Library

11. Odette

odette

. . .

As the ornate doors of the castle's private chamber close with a resonant thud, the simmering anger within me bubbles over. I whirl around to face Isolde, who stands with her back rigid, her expression as cold and unmoving as the stone walls of the castle.

"Isolde, how dare you!" I hiss, my voice laced with venom. "You rip me from Valek's arms mid-embrace? Are you so devoid of feeling? You've ruined what might have been the most significant moment of my life."

Isolde's eyes flash dangerously, her pale lips tightening into a thin line. "It is not about what I feel, Odette. It is about what is right for our kingdom and our bloodline. You know as well as I that mingling our line with a demon could bring calamity upon us all. Demon witches are forbidden. Their power is unstable and has never been properly studied."

I feel a scoff rising in my throat. "Valek is no ordinary demon. He's my mate and more honorable than most men in your court. Your prejudice blinds you."

She steps forward, closing the gap between us, her presence imposing. "And your love blinds you," she retorts sharply. "You think I don't understand sacrifice? I have put our people's welfare before my own desires at every turn. I let you take my youngest daughter to the human world for eight years to protect her."

"You allowed me? You commanded me to take her away, and I did as you asked. It made no difference in the end, and you should have learned that not even you are not powerful enough to defy the will of the gods."

"I'm grateful for what you did for the family. You spent eight years among humans protecting Amara, and I need you to continue putting your family first. Blackfire blood is sacred. Don't you think Vesper Villainous would love to get his hands on a demon-witch hybrid he can control to usurp our position?"

"Sister," I begin, softening my tone as I attempt to breach the wall of royal duty that encases her heart. "Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps our fears are unfounded? That perhaps a hybrid could be?—"

"Could be what? Our salvation?" Isolde interrupts, bitterness edging her voice. "I cannot gamble our future on ‘maybe,' Odette. You know the laws and the prophecies."

I pace away from her, feeling trapped by the gilded confines of the chamber. The rich tapestries and ancient armors mock me with their silent history of battles and bloodlines preserved. Yesterday, I might have understood and revered their significance, but not now.

"Yes," I whisper back at her, turning to face my sister once more. "I know them indeed. And yet, I choose to believe in what I have seen and felt. Valek's love is not a threat—it is our fear that invites darkness. If I am banned from Shadowhaven, then so be it."

"Why, Odette?" Her voice is a whip, each word laced with rage and disbelief. "Of all beings, why a demon?"

Standing my ground, I feel the flush of anger rise to my cheeks. My hands curl into fists at my sides. "Because I love him, Isolde. Because he is more than what his heritage dictates." It's a plea wrapped in defiance, but my sister doesn't flinch.

"Love?" She spits out the word as if it's sour. "You jeopardize not just your life, but the sanctity of our lineage for a fleeting emotion?"

"Fleeting?" I step forward, closing the distance between us. The stone floor echoes my steps like a drumbeat. "Valek's love is not fleeting. We are mates, and our bond is sacred."

Isolde's laugh is sharp and hollow. "And you think he is loyal? A creature born of shadow and deceit? He's an incubus who has seduced thousands of women and tricked them to relinquish their souls" She begins to pace, her movements like a caged animal's. "You are a fool, sister."

"A fool?" I counter quickly. "I know what he is, and I trust that those days are behind him. He cannot help what he is, just as you, who cannot see beyond ancient prejudices. Valek has shown nothing but honor." My voice softens, trying to reach the sister I once knew beneath the hardened queen she has become. "Remember when we were children? You told me that true courage was in questioning what we are told to believe?"

Her gaze falters, just for a moment, revealing a flicker of the old Isolde. But then it's gone, replaced once more with icy resolve. "Childhood tales are ill-suited for ruling a kingdom," she retorts coolly.

"Perhaps," I concede, stepping closer still, until only arm's length separates us. "But this is not about ruling—this is about understanding—about compassion, even for those different from us."

Isolde's eyes narrow, and she takes a deep breath as if bracing herself against my words. "Your childish idealism might well be your undoing," she warns.

I touch Isolde's arm lightly and attempt to appeal to her sisterly love.

Isolde stares at me, and for a moment, I see a flicker of doubt cloud her fierce conviction.

"I cannot—will not—betray my duties as your Queen," she states firmly.

"And I cannot betray my heart," I counter, equally resolute. "I won't reject this divine gift, and we both know it is my choice to make."

Silence falls heavily around us—two sisters divided by love and duty. For a moment, we simply stare at each other—estranged sisters caught in an emotional standoff.

"Then we are at an impasse," Isolde finally says with a sigh, her gaze drifting away from mine.

"Yes," I agree quietly, "an impasse."

Finally, Isolde breaks away as if burned by my touch. "I will consider your words," she says stiffly, turning her back as she walks toward the great window overlooking the stormy landscape. Her shoulders are tense, and her posture is regal yet fraught with an internal war.

I hope it leans in my favor.

As I leave her side, stepping softly through the archway that leads back to my previous quarters within this vast castle of legacy and lore, I know that nothing short of divine intervention will bridge this chasm between duty and desire. My thoughts linger on Valek—his touch still warm on my skin despite the chill in these regal halls—a reminder of what stands to be lost or gained at the whim of my sister's crown.

Comments

0 Comments
Best Newest

Contents
Settings
  • T
  • T
  • T
  • T
Font

Welcome to FullEpub

Create or log into your account to access terrific novels and protect your data

Don’t Have an account?
Click above to create an account.

lf you continue, you are agreeing to the
Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy.