AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Theron moved to my side, putting a hand under my elbow. “Dear one, I am so sorry.” He lowered his mouth and kissed my cheek tenderly, eliciting a sigh from the crowd. “Come, let us enjoy the evening.” With another wave of his hand, the music started again, and Theron led me on to the dance floor.
I looked over my shoulder, and Rook’s gaze was once again one of fury. He dimmed his eyes, back to that dark navy. A lady approached him, and my stomach lurched when I saw her run her hand across his chest. Rook’s face contorted a little, and he tried to smile, but his discomfort was so obvious it almost caused me pain.
Theron seemed to notice where my gaze was fixed as he put his arms around me, leading me into the dance as the music swelled around us. He laughed and shook his head. “The ladies certainly love a Night Demon.”
“It’s nothing but depraved curiosity,” I replied. “He clearly doesn’t enjoy the attention.”
“He seems to enjoy yours, though.”
My eyes snapped up to meet his, and a shiver ran down my spine. “What do you mean?”
“You and Rook,” he said slowly, “you are close, are you not?”
“We are friends,” I replied curtly.
“Friends.” He mulled over the word, and I hated it when he did that. “It must have been a shock to hear what Caedmon said about his son.”
I shook my head. “I am sure that whatever occurred, Rook had his reasons.”
“Sixteen years old,” Theron said languidly. “Caedmon’s only child no less. They called him the Heir of Pain.” He laughed softly. “Such a reputation to have at a young age.”
“Then perhaps Rook did do this Realm a favour by killing him.”
“Perhaps.” Theron’s gaze was pensive. “You and Rook, you trust each other, don’t you?” The emphasis he placed on the word trust made my lips prickle.
“We do, Sire.”
Theron continued to sweep me around on the dancefloor, his gaze pensive. “Trust is such a delicate thing, is it not? So easily lost.”
“Certainly.” I hated being this close to him, feeling his body pressed against mine. As we moved I saw Rook dancing with the lady who had touched him, and I could once again sense his discomfort, like a searing pain across my forehead.
“Then I would certainly hope nothing you do would ever cause Rook to lose his trust in you.” Theron’s voice brought me back, into his arms, dancing across this fucking dance floor with him. “Rook has lost so much already, you see.”
I bristled with anger. “He certainly has.”
“He told you the tragic story of his wife, did he?” Theron shook his head, and I wanted to kill him. “Poor Rook. He has lost so very much.”
I stumbled a little, and Theron clutched me tighter.
“Oh dear one, are you alright?” He asked, his voice tight with concern.
I couldn’t speak, feeling the combination of Rook’s anxiety and my own rage swelling at the base of my neck. Theron’s proximity didn’t help, the icy feeling of his hands on my skin making me want to crawl out of my own skin.
Theron quickly escorted me from the dance floor and clicked his fingers, gesturing for a servant to bring a glass of wine. I didn’t want to drink it, the smell alone made my stomach turn but I gulped it down anyway. Perhaps the alcohol would stop the spiraling feeling that was now clouding my vision.
“Are you well?” Theron asked, clasping my shoulders in his hands. “You have gone so pale, dear one.”
“I’m - I’m fine.” I tried to steady my breath, clutching a hand to my stomach. “I need some air.”
“Of course,” Theron said, clutching my arm under his and guiding me outside onto the balcony.
The night air was warm, and the moon hung above us, illuminating the grounds in iridescent blue light. I pulled my arm from Theron’s and leaned heavily on the railing, my shoulders heaving.
“You’re rather overcome, aren’t you, dear one?” He leaned on the bannister, his brow furrowed as he looked down at me.
“I am like a caged animal,” I replied, “the captivity, it’s becoming too much.”
Theron sighed. “Yes, I imagine someone like you would not do well like this. So strong, so spirited.”
