash in the past, but you have overestimated both your skills and importance by letting him use you as a dog. Now he treats you as one. It seems killing is the only thing you’ve ever done well.”
Kaine’s expression betrayed nothing, but Helena felt him flinch.
“You may threaten the others in compliance, but I am not afraid of you,” Atreus said. “You have flown too high, and all that is left for you is an immense fall.”
Kaine’s fingers spasmed against Helena’s arm.
“This is my house,” Atreus said, “and now that your failed tasks are mine to complete, you do not command me. Perhaps, when I have finished, I will ask our great leader to order you to produce an heir, since slavish obedience is the only quality you seem to possess.”
Kaine didn’t look back. “Do as you wish. I don’t care.”
He walked quickly and did not stop until they reached the west wing of the house, leaving Atreus and Aurelia far behind. He stopped then, turning and holding her face, studying her eyes, and she felt his resonance in her nerves, slowing the unsteady pounding of her heart.
