Page 35 of A Clash of Stars

I huffed and chuckled, “So, will you tell me why I am here, or do you just love how your voice sounds?”

His eyebrows furrowed, and a fierce look overtook him, “First, let’s have dinner. Clear our minds a little.”

His stern smile curved into a sly and slimy grin. He signaled for the rest of the members of the court to take their places at the table and gestured for me to take my seat. Of course, he would sit me by Evander.

When I sat by him, he briefly glanced my way and looked away as if he abhorred me.

I could deck all of them in their jaws if I could. Every ember inside of me burned at the thought of being able to hurt them, to make them pay for taking the Crown of Sefida away from me. I’d watch them burn. I’d tear them to pieces if I ever got the chance.

If any of you assholes can hear me. I can’t wait to cut off each of your toes and fingers and shove them so far up your asses that…

That’s when my train of thought shifted. I noticed that Evander had a high collar which was highly unusual for him. I kept shifting in my seat to seewhat he was hiding.

Was he hurt? Was he hiding something? I didn’t particularly appreciate being left out of important information. Therefore, it was my job to find the truth about him hiding his neck from me.

I finally directed my comment to Evander as the main entree was served. “So, did you enjoy changing me into my black dress, or was it one of yourslaveswho took care of it for you?”

He turned his shoulders towards me and chuckled while chewing his food. “Don’t worry, Clara. I protected yourvirtue, although I’m sure that if Madok were in my place, he wouldn’t mind dressing orundressingyou.” He turned his head toward Madok, who sat a few seats down from us and was beaten up. “Right, Madok?” He didn’t dare look up at Evander.

“That’s what I thought,” Evander grumbled.

Evander’s strong hand grabbed my right thigh and squeezed. He leaned into my shoulder as I tried to move away, and his grip tightened as he whispered, “Keep your mouth shut at this table. Do you understand me?”

Yeah, you fucking nitwit. I’m not a child.

An itch started at the back of my neck, and that’s when I heard his voice.

For a woman who is supposed to be so clever, you are being very dumb.

My eyes cut to his. Unsure of why he felt the need to communicate in this way. I still couldn’t decipher why he could talk to me this way, but I wasn’t going to stop talking to him now. I needed a way out, and he was my ticket.

I am smart, but I will not sit back and allow this to happen to my people or me.

Yes, you will because if you don’t, you will die, and your people will die.

I will die no matter what I do.

I heard a slight growl escape Evander’s throat as he took another bite of his food, and I took a sip of wine.

There are certain things I must do, but I need you not to be stupid. Please, for the love of the gods, Clara. Don’t be a stupid woman. Please.

I was aghast. The entire time that I have known Evander, not once had he ever—and I mean ever—asked me nicely. Or said please.

Even though the delivery of the ‘please’ wasn’t necessarily prince charming, it was nicer than I had been dealing with. He needs me to know something others can’t hear. Why else would he be doing this?

I know I have betrayed your trust, but I need you to trust me.

I laughed. Everyone looked toward me, and I did my best to pretend that I wasn’t talking to anyone and try to make it look like I was not completely crazy.

Really? Trust you. Seems like a thrilling challenge since you kidnapped me and threw me in your dungeon. Then, you laughed at me! Laughed as if I was amusing, a toy, a joke. You ripped everything from me, Evander. I should be in the Castle of Sefida now, taking my rightful place as Queen of Carondelet.

I saw the stiffness in his shoulders as he spoke directly to my soul.

You’ll need to trust me. I need to get you out of this castle. If you don’t leave this castle, there will be no Queen of Carondelet. We need to get out.

Why try to get out now? You’re the one who brought me here in the first place.

Yes, Clara. I know this, but I had no choice. This had to happen. The King would’ve killed you if I didn’t offer another solution.

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