221- The Cage and the Crown
POV Aldren Valmorin:
The only explanation was that we had something unfinished. My fault, perhaps, for having been harsh and for being very clear in my mind that she did not deserve the way she had been treated.
My situation worsened the moment Lunara crossed the doorway, searching for me through the room like someone scenting the prey she had condemned to death. I made eye contact with Edric and understood everything.
He tried to hold her back, but the faded one had no intention of leaving before confronting me. It would be good for her to remember whom she was about to address.
The moment our gazes crossed, the Queen of Eldoria rushed toward me, leaving nothing but a trail in the wind.
Edric, afraid of what the little beast might do, grabbed his wife by the hips the instant she stopped in front of me.
Trying to look unconcerned, I drained what remained of the liquid in my glass and crossed my legs, staring at her.
I was unsettled by the resemblance between the two. Angelic faces that hid their true ferocious essences, and light-colored eyes that shimmered in the same way.
Their heights were similar, as was the volume of their hair. The greatest difference lay in their tones. Elowen had skin as pale as the shine of a star, while her sister’s bore a kiss from the sun. A coal-colored mantle fell over Elowen’s shoulders, while Lunara’s strands were lighter.
“Give. Me. Back. My. Sister. You bastard!” she roared.
“Lunara,” Edric spoke her name in reprimand.
“Let me think…” I shook my head and rested a hand on my chin, pretending to be in doubt. “No.” I broke into a wide smile.
Before she could hurl another insult, Edric covered her mouth.
“Aldren, can we step outside and talk in a civilized manner?”
“Tell that to the enraged faded one.” I loved provoking her for her beige coat standing out from Eldoria’s grayish pack.
The audacious woman pulled her husband’s hand away from her mouth, filled her lungs with air, and held her own belly before continuing.
“Look, Aldren, at this point Your Lordship must know that my sister is no spy. My pregnancy craving is to have my sister with me!”
I pursed my lips, indifferent.
“The only one who needs to deal with your pregnancy cravings is your husband, Lunara.”
“Aldren!”
“I’ll let you see her, but forget the notion that she’s going to Eldoria.” I would allow it for Edric, and in return for his loyalty—not for her.
Lunara shook her head in disdain. I measured her face and once again marveled at the similarities. Apparently, my sense of judgment was not among my greatest qualities.
“Help me understand your sadistic mind, Aldren. What kind of sick pleasure are you taking in keeping my sister locked in a cage? She is innocent!”
If only you knew, dear Lunara…
“Lunara, we’ve already talked about this,” Edric warned her from behind his shoulders. His partner lifted her head to answer him.
“Yes, and I understood! The issue here, now, is another. Your friend knows my sister is no spy and simply decided to keep her imprisoned on a whim!”
Thinking it over, there was some truth to that…
“Your sister bowed,” I revealed. She turned to me with parted lips, seized by panic. “And if it comforts you, she is no longer locked in the filthy cage.” Her jaw nearly hit the floor.
“Then allow me to… visit her. Please.” She lowered her tone, in a failed attempt to sound sweet after being so sour.
“Soon.” I set the glass on the bar island, stood up, and adjusted my collar. “Speaking of Elowen, she must be bored. I’m going home to amuse myself with her.”
“Don’t you dare…” she growled. I laughed with scorn.
“Well, apparently, I know her better than you do. How is that possible?” I mocked, receiving a reproachful look from Edric.
Lunara’s forehead wrinkled as I had never seen before.
“What are you trying to suggest, Aldren Valmorin?”
“That your dear sister does whatever she wants, so you should make sure the fun will be mutual.”
(...)
POV Elowen Grimwald:
Staring at those three jars of hazelnut spread, prominently displayed on the kitchen counter, I felt like crying…
With anger!
Why was that flea-ridden dog doing this? I opened one of the glass jars, stripping myself of my pride. A spoon? What for?
I dipped my index finger into the dark, creamy mixture, brought it to my mouth, and closed my eyes as pleasure swept across my taste buds.
Without a doubt, it was the gods who created the perfect mixture.
“AH!” I screamed in fright when I opened my eyes and saw Nerin standing in front of me, dressed in her nightwear. Pajamas with long sleeves and pants. “Don’t do that…” I pressed a hand to my heart, releasing the breath I had held in shock.
“I see you found the jars of sweets.”
I bit my lips, trying to hide my mischievous smile.
“I was right—your beloved alpha isn’t as heartless as he seems. I told him my favorite sweet, and here it is.” I raised the jar to the height of her nose. It sounded like a joke, because Nerin burst out laughing. “What?” I wilted.
“Silly girl. I bought it, not him.”
Why did my heart feel so heavy inside my chest?
“Really?”
“Yes. I also love this damn industrialized stuff.”
“Oh…” I swallowed my disappointment and closed the lid before handing it to her. “Sorry for touching it.”
“You can keep one, there are two more.” She refused it, taking the others and moving toward the cabinets. She stretched her thin arms and stored them in one of the upper cupboards, then looked at me with a hint of pity on her face. “Aldren isn’t someone who can be cured, Elowen.”
“Ne… rin?” I syllabified her name, confused.
“Just don’t delude yourself.” She yawned and touched my shoulder, a sorrowful smile on her face. “I took my medicine and I’m sleepy. Good night.”
Nerin headed to her room, and I couldn’t even return her farewell.
The frustration, striking me like an axe to the nape of my neck, made every bad memory flash through my mind like a horror movie.
I was so foolish to think the sweet could be a kind gesture.
How could I forget all the psychological torture and the accusations?
Under the effects of heat, I had been weak and given in, and my reward was being treated like trash in the end.