Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 129912 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129912 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Oh. I see. I take a step closer to her. “I’m not the Lady Monarch yet. But I will be one day. Perhaps that’ll change things, but in the meantime, please don’t call yourself a darkie. That’s such an ugly term, and you’re much more than that.”
She gasps, eyes lighting up. “It is so very bold of you to become Lady Monarch.”
My head tilts. “Why do you say that?”
“Because it makes you more of a target. Not only for being Monarch Harlow’s wife but for being one of us.”
I frown—not at her, but the statement.
“I—I’m sorry,” she adds hurriedly. “I don’t mean to say any of this to scare you.”
“I’m not scared,” I return.
“No,” she says with a faint smile. “You’re not. And I don’t think you ever should be. I’ve never met him, but I’ve heard many stories about Monarch Harlow.”
“They’re awful, I’m sure.”
“So bloody awful,” Sylvie laughs. “But he treats his people well. His territory. Any monarch who takes care of their people instead of taking advantage of them is a winner in my book.” She presses a gentle hand on my upper arm. “Come with me, dear. I know you don’t feel safe in this castle, but I promise you’re safe with me.”
For some reason, I believe her.
I walk with her, remembering the clothes she tossed. “By the way, I chose that outfit to be discreet,” I inform her. “I don’t trust The Council, but there is one of them in particular that I don’t want to reveal more of myself to than I have to. Honestly, if I could hide my face, I would.”
Sylvie’s eyes widen as we near a section of the bathroom where a wooden vanity with a mirror is placed. “I see,” she says. “Don’t worry, dear. I’ll keep your attire modest.”
“Thank you.” I smile at her reflection in the vanity mirror. She picks up a bottle of gold oil and stands behind me, pouring some into the palm of her hand.
“May I?” She gestures to the towel on my head.
“Sure.” I remove the towel, and my locs swim to my shoulders.
She works her fingers through them, applying the oil to my scalp and kneading gently.
I sigh. It feels really good.
As she does it, I notice the smile on her lips, as if she’s done this to many people before and has enjoyed it every single time. Then I realize what it is about her that’s so comforting.
She reminds me of Della, Caz’s former house maiden.
I drop my gaze and study my lap. An intense feeling takes over me. It’s completely overwhelming, so much so that my hands begin to shake.
My vision blurs as I think of all the losses and death that has happened because of me.
If I’d never come here, Della would still be alive.
My brother would still be alive too.
My heart hurts even more when I think about my twin. I didn’t even get to tell him goodbye. He’s gone, sucked away by this savage world. He didn’t deserve that.
“Oh, my dear. Are you okay? Am I being too rough on your hair?” Sylvie asks, lowering to a squat next to me.
“No, no.” I try blinking my tears away, but that makes it worse. Days ago, I was muted and could hardly feel any emotion.
Now I feel everything—the raw ache inside me, the longing to hold my brother one last time, to laugh with him, to share a milkshake with him and see him smile.
I squeeze my eyes shut and release a sob, drowning in all the pain, hurt, and loss. My face drops to my palms, and I lean forward, wanting this agony to end, but it doesn’t. It’s only just started.
“Willow?” a deep voice echoes around us. “What have you done? Did you hurt her?” Kilian demands, his steps thundering through the bath house.
“Of course not!” Sylvie cries. “I would never hurt anyone.”
A hand presses to my upper back, and I feel the warmth of a body next to me. “Willow, are you all right?” Killian asks in a softer voice. Well, as soft as he can manage.
“It’s all my fault,” I cry. “If I hadn’t gone after him—if I’d just stayed away, he wouldn’t be…” I suck in a wet breath. “He was my brother, Killian. He was the only true family I had left and now he’s gone too. This is how my life goes every single time—everything just falls apart. Everyone either leaves or dies, and it’s not fair. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve this, but it’s just…it’s not fair.”
“Whoa. Hey. Okay.” Killian holds my wrist, trying to get me to lower my hands. I don’t. I don’t want him or Sylvie to see me like this. “What happened to your brother?”
“Caz said he’s dead now. Hassha and Korah had to…kill him.” I finally peel my hands from my face to look into his eyes, which are wide and confused. He glances at Sylvie, who watches us both.