Auster huffed, running a hand through his unbound brown hair, which rested above his shoulders. “Is that how you rest easy with all you’ve done?”
“I rest easy because I don’t deny nor am I ashamed of anything I’ve done.”
“Once again you display your hubris.”
“Only insecure men see hubris in a confident woman.”
Auster stood, swallowing the distance between us. His fingers grazed under my chin when he was close enough.
“Everyone has a place in this world; you’ve lost yours.”
I couldn’t help my amused smile. “Who’s really the one in shackles?”
At my boldness, his eyes flared with disdain.
“Nightsdeath wants you to reveal the locations of the key pieces as much as I do. I think he’ll be far more efficient in his methods.”
I gritted my teeth. “Because you’re a coward.”
His knuckle grazed along my cheek in a deceptive show of tenderness.
“Believe me or not, I do not enjoy hurting you.”
“Why did you call me to your rooms, Auster?”
“To tell you our wedding is set for three days’ time.”
I jolted away from him.
His expression turned cold at my reaction. “The bargain will take time, but our marriage in law will set an example for the people. It will put an end to the Dark Maiden rebellion movement when they see your compliance.”
I was running out of time. No matter what, I couldn’t let this wedding happen.
Auster added, “You will dine with me and the other High Celestials tomorrow evening as part of the pre-wedding ceremonies. We’ll receive their blessing.”
My stomach was clenching tighter and tighter the more he talked.
“Where is Aquilo?” I took the opportunity to ask. “He hasn’t been with you when you appear before the people.”
Auster’s look darkened on me.
“It was unlawful and despicable what you did to him. You had no right.”
“You don’t get to preach rights when you’ve violated all of mine,” I said, nearly shaking with anger.
“You are my prisoner.”
I stalked to the door without waiting for a dismissal. “I will be your downfall.”
13Astraea
Once again, I was wrapped head to toe in white for the pre-wedding feast with the High Celestials. This delusion Auster paraded around was as laughable as it was humiliating.
I arrived first to the dining hall, leaving my rooms early and giving my guards no choice but to follow. They could have attempted to hold me, but before I dropped the lace veil over my face, they seemed to read the dare in my eyes and thought it wasn’t worth the battle. After all, I was heading to exactly where Auster wanted me.
After wandering around the table placements, leaning in to adjust some askew silverware and the awkward reach of some items, I sat next to the head, where Auster would be, and I cast a pleasant smile at the steely-faced celestial guards, who watched me uneasily. I didn’t know if they could see it past the lace.
Auster entered, surprised to see me already here until he fixed a mask of indifference on his face.
