Chapter Thirty-Three

Ellesandra

Drip. Drip. Drip. I'm going to break that fucking sink.

Mirthless laughter bubbles in my throat as I wipe wetness from my cheek and bring my knees to my chest. The rough wooden headboard bites into my back.

Another shaky exhale and the boulder rolls in my chest to settle beneath my rib cage. Each beat of the organ that rests there is filled with the lance of grief's ache.

The numbness I once cherished is nowhere to be found. A snake slithers beneath my skin, shedding emotions in the form of iridescent gold tears. The serpent's tongue licks at the darkened edges of my soul, skewing the path to comfort my mind once found. I wrap my arms around my middle and try to push its poisonous hiss out of my ears.

Another ragged breath and I swallow back the emotion that threatens to choke me. Black, phantom, talon-like fingers claw at my throat. Steady trails of warm tears stream down my face. Sniffling, I blow out a long breath and glance up at the ceiling. The stars are surely looking down upon me right now, my misery a joyous tune they dance to. Heat radiates from the tips of my ears into my cheeks when another glittering tear falls.

Yes, my fall from grace is something the stars surely take delight in. It wasn't enough to bestow the damnable mirror soul bond upon me. No, they glean a perverse sense of gratification from the shards of my soul that lie in the abyss.

In less than a fortnight, the King of Risian has brought about my ruin. In the porcelain mask of a queen I spent five centuries concealing a crack that no amount of stitching can make whole again.

I chuckle mirthlessly. The princess who feels too much has clawed her way to the surface and runs rampant in my mind. Emotion laden with desolation has swept in, vanishing the rage that's fueled me for so long. Despair constricts the pathway to my lungs, and sorrow steals away the sun.

The unrelenting tears and nefarious whispers make it difficult to concentrate on anything but ensuring that I draw another breath. This chamber, this kingdom, has made me a prisoner of my own mind.

The window that sees light stream into the chamber beckons me with the promise of ending my misery. How easy it would be to take the two long strides to the window and allow myself to fall. A flutter of my lashes and a whisper of breath, then I would be cradled in death's arms.

A crazed laugh escapes my throat as I hiccup and wipe my eyes with the sleeve of my gown. Felix has already promised there will be no escaping him, even in death. Besides, I couldn't die, even if I wanted to. The mirror soul bond will allow no such thing to happen unless death should come by its mate's hand.

Though I don't understand it, my powers have returned. My magic returned and began to course through my veins the moment Felix followed me into release. I surmise it has something to do with the mirror soul bond and all the folly delusions of soulmates, but at what cost?

If the choice is forgoing my powers completely or repairing what the Risian King has broken inside of me, the answer is simple. The emotions that haunt each of my waking moments are a blade that flays each layer of my soul until they're raw and bleeding with remembrance. No matter how much I try to shove the emotions into the trunks in my mind, they remain an unrelenting irritation that casts darkness over me.

Hours bleed into days as I fight in vain to be rid of the ache that lances through my chest and settles into my bones. Even wine does little to quell the maelstrom of emotions inside me.

In yet another jape of the stars, it's only within Felix's poisonous kiss that I find a measure of relief. The dull ache fades and the insatiable tears cease the moment he sinks inside me. His magic soothes the winds that rage in my chest and swathes me in contentment. I'm unable to fight the bond's call for him.

I blink away the haze of my vision when my skin begins to tingle. Silver and gold light taking on the shape of a sphere cuts through the darkness of the chamber from outside the window. I would believe myself to be going mad if it were not for the familiar feeling that sweeps over me. Recognition flows through my veins as the bitter tang of magic clings to the roof of my mouth.

I still as the ball of light hovers outside the window, then seeps through the stained glass. Hundreds of gold and silver whorls burst to life inside the chamber with my next breath. Small stars dance around each whorl in exactly the same manner as the sphere I encountered in the forest. A hum begins in my ears as the sphere floats toward me and the thread in my chest acknowledges its beckoning call.

The urge to resist the call grows more difficult when the orb floats across the room. Just as in the forest, my soul longs to reach out and be consumed by power akin to its own. I scramble backward when the gold and silver whorls inch closer to my face, only for my back to meet with the stone wall behind me.

Trapped, I panic as the sphere closes the distance and floats in front of me. My soul is awestruck with the sight, begging to discover what memories will arise if I were to sink my fingers into it. I grind my teeth together. I haven't the slightest inclination why my mirror soul is summoning such magic to find me. Seeing that it's been days since I've left this chamber, he knows where I am.

Heat rushes through my veins as the orb stills. I raise my hand from my side and the bond cries out in relief as the ball of light flares to life. Light of the purest silver and molten gold bathe the chamber. The remaining walls of resistance in my mind crumble as the beckoning call transforms into a mantra that resonates through my soul.

Each of my sorrow-filled thoughts fade into the distance as I stretch my hand out. My fingers disappear into the sphere and, with my next breath, the past rushes forth.

"Were you worried about me, Princess?"

My brows draw together as I dip the cloth in warm water and begin to clean his wound. "No."

"You're a horrible liar, Lumina. But you have no reason to worry for me. It's just a scratch."

"A scratch?" I question incredulously. "An inch to the right and I'd have to drag you back from the stars myself."

My hands still as he leans forward to cup my chin. His gaze drops to my mouth as the movement leaves less than a breath of space between us. My lashes flutter as gooseflesh rises on my skin.

"It'll take more than some bastard with a skinny sword to take me away from you," he murmurs against my lips. "You'll never be rid of me, Princess. In this life, or after."

"Promise me."

His thumb sweeps soothing circles on my temple as he threads his fingers through my hair. "I promise." The pure, golden flecks of starlight that dance atop the acquiescence shining in his bright eyes tell me it's a solemn vow.

"I love you," he whispers, sweeping my thick locks over my shoulder and planting a kiss on my collarbone. I sigh in contentment as he raises his head and my forehead comes to rest on his.

"I love you too."

With a shaky breath, I wipe the fresh tears in my eyes and push to my feet. I have to find him.

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The sobs that wrack my body subside as I slip Felix's cloak over my shoulders, the ocean and pine acting as the most potent soothing agents.

With another deep inhale through my nose, I square my shoulders and the door creaks open. I refuse to show weakness, even to the guards who make their post at the chamber door.

Surprise flickers through me, as for the first time since I've been in this stars blasted kingdom, I don't come face to face with silver breastplates. Instead, the hall is quiet as I crane my neck further out the door. The sconces that line the wall cast a soft, golden light that intertwines with the silver moon. A faint owl hoots in the distance.

Peering to my left and right, I slip out of the door and ensure it shuts silently behind me. While it's strange that no guards are stationed here, I'm not so foolish to question any luck the stars see fit to bestow upon me. Keeping my footsteps light and as soundless as possible, I push away the unease that lingers in the far reaches of my mind.

Heavy silence follows me as I pass the large oak doors that lead to the Great Hall. I frown as, though this was the same corridor Thorin led me down to dine with Felix my first night here, there's no tug of recognition from the bond.

"Lady Ellesandra!" Rage licks at my skin as the onyx door to Felix's study and flaming red curls come into view. Larkin.

Slowing my steps, I clasp my hands behind my back and angle my head. "My apologies, I don't recall your name. So many new faces and all."

The corners of her eyes crease with a tight smile that stretches across her thin lips. "Larkin Deglan. We met briefly upon your arrival."

My fingernails bite into the skin of my palms. "Ah, yes, Lady Larkin." I smile sweetly.

"I'm happy that we've crossed paths. I was just looking to speak with the king regarding the upcoming celebration." My gaze drops to the onyx gown that does a poor job of shaping her thin form. "It seems he's taken to the throne room after dinner."

A triumphant smirk plays on her lips when my gaze returns to her face. "I've been charged with overseeing the flora for the ball," she continues, her tone dripping with honey. "What's your favorite color?"

She cranes her neck upward as I take a step forward. Satisfaction swells in my chest when her throat bobs with the movement. I lean forward, my lips stretching into a cruel and mocking smile. "Red."

Fear clouds Larkin's pretty green eyes as she takes a step backward and clears her throat. "Excellent. I'll inform the king." She dips her chin. "My lady."

My hand comes to rest lightly on her arm when she moves to brush past me. "In the interest of understanding each other, Lady Larkin, let me make myself clear. I have held many titles during my time in this realm, but a mere lady has never been one of them. You may call me Queen or Your Grace, but the next time you address me incorrectly, you'll find your tongue removed."

I ignore her sharp inhale and lean forward to whisper into the shell of her ear. "In matters the King of Risian are concerned, you'd do well to remember the reason I am here. He sent fifty thousand men to slaughter and made an enemy of the most powerful kingdom in all of Norweth for me. Imagine what he'd do to you should I allow him into my heart."

I release my tight grasp on her arm as echoing footsteps sound down the corridor. Emeralds of envy stare back at me as Larkin stumbles backward with the sudden movement. My smile is full of pointed malice, daring—begging—her to challenge me further.

Although her eyes narrow, she's wise enough to not open her mouth to speak. Thorin appears in the distance. His steps falter when he raises his head and our gazes connect. Arching a brow in surprise, his gaze flickers to Larkin, then back to me before he resumes his steps.

"The king requests your presence in the throne room."

Larkin dips her chin. "Of course."

I tilt my head in silent question to Thorin, who stares at me with customary features made of stone. "He requests all of the court be present."

Although a chill of unease sweeps over me with his words, I nod. While the mere thought of being subjected to the scrutiny of Felix's court is exhausting, it's the reason for his request that gives me worry.

An ominous stillness fills the air as Thorin leads us through the corridor and down the large granite staircase to the first level of the palace. Despite my efforts, I can't discern his reason for gathering the entirety of the court to the throne room.

My pulse flutters as a disquieting energy stretches over me. For all his faults, the mirror of my soul isn't a man of impulse. He's disciplined, strategic in every sense of the word. My being a prisoner is proof of that. A light tug ricochets through my chest.

With a deep breath, I command my pounding heart to slow as the doors to the throne room appear in the distance. No less than a dozen men line the corridor, wearing silver breastplates and a matching helmet. Well, at least I know why they weren't stationed outside the chamber.

I lift my chin higher as two soldiers haul open the towering black doors with the Risian crest at their center. Glass stained windows adorned with whorls of gold and silver stretch to the ceiling, surpassing the height of the crystal chandelier that bathes the room in candlelight. The darkest marble made of fine obsidian makes up the floor. Thin strips of gold align on respective sides, creating a pathway to the front of the room. Two pearlescent thrones sit atop a dais made of the same marble. An ornate crescent moon surrounded by silver stars is carved into the backing, while whorls that resemble starlight are carved into the armrests.

Despite the hundreds that are present, my gaze latches to Felix at once. He sits in the throne to the far left, the crown of obsidian shards resting elegantly atop his brow. Gray storm clouds swirl behind the dark sapphire eyes that transfix upon me.

Time slows when the people of the court part to reveal a man in chains kneeling at the foot of the dais. A sharp ache lances through me when I realize it's the man who acted as a second father to me.

His gray beard is wild and unkempt, its length tickling his chest. What used to be the lean, strong build of a warrior is now nothing more than the frail frame of a man who endures the shackles of captivity. Droplets of crimson streak down the thin white tunic that clings to his body. The outline of his ribs are visible even from a distance. I don't allow myself to think of how long it's been since he's bathed.

My steps stutter as tears prick at the corner of my eyes, but I will my feet to continue moving. Warwick's sunken cheekbones are made more profound by the sad smile that stretches across his dry, cracked lips. My clouded gaze snaps to the Risian King as Thorin stops at the foot of the dais. With a silent nod, he places his hand on the small of Larkin's back and guides her to stand on the far left side of the dais, beside a female soldier I recognize as Ayla.

My eyes flicker back to Warwick when the expression of regret written so plainly on Sianna's face becomes too much to bear. Although his betrayal was the catalyst to all that has befallen me, a twinge of pain lances my chest and nearly steals the breath from my lungs with the thought of seeing the light pass from his eyes. My mind can't comprehend a realm he no longer exists in.

The Risian King's eyes churn with the chill that's left in death's wake as he rises and descends the dais. Within my next breath, he stops before me. His warm fingers twine with mine.

He raises his free hand, and his thumb sweeps over my temple. "Don't cry, Lumina." The pad of his thumb catches a golden tear. "He's undeserving of your tears."

"Don't do this." The plea clings to the roof of my mouth and is little more than a whisper.

Leaning forward, he plants a chaste kiss on my cheek. "For you, and only you, do I bargain."

Thick iron chains rattle as two guards heave Warwick to his feet. My fingers curl tighter around the Risian King's hand as he takes a step back and guides me to stand beside him.

Those who gather in the throne room wear various expressions of confusion. Their curious gazes flicker from me to their king as he begins to speak.

"Let this be a warning to those who stand before me today. While the war may be over, this man must suffer for his choices. The woman at my side is no longer your enemy. She is the future queen of this kingdom." My sharp intake of breath echoes through the cavernous space. "Betrayal has the highest of costs, whether against Queen or King. Treason will not be tolerated under our reign, no matter the title or status one may hold."

Our. Despite my trembling hands, the promise skates over my skin and seeps into the cracks of my soul.

Felix's gaze burns with the brightest flames when he turns to me. Sadness lurks behind the shadows in his eyes as we turn to face Warwick once more. Any trace of sorrow vanishes from the Risian King's eyes as he unsheathes the dagger from his side. The coppery tang of blood fills my mouth as I bite down on my tongue and stare at the man who once knew me better than any.

"It's alright, Your Grace." The wistfulness in his spring green eyes sees my vision blur. "The stars give all men a choice. While the path is not always clear, one must face the consequences of betraying loyalty or honor."

Cold sweeps over me as the warmth of Felix's touch disappears. The fabric of Warwick's soiled tunic bunches beneath the Risian King's fist when he jerks him forward.

Low, indiscernible murmurs between the two men fill my ears as I swallow back the need to beg. Although I know Felix's words mean Warwick won't meet death's hand today, I fear for what will become of his life.

The mirror of my soul is ruthless and unforgiving in any matters that concern me. Whatever it is he plans to do, it's no far stretch of the imagination that it will be a miserable and grueling punishment.

Felix releases his hold on the older man's tunic. Potent anguish pierces the organ beneath my rib cage when the Risian King takes a firm grasp on Warwick's chin and pries his mouth open. Through the haze of my vision, the older man's eyes shine with acquiescence.

Another hot tear drips down my nose as I turn my head and an agonizing scream cuts through the air. Gasps of horror bounce off the high ceiling of the throne room. The stench of stomach bile clings to the air as Warwick's screams morph into gurgles and people retch. My legs tremble when the familiar tang of blood mingles with the putrid scent.

I squeeze my eyes shut when another ache lances through my heart as the clank of chains meeting stone echo through the room. When the screams become a mere echo in my mind, I peel my eyes open.

While I'm grateful he's alive, nothing could have prepared me for the sight before me.

There, lying on the black marble amidst a puddle of crimson, is Warwick's tongue.

Ellesandra,

Another year of your birth has come and gone. Yet despite your six hundred and twenty one years, you're perfect. I eagerly await you to show signs of aging as the years pass. When your hair becomes spun with snow and the corners of your eyes creased with too much laughter, I'll be there.

Whether from the shadows or tracing each wrinkle that mars your face, I'll ever be by your side.