“I didn’t mean to upset you more,” Dolos added quietly. “I just, well, I don’t agree with what is happening here. Two people should be joined for more than just a consolation prize.”
I flinched at his choice of words. Trident had told me Nero wanted me as his queen because of what he’d seen in my soul as it had formed in the cosmos, that he’d admired my power and beauty before he’d even met me. But it’d become increasingly clear to me that Trident had lied, that I was actually a gift to placate Nero, not someone he sincerely desired.
Which, of course, would lead to my eventual demise once he grew tired of his pretty little toy.
“I could help you,” Dolos offered. “I mean, I know of a way.”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
“There are ways out of this arrangement, Kailiani. And that no one has told you of them says everything about the unfairness of it all.” He sounded so disappointed, his features morphing into one of extreme pity.
I did not like that look.
And everyone kept gazing at me in that same sad manner.
I hated it.
Wanted to change it.
“Tell me,” I demanded, needing him to know I wasn’t nearly as weak as everyone proclaimed. I was a siren, destined queen of the waves. Not some breakable virgin toy for a god. I was created to be his equal for a reason.
Assuming Trident had told me the truth.
But why would he lie?
Why would—
“You could leave this realm,” Dolos said, cutting off my thoughts. “There are many, many places for you to reside, kingdoms that would call you a queen. I can show you, if you like. I would just need your agreement to leave Mythios, then we could explore those worlds together, to provide you with a glimpse of alternate futures without anyone ever knowing.”
I stared at him. “You would do that for me? A siren you barely know?”
He smiled. “It wouldn’t just be for you, Kailiani. As I said, I don’t agree with this arrangement.”
“Why?”
“Oh, a long history.” He relaxed back onto his elbows, his golden hair falling to the bed beneath him. “I could tell you more during our journey, if you like. But for our intents and purposes, just know I would not tell a soul about our travels. It would be our little secret and would grant you the opportunity of a lifetime.”
My lips parted at the possibility. I knew of the other realms but had never considered visiting them. My duty was always here, to a god I thought I might one day love. Alas, his plans for me appeared to be unseemly.
A trip elsewhere could be the cure to my troubles, could provide me with insight to help my situation. Besides, it wasn’t like Nero would miss me. His attentions were on his kingdom.
“I would be back in time for the ceremony?”
“If it’s your wish,” Dolos replied. “Yes.”
I smiled. “I would very much enjoy a journey.” An escape from all the cruel statements, conjectures, and fear. “Yes. Please take me with you.”
He sat up, the sun bright in his features. “Truly?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
He held out his hand. “I’ll just need you to grant me access to your mind, for transport purposes.”
A strange request, but as I’d never traversed the realms, I couldn’t say what was normal or not. “I’m not sure how to do that,” I admitted.
“Just repeat after me.” He murmured an incantation that prickled along my skin, unsettling my stomach.
Black magic,some part of me instinctually whispered.
