His step toward me faltered, and I saw a storm of emotions crash through his eyes. Fear, regret, sadness.
“Don’t listen to her,” Malakai demanded. “She doesn’t know her place in this court, which is exactly why she’s in this position. She did it to herself; don’t feel bad for her.”
At that moment, my eyelids fluttered as overwhelming exhaustion threatened to drag me under. I tried to force myself to take deep, calming breaths, but it did little to stave off the black dots that began to litter my vision. I dropped against Malakai’s leg, my head lolling onto his knee. I hated how submissive it made me look, as if I was a good little pet, wanting to prove my subservience to the Emperor, when in fact I just didn’t have enough energy to hold my own head up anymore.
It clicked in my mind then that there was no one here that could do a damn thing to change the position I was in. It was a pipe dream to think that these three Lords would be any different.
Closing my eyes, I accepted my fate. I accepted that he was about to sink his fangs into me, violating me like all the others before him. I couldn’t withhold the words that tumbled from my lips then, though. “I guess the law that states all Thralls must be willing servants doesn’t apply to the Emperor. No one cares that I’m a prisoner here.”
It wasn’t a question. I knew the reality of my situation.
Malakai‘s deep laughter rumbled through the quiet expanse of the throne room. It sounded like he was slapping his knees at the same time, like I’d made the funniest joke in the world. “Now you’re finally understanding your place, Kyella. This ismyempire. This ismycastle. This is my world to shape and mold as I wish. I’m not merely an Emperor; I’m a god. I’myourgod. The sooner you accept that, the easier your life will become, because I can assure you that I have no issue with keeping you in chains for the remainder of it.”
Memories of my first days in the castle flashed through my mind. The way Malakai had comforted me while I cried over my family’s deaths, promising me that I would never feel alone despite my loss. Yet here I was, feeling more alone than ever.
I missed my dad and the way he kissed my forehead every day while telling me that I was more loved than I’d ever even know.
I missed the way my aunt reminded me that we are all unique and beautiful in our own ways, and that our flaws were perfect imperfections that lended to our uniqueness.
I missed the woman that my mother was, her strength and passion so clear from the stories I was told. I ached to have her in my life and to know what our relationship could’ve been.
Instead, they had all been taken from me.
Perhaps I imagined it, my mind already drifting into dreams, but I could’ve sworn that the last words I heard before darkness consumed me were “I won’t drink her blood.”
And that had my lips tugging up in a ghost of a smile.
***
A jostling movement brought me back to consciousness, and before I could open my eyes, I felt a warmth enveloping me, which had alarm bells blaring in my mind. Who was holding me like this? I rarely was touched, especially not in a comforting manner, so this made me feel extremely uneasy.
I tried to keep my breath even and light as if I was still asleep, but apparently I was a terrible actress. “Stop acting like you’re asleep. If you can walk,walk. I don’t get paid enough to lug you around.”
Tristan.It was Tristan. I exhaled in relief.
“Are you calling me fat?” I said in a faux-indignant tone. “Haven’t you ever been told it’s rude to comment on a woman’s weight? You have a wife, I hardly doubt you’re ignorant of such topics.”
The banter helped me focus on something other than the memories of everything I’d endured while sitting on the floor of the throne room. The pain radiating through my arm as fangs struck nerves. The blood trickling down my arm and pooling under my hand on the floor.
Tristan offered an amused snort and shook his head. “I’m just messing with you, Kyella. You’re as light as a feather, hence the reason I’ve been trying to sneak you food.”
I tried to push out of his embrace, but his arms tightened around me, preventing me from escaping. His silver eyes landed on my face and narrowed.
“Would you stop?”
“Stop what?” I demanded, becoming annoyed.
“You don’t need to put on an act in front of me. You can barely keep your eyes open right now, let alone walk. I see the situation for what it is, and I don’t think any less of you for needing help. I think you’re so strong for surviving here for as long as you have, and I admire that you haven’t let him or anyone here destroy your will. Just let me help in the few ways that I can, okay?”
My mouth popped open as I processed his words.
I didn’t know why his sympathy cracked open my heart so quickly. Perhaps it was because I had tried to suppress my feelings for so long now. What good would breaking down have done? Especially when there was no guarantee that I would have the strength to put myself back together? Sometimes it was easier to lie to yourself and grip tightly onto the seams holding all of your true emotions at bay. But sooner or later, those seams would burst, and it seemed like right now was that moment for me.
Tears pooled in my eyes with the unexpected kindness he was showing me, and I buried my face in the crook of his neck, trying to keep him from seeing this vulnerable side of me. But there was no way to hide the sniffles and soft cries.
He didn’t push me to talk. He simply held me and let me process it at my own pace.
“Why are you helping me?” I whispered, choking on the sob that threatened to escape.
