AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s for your own safety, miss,” Drakias added.
I gawked at him, debating an agreement, but I realized that it was pointless. The Royal Guards didn’t answer to me. No matter what I said or did, they wouldn’t back down.
Grumbling, I relented and allowed her into our suite, furious that Nyx hadn’t warned me about this invasion of my privacy. Instead of heading to the bathroom, I located my phone, charging by the giant, double king bed, and snatched it up. Unfortunately, Nyx’s number went directly to voicemail when I called. I texted him to call me as soon as he could while eying the unfamiliar guard.
She stood at the doorway, facing inward in position, her arms directly down at her uniformed sides, but she wasn’t watching me per se. Like Drakias and the others, she seemed fixated on a spot on the wall ahead of her, like she was waiting for a portal to open.
This is unnerving as all hell. Where is Nyx?
Discomfort shot through me, and I took my phone to the bathroom, dropping another look over my shoulder as I moved. To my utter horror, she moved with me, as if she meant to join me in the washroom.
She can’t be serious!
“You’re not coming in the bathroom with me!” I choked indignantly. “I don’t care what your orders are!”
“No, miss,” she agreed pleasantly, stopping at the threshold. “But I will be right out here if you need anything.”
I need to not be followed around like a criminal!
Upset, I closed the door, locking it behind me, and sat on the edge of the jacuzzi tub, trying Nyx again. Once more, the call bounced through to voicemail. Gritting my teeth, I called Tristiana next, desperate for a sympathetic ear.
My best friend answered on the second ring, much to my relief.
“There you are! How’s the move going?” she chirped in her dry but cheerful way. “I was just thinking about you.”
I drew in a shaky breath, unsure if I should tell her about what had happened at the apartment or not. I had no doubt that Nyx wouldn’t want the matter advertised, but Tristiana could be trusted.
“Mare?” Tristiana said. “Are you there?”
“I’m here,” I replied quickly, worried that she might disconnect. “I’m at the castle now. All moved in.”
“How’s it going so far? Getting any of that attitude you were getting before?”
I sighed heavily. “I haven’t really had a chance to find out,” I admitted. “I haven’t been around the castle yet. I’ve only seen the guards, and they’re… well, they’re always the same when I’m around.”
“I hope it works out for you—and the baby—this time,” Tristiana said honestly. “I think the king really wants to make this work.”
“I know,” I mumbled. “I hope it works out, too.”
“What’s wrong?” Tristiana asked, worry clouding her voice. “You should sound happier if you’re moving in with the king, shouldn’t you? Are you diamond shoes too tight? Is your bed of money too hard?”
I rolled my eyes, knowing she was teasing, but the joke fell flat when I felt so out of sorts. Tristiana saw everything I had. All I could see right now was everything I’d lost. Like my freedom.
“Mare?” Concern laced Tristiana’s voice when I didn’t respond. “Are you okay?”
I stared at the closed bathroom door, pursing my lips. “I don’t know,” I whispered, ensuring that the guard outside couldn’t hear me. “There are so many guards up here now.”
“Why? Did something happen?”
There was the memory of laying in Nyx’s arms, recalling little of what had transpired.
I can’t tell her any of that. She’ll think I’m crazy, even if I was transfixed. And she won’t feel any sympathy for me having all these guards on my ass. She’ll side with Nyx.
“Maybe he’s just worried about the baby,” I said, cringing at the half-truth.
Tristiana chuckled. “You should probably get used to it,” she laughed. “You’re basically the queen now. It’s all security and paparazzi from here on out.”
I wished she’d stop saying that, even in jest. Nyx had never once mentioned making me his queen, and even if he had, I couldn’t accept the role. Orphaned faeries-turned-burlesque-dancers wouldn’t reflect well at the king’s side, no matter what Nyx said.
