Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

T he watcher releases me at Amaros’s command and takes a step back, raising his hands in the air. I stumble without the support and fall to my knees.

“She tried to escape the Kingdom. I was just doing my job to stop her.”

My head spins while I glance up at Amaros, whose focus is locked on me, and he’s at my side in an instant.

“What did he do to you?”

I reach up and touch the back of my head, where it appears the bleeding has finally stopped. Thank goodness for my healing abilities. That was a bad one, I can tell.

“He shoved me over. I hit my head on a rock.”

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, then he’s in the male’s face. “You harmed my female?”

I roll my eyes. Suddenly he’s concerned with someone hurting me? But he’s happy enough to do it himself?

I don’t enjoy hurting you. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to allow anyone else to.

The watcher darts his gaze at the others as if hoping for them to back him up. “I didn’t mean to. It was an accident.”

Amaros and I lock stares, and I remember he is as much in my own mind as I am.

Yes, I am. As you are in mine. I can feel you.

I narrow my eyes at him. I don’t want you in my mind, nor do I want to be in yours.

Ignoring me, Amaros grabs the male’s head and twists it in a split second, breaking his neck. His lifeless body falls to the ground.

I gasp.

“No one is to harm her. Accident or not. Ever. Do I make myself clear?” His authoritative voice booms through the still air, and all of the watchers nod in agreement.

So no one else can hurt me, except you?

Correct. I will do what I have to, whether I like it or not.

Bastard. My head has finally stopped spinning, and I manage to stand.

“Back to the castle. Now,” he commands of the watchers, and without question, they release their wings and take off, leaving Amaros and me alone.

Nerves swirl inside me, and I gulp.

“Did I not make myself clear?”

I raise my chin, refusing to cower to this asshole like those males do. I will not allow myself to be intimidated by him. Yes, he can physically and emotionally beat me, but I will heal. He may have my body, but he will never have my soul.

He storms up to me until he’s merely inches away and glares down at me, his eyes fuming. “You are mine. Mind, body, and soul.”

A laugh escapes my lips, and I cover my mouth. Probably not the smartest response, but I can’t help it. Gods know what’s funny about this situation.

He grips my throat. “You may not believe it, but it is true. You will learn soon enough. Release your wings and fly back to the castle. Now.”

I take a strained breath and release my wings. His lips curl up at the side, and he seems satisfied I am obeying his commands. He releases his hold on me, and I take off back toward the castle, flying as fast as my wings will allow. The swoosh of his wings tells me he’s following me, but I still try to get back before he does. I’m heading for my balcony when he catches up to me and grabs my wing.

I scream when he tugs on it.

“My balcony.”

I bite my bottom lip and turn to the right to land on his balcony. He lands moments later and grabs my throat once again, shoving me against the glass doors.

“You will never escape me. Don’t you understand? You are mine now. We are bonded. I will never let you go, and if you ever try to leave me, I will visit you in your mind, and I will find you. And then I will come for you, no matter where you go.” He releases my throat and reaches around me to unlock the doors, then he waits, clearly expecting me to step inside.

“I want to go back to my quarters.”

He stares into my eyes without saying a word. After a moment, I let out a long breath and step into his quarters. He closes the door behind us and leads me to the two armchairs positioned in front of a large, open fire. He gestures for me to sit, so I do.

The wood crackles as the flames consume it, giving off a comforting warmth. Amaros sits in the other armchair, and the tension in the air bears down on me in a way I haven’t felt in a long time.

“You are going to be pardoned for Harlum’s death. You and I both know you didn’t do it.”

I let out a huff. “Yeah, no shit, Amaros.”

He abruptly stands and crosses the room to a small table positioned in the corner. A tray of crystal glasses sits atop it with some sort of alcohol in a glass bottle. He pours some into one of the glasses and then raises his brows in question.

“Yes, please.” After the events of this awful night, I can use it. Even if it is with Amaros.

He pours some into the other glass then brings them over to me, holding one out. I nod in thanks, take the glass from him, and throw half of it back in one gulp.

He lets out a long whistle. “Easy. That’s powerful stuff.”

I cough, wiping my lips with the back of my hand, and he sits in the opposite armchair. He leans forward, resting his forearms on his thighs, and stares into the flames without saying a word. After I’ve finished my drink, I lean forward as well, half expecting him to say something else. When he doesn’t, I know I need to.

“What is your plan here? With me? With everything?”

He doesn’t take his eyes off the flames, and he slowly brings his glass to his lips and takes a long sip. “If you start to behave yourself, I will reward you. Your first reward, in good faith, is to have you pardoned for Harlum’s murder. So get some sleep. I’ll have the keepers bring you in a dress and assist you in preparation for the event tomorrow.”

He stands, and I do the same. We stare at one another without speaking, and then he moves toward me, causing me to immediately back away from him. He raises his hands, as if to say it’s okay, and I frown at him.

“I know you don’t want this. But in time, you’ll see it’s right. You’ll see it makes sense. I will leave you to sleep. I have things to attend.” He crosses the room and slips out the door, leaving me more confused and pissed off than I already am.

Why do I have to be in here and not in my own quarters? There’s no way I’m going to be able to sleep in here.

I throw my empty glass into the fire, and it shatters into a thousand tiny shards of glass. The small rebellion makes me smile, which is enough of a win for now. I know the inconvenience of the mess will bother Amaros.

I yawn and stretch my arms over my head. The last thing I am going to do is sleep in that asshole’s bed. I sit back down by the fire, knowing it won’t be much longer anyway before the keepers arrive. After a moment, I feel myself nodding off and shake myself awake.

Don’t sleep, Zarla. It’s a bad idea. Just wait it out.

A knock sounds at the door, startling me awake, and I mentally condemn myself for falling asleep. The knock comes again, and I get up and let the two female keepers in. They lay a gorgeous green dress out across the bed, and I notice it’s the same colour as my eyes. They usher me into the bathroom where I undress and shower.

After that, they dry me, despite my protests, and then help me into the dress. They spend the next hour fixing my hair into a large bun on the top of my head with a few loose curls framing my face. They apply my makeup in a way I could never do, and by the time they’re finished, I barely recognise myself.

“Thank you,” I tell the keepers.

They smile then gently bow before leaving Amaros’s quarters. There’s another knock at the door moments later, and I open it to find Slater and four watchers standing behind him.

“Time to go,” Slater says.

I step out of the room, and Slater leads me, followed by two watchers behind him, and two more behind me, to the Throne Room. It’s filled with angels talking amongst themselves, and I gulp as they all quiet down and stare at me. Amaros sits in the front row near the side, and he watches me as I’m led over to the bench positioned in front of where the Throne Angels will sit.

Once I take my seat, the speaker asks the crowd to stand while the Throne Angels enter the Throne Room. They walk in single file with Artemis, Demetros’s father, leading the way. They take their seats one by one, and my gaze settles on Kastal, who shoots me a stern look. I look down at my lap, my mind immediately shifting to thoughts of Finlay and how he so needlessly died in Galespo, thanks to Em. The speaker then asks everyone to be seated.

“We gather here today so the Throne Angels can determine the fate of Zarla Quinn, accused of the murder of Harlum Quinn. Their decision is binding, and we ask that you remain quiet during the deliberations. Outbursts will not be tolerated.”

Artemis looks my way, and I wipe my moist palms over my dress. Gods above, it’s hot in here. Amaros has already told me I am to be pardoned for Harlum’s murder, but despite this, my stomach knots as I await their decision. What if they’ve changed their mind?

They haven’t. Amaros’s voice fills my mind, and I glance his way to find him staring at me.

What if they have? I reply.

I am the ruler of this Kingdom, Zarla. They wouldn’t dare defy my orders, or I’ll have their wings.

I shudder at the threat he’s no doubt given these Throne Angels, but it does help to calm me somewhat.

The Throne Angels speak amongst themselves for some time before they pass on a message to the speaker.

The speaker stands before them. “Please stand as the Throne Angels leave to make their deliberations.”

Everyone in the room stands, including myself, as the Throne Angels leave the room.

Take a deep breath. You are going to be fine, Amaros assures me.

I do as he says, breathing deeply before taking my seat.

It feels like an eternity has passed once the speaker asks us to stand as the Throne Angels file back into the room and then take their seats.

I suck in another deep breath and await their decision.

One of the Throne Angels, a large female with a dark shoulder-length bob, stands. “We have come to a unanimous decision. Zarla Quinn is to be pardoned for the suspected murder of Harlum Quinn. After extensive investigations, his death has now been deemed an accident. Harlum Quinn was not murdered, and Zarla Quinn is free to go.”

The crowd erupts into shocked gasps and chatter, and the Throne Angels condemn them. The speaker shouts at everyone to be quiet, and they eventually calm down.

“The Throne Angels’ decision is final. Please stand,” the speaker says.

Everyone rises, and the Throne Angels file back out of the room.

Amaros crosses the room toward me. “See? Nothing to worry about.”

His words do little to help the situation. I have plenty to worry about, even if it is one less thing. Being kidnapped, forced into a bond I don’t want, and trapped in a Kingdom I have come to despise are more of a concern than anything.

Amaros knows what I’m thinking, but he doesn’t say a word. Instead, he holds his hand out to me. I glance around the room to find several groups of angels who haven’t yet left watching us.

Great. Ignoring his hand, I step down on my own, and he presses his lips together in a disapproving sneer.

“Dinner. Tonight,” he says.

It isn’t a question. I know that, but I still reply, “No thanks. It’s been a long night after being hauled out of bed, dragged into the Dark Forest, and having a bond forced upon me. I think I’ll have an early night instead.”

His lips curl up at the sides, and I’m surprised he finds my response amusing.

“It wasn’t a question, nor a request. More of a command as your King. I will have the keepers assist you in getting ready, and watchers will escort you to dinner. See you later.” He leans in and kisses me on my cheek, then he leaves the Throne Room.

I stare after him, confused at the many sides this male has shown me, none of which I can ever expect. He’s about as unpredictable as a wild Zelon, only worse.

Two watchers approach me, and I expel a long breath in frustration, knowing they are here to escort me back to Amaros’s quarters. Maybe I can convince them to take me back to my own, but the chances of that are slim.

“Time to go,” one of them says.

I’m surprised Slater isn’t here, but then again, he’s Amaros’s right-hand male so is more often than not with him.

I make my way toward the exit, and they follow close behind me. Once we’re outside, I release my wings and take off into the sky. The changing season brings with it cooler air, and I enjoy the sensation as it gently blows over me while I fly, tousling the few loose waves around my face.

I head for my balcony before the watchers fly ahead of me.

“Wrong way, Zarla. You are going back to the King’s quarters.”

They take a swift turn, leading me to the last place I want to be. Thoughts of an attempted escape pass through my mind, but I know now isn’t the time. My next escape plan will be well thought out and done when no one will expect it.

It won’t be done at all, Amaros’s annoyed voice says in my mind.

Bastard. Always listening. I need to work on blocking him out, just as I did with Finlay when we were first bonded. If I could do it then, maybe I can do it now.

I mentally try to sever the connection with Amaros, but a shooting pain pierces my mind. I scream, losing focus, and drop from the sky.

A pair of thick arms catches me, and after a moment, they set me down on firm ground. I blink a few times to find I’m on Amaros’s balcony.

“What happened?” the watcher asks.

My brows draw together as I attempt to figure it out.

What happened is you attempted to block this bond and failed. You cannot break a bond as strong as this, and you had best not attempt it again.

Get out of my head! I scream at him.

See you this evening, my mate, is his only response.

Smug bastard.

I realise the watcher is awaiting my response, looking at me with concerned eyes. “I’m not sure. I have a headache, and I lost control for a moment.”

He doesn’t seem to buy that, but he opens the doors and ushers me inside. I fold my arms and storm into Amaros’s quarters. It’s warm in here at least, with the fire crackling away.

The keepers have laid out three dresses on the bed for me. I take my boots off, toss them to the side of the room, and pad over to inspect the dress choices.

I don’t want to go to a stupid dinner with that male, or any male, other than Kyle.

Thinking of him tugs at my heart in an uncomfortable way, my longing to see him so strong it hurts. I wonder if anyone has ever died being away from their mate like this. I don’t know how much longer I can bear it.

The three dresses are all ridiculous. The red one doesn’t seem as though it would cover much of my body. The important bits, maybe. Only just, though, with its backless, low-cut design. The black one is long, which is a start, but it has a plunging neckline that would show off much more than I want to. The gold one is beautiful and probably would cover me up the most with its high neck and length.

Gold one it is.

I don’t bother doing anything about my appearance. I’m not trying to impress this male anyway. The gold dress sparkles in the light when I slip it on, fitting me like a glove, and I have a suspicion Amaros had the keepers make these dresses specifically for me. I stare at myself in the mirror and hardly recognise the female staring back.

I yank my hair out of the annoying bun. My dark blonde waves are much longer now, down to my hips, and my skin has lost some of its lustrous glow, appearing almost pale now, visible even through the makeup I’m wearing.

A gentle rap sounds on the door, and I open it to find two keepers, the same two who helped me get ready for the trial earlier today.

“We’re here to get you ready,” one of them says.

“Oh, that’s really not necessary. I’m fine as I am.”

They glance at one another, and the keeper who spoke bites her lip. “I apologise, but it was a direct order from King Amaros.”

My entire body tenses, and I reluctantly move aside to allow them in. They bow their heads and then enter the room.

Of course Amaros would do something like this, ensuring I am up to his standard.

One keeper gestures to the chair, and I sink down into it.

You are my mate, Zarla, and you will attend this dinner in the manner I see fit.

I swallow hard. Stay the hell out of my head.

Making demands of me again, I see.

I choose to ignore him, knowing that responding will only get me into trouble.

Ignore me all you like, but I am in your head, and the sooner you get used to that, the better.

One of the keepers works on my hair, oblivious to the silent exchange happening between Amaros and me as she pulls a few waves off my face and secures them in twists along the side of my head. The other works on my face, cleaning off the makeup she applied earlier, and reapplying it until I’m even more unrecognisable than before.

“You look beautiful,” one keeper assures me while the other packs her things away.

I smile at her. She has kind, deep brown eyes, gorgeous dark skin, and long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail.

“What is your name?” I ask her.

“Sevina.” She takes out a pair of gold heels and places them on the floor before me, and I slip my feet into them.

They match the dress perfectly, which bothers me somewhat. I don’t want to be dressed up like this for him. It feels wrong on so many levels.

I reach out to her, and she takes my hand. “Thank you, Sevina.”

She gives my hand a squeeze and then bows her head. “Enjoy your evening.”

“I very much doubt I will, but thank you.”

She giggles then covers her mouth and glances at the other keeper, who’s staring at her with wide eyes.

“Sevina, let’s go,” the other keeper says.

She’s an older female with a no-nonsense attitude, and I do hope Sevina doesn’t get into trouble for that.

The watchers are waiting outside the door when the keepers leave, and they step inside. Slater is with them this time, and I immediately take several steps back. They don’t usually come in.

“You will be joining our King on the roof, so we will depart from the balcony. After you.” Slater gestures toward the door.

I make my way out there, and we all release our wings. Slater takes off first, and I follow him up to the top of the castle.

I haven’t been up here in a long while, and the view is absolutely stunning. Too bad Amaros is about to ruin it for good. So much of the Kingdom is visible from up here, from the surrounding manors, to the city in the distance, and the Dark Forest and the mountains beyond that. The sun makes its descent behind the mountains, casting gorgeous golden, orange, and pink hues amongst the swirling clouds.

We land on the very top of the roof, and what was once a huge open space has now been transformed into a garden oasis. My breath catches at the beauty. Large green trees surround the roof, with gardens in every direction. A body of water snakes its way between the gardens.

A small walk bridge creates a pathway from one side of the roof to the other, where Amaros is waiting at a table nestled amongst the garden in a small clearing. White stones cover the ground, and fairy lights hang between the trees, lighting the area in a soft glow.

Amaros stands when his eyes meet mine. You are a vision, Zarla, my future Queen.

I will be Queen, I reply. Just not yours.

It’s difficult to see his expression from this distance and in the dim lighting, but I am inside his mind, as much as he is in mine, and he doesn’t like my response.

“Leave us,” he commands, and the watchers do as they’re told, leaving the two of us alone.

Come, he says into my mind.

Knowing I have little choice, I cross the rooftop and walk over the bridge toward him.

Oh no. We’re not alone. One watcher remains, standing near the back of the garden behind the table where Amaros sits.

As I near, he turns and looks at me. I gasp, my heartbeat kicking up a notch. My stomach knots, but I do my best at masking my shock while in his presence.

It’s Grazen.