Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 132582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 530(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 530(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
“Let me guess,” Juniper says, turning a chair backwards and sitting on it. There’s a drink in her hand and goofy smile on her face, like she’s already tipsy. “You’re thinking about Caz.”
I fight a smile. “Is it that obvious?”
“I assure you, he’s fine. If anyone can handle The Council, it’s him.”
“They sound like scary people.”
“Hmm…they can be. But only when you cross them. They normally like keeping the peace, but of course there are the few who don’t care about that, so The Council handles them.”
“Handles them how?”
“Depends. Sometimes a person is sent to The Trench, which is basically a wasteland. Other times, The Council will just end you themselves, if it’s a crime punishable enough. One of the main rules of Vakeeli from The Council revolves around children. If someone hurts a child, they kill them, plain and simple. There is no trial or anything—they just end you.”
“Oh.” I press my lips, and my eyes travel to Alora, who is dancing between the tables with Proll. Proll has his hand on her waist in a protective way. I tilt my head. That is not the touch of two people dancing for fun. I study them as they waltz, how their eyes link, the way Proll keeps her close and buries his large fingers into her slim waist. She’s completely relaxed in his arms.
“Wait a minute. Is the queen sleeping with her guard?” I ask softly, and Juniper looks over her shoulder.
“Oh, yeah. She’s been sleeping with him for ages.”
“Wow.” I continue watching them. Proll tips Alora backwards, and she releases a harmonious laugh before being reeled back up like she’s the weight of a feather.
“Alora’s had her fair share of men,” Juniper proclaims.
“Really? It seems she wouldn’t bother with any since she’s so powerful.”
“Well, she’s very picky about who she sleeps with. The men normally work for her in the palace, or they’re monarchs themselves. I’ve heard she’s even slept with Mythics.”
“Monarchs?” I ask. That catches me off guard, and Juniper locks eyes with me briefly before gulping the rest of her drink.
“Shit. I’ve said too much, haven’t I?”
“No, tell me what you mean. Which monarch has she slept with?”
“Willow, it’s nothing. Forget I even said it.” Juniper starts to stand, but I catch her hand.
“Are Caz and Alora sleeping together?” I ask, softening my voice.
“Love of Vakeeli, no!” Juniper exclaims, but her answer doesn’t satisfy me. My heart is pumping faster, and there’s a burning in my chest that’s bubbling up to my head.
As if she notices my irritation, Juniper sighs and sits back down. “Okay, look, it was many years ago. Literally when they first met. And I only know because I saw him coming out of her chambers that night. I don’t think it was serious. They never did anything like it again. They’ve only remained allies. Trust me, you have nothing to worry about.”
I look from Juniper to Rowan and Maeve who are standing near the balcony, chatting. I’m not sure why it bothers me so much, knowing this. I mean, I didn’t know Caz before a few weeks ago, and yet this reality stings.
I realize why it stings as I look at Alora. She’s graceful, patient, kind, and beautiful. Any man would want her. Even mine…
Then again, is Caz really my man? Or are we just bound to this Tether, sinking into the satisfaction it provides?
I stand and walk around the table. “I’m gonna get some sleep.”
“Oh, come on, Willow!” Juniper groans. “Don’t leave!”
“I’m fine,” I tell her, forcing a smile. “I’m just really tired after that ride here.” It’s a boldface lie, but she takes it, so I leave the balcony, and as I go, I feel eyes on me. I glance over my shoulder to find Alora watching me leave.
I wander through the palace until I find the chambers I was in last time and close the large door behind me, lock it, and then take off my boots. After removing my cloak, blouse, and pants, I pull down the thick quilt and climb into the bed, pulling it over me. Lying down doesn’t calm my racing heart, though. And my mind races even faster.
I thought he didn’t like to be touched. Did he enjoy whatever he did with Alora? God, why do I even care? It was a long time ago, and we’ve only just met.
I flop onto my back, staring up at the ceiling. Gold stars are painted up there, glowing in the night. It’s like staring up at the night sky.
Willow.
I gasp when I hear his voice, and damn it, even when I’m upset with him, I get butterflies from it.
I hear you.
Good. I’ve just left The Council. Apologies for blocking you out for so long.
How did it go?
It was…a lot. I’ll fill you in when I see you.