A Realm of Dark Fury by RD Baker

Author:RD Baker [Baker, RD]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780645820775
Publisher: RD Baker
Published: 2023-12-14T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 24

Elara

Drusilla shook her head as she looked me up and down. “Red, I just don’t know.”

I allowed myself a small smile as I regarded my reflection in the mirror. Red, like the blood of my enemies. I had to give myself some small measure of control in this ridiculous situation. My stomach dropped a little as I thought of seeing my father - my father, who had warned Rook to stay away from me. I wasn’t going to tell him about the Bond, that much was certain.

If my father found out I was bonded to Rook, much less that I’d taken him to my bed and given him my body, there was no doubt in my mind Rook would be put to death for violating the Accord. Theron would make an example of him, favored assassin or no. The sharp tug at my heart as I thought of anyone hurting Rook was so acute it took my breath away. I’d meant what I said - I would burn Veles to the ground if I had to. I wouldn’t leave him here. I couldn’t.

Drusilla gave me a single earring, a series of long dangling chains adorned with black pearls. They stood out against the curtain of my pale hair, and I was pleased with my appearance. Regal. Strong. I wouldn’t be cowed by Theron.

Or my father.

I tried to imagine the confrontation between Rook and my father, when the Peyrusian soldiers had abandoned Isambard, and had retreated to leave the city to be destroyed. I couldn’t blame Rook for what he had threatened. He had told me he’d lost everything. I still didn’t know exactly what that meant, and I was afraid to ask. But whatever had occurred, I couldn’t see fault in his rage, nor me being the object of it.

The door to my chamber opened, and Regan walked in. He looked me up and down, and gave me a wide smile. “Your highness, you look stunning.”

“Thank you, Regan.”

He gave me a sympathetic smile. “I do find it admirable that you won’t hide your deformity.”

I bristled at this. “My what?” I snapped.

His eyes widened instantly, and he began to sputter as he bowed his head atop that ridiculously thin neck. “Oh, Your Highness, forgive me, I meant no offense.”

I ran a hand over the side of my head, where Drusilla had pinned my hair back to fall over my right shoulder. I wasn’t going to hide my scars. I saw no need to. I thought of Rook kissing them, telling me how perfect I was. He had never shied away from my scars, touching them and kissing them. He was not put off by them, and I refused to see them as anything but a part of me.

“Perhaps we can go now,” I said, walking towards Regan, who was still bent double, his face bright red. “I would like to see my father.”

Regan could barely speak, spluttering and apologizing as he led the way down the passageway. I didn’t listen to him, to his simpering.

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