Crown of Serpents by Sierra Storm

Author:Sierra Storm [Sierra Storm]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pen And Glory Press LLC
Published: 2024-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter fifteen

Before my arrival, I would have paid dearly to see the prince so humiliated. His cheeks turned so red I could see the blood through them, and the life fled from his eyes like even he admitted he had no response to Onyx. He still stood in the doorway, glancing down now and rubbing his arm for reassurance.

Onyx planted her hands on her hips. She was the smallest one present, but her lack of height only amplified the stubbornness of her tone.

“I’ll bet you’re proud of yourself right now. This is the most tragic day of Milady’s life, and the last thing she needs is to be reminded of her failure on account of your failure.” She pointed a narrow index finger at Perseus’s chest. “She’s in shock. Can’t you see? And I don’t want to hear another word about her unless it is your word of apology and an announcement that you will be out today to rescue what’s left of her home country.”

Perseus turned to me. His regret etched itself in harsh lines over his face. He shook his head, wanting words to come but unable to pull them from his heart.

“I should leave,” I said in a grave tone.

“Melissa.”

This scene had become an act of theatre. Even the performers who would attend the wedding would not be able to exceed my current performance. “My parents fear me dead. By the time I arrive, I might find the entire island destroyed, and the guilt would rest on my shoulders alone as I delayed so long in my duties. I apologize for wasting your time, my lord.”

I started out of the room, but as soon as I crossed the threshold, Perseus grabbed my arm.

“My apologies could never ease the weight you bear on your shoulders or relieve you of the pain so near your heart,” he said. “Nor can I claim to know the weight you bear as you plead the gods to spare your land. They might listen to you, but I am a son of Zeus. My words carry more weight, and I—I swear I will not let this pass unnoticed.”

“Gratitude for your sentiment,” I said, and I continued moving.

I enjoyed the tug of his fingers on my flesh as he fought to keep me in his presence, and I sensed that if I could drag this show on long enough, he would do anything to serve me. The idea tickled me from the inside.

“Where are you going?”

“To the shipyard,” I said. “I’m sailing back to Summerset at the nearest convenience to rejoin my family. They do not deserve to suffer alone.”

“Don’t leave just yet.” His voice had grown heated, and I stopped walking and pivoted until we faced each other.

Then I realized that I had forgotten to look sad, and I broke from his glance and blinked a few times to summon tears. It turned out that tears required more than simple willpower.

Perseus tilted his head to the side. “Is there something in your eye?”

Forget it, idiot.

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