Blood Bride by Joyce Robin

Author:Joyce, Robin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

Soleena

T WO HOURS TURN INTO TEN, and ten hours into a day. Before I’m even aware, almost two days have passed since I stood in the doorway to the manor and watched my husband and two of his Inner Circle ride away in a race to save my sister.

My chest still aches whenever I think about his leaving. But it aches more at the memory of that kiss I had almost drowned in just moments before. Replaying it in my mind, even now, I still can’t believe it happened nor understand why he did it. The memory of his broad hands traversing my back and holding me tight against his chest sends a shiver down my spine.

One thought, however, leaves my mind muddy and addled. Did Calder kiss me from lust or something more? And was it actually me that he wanted or was I just a means to an end as the woman he had tied himself to for eternity?

The thoughts make my head swim, and I lay it against the cold glass of the window before me. The coldness helps a little, but the throbbing pain behind my eyelids doesn’t abate.

Damn these infernal headaches.

I wait a few minutes longer.

Letting out a long, calming breath, I heave myself off the windowsill and catch my bearings. My head swims even more as I try to walk across the room, and I debate pulling on my bell cord to ask Haïlenna for some herbs. The thought of disturbing her causes a wave of anxiety to swell in my stomach, so I decide against it. I’ll just make my way to the pantry alone.

As I slip through the silent house, I ache for the noise and chatter of servants and friends amid the empty rooms. Since Calder left, many of them have distanced themselves from me. Allowing me space to process everything. But with all the strain and heartache that comes along with the current situation with Arkun, what hurts me most is that everyone has taken ten steps back when all I need is someone to take a step forwards. To comfort me. Distract me.

As I slip through the rooms and down towards the kitchen, I ponder over the other thoughts that have been plaguing me over the past two days. Those of Vivian, Saddik, Tulla, and Calder.

I want nothing more than for Vivian to be safe. My heart aches for it. But at the same time, my heart is cruelly selfish. It prays that my husband and his two companions make it out alive also. But at what expense? At the cost of my sister’s life?

My head throbs at the swarming thoughts throbbing against my skull, and I’m relieved when I finally reach the kitchen.

Slinking into the pantry, I find the powder I’m after, mixing it with a cup of water before gulping it down angrily. It slides down my throat welcomely but to no relief of my spinning thoughts.

I hear a noise behind me and lazily cast my eyes in that direction, meeting Lirriam’s startled gaze.

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