"You will go easy on him, won't you? He has spent all of this time, all of these years working by your side." The plea is my finishing touch.
Kane smiles at me sweetly and walks me toward his door. "I don't want you to worry about that right now. What I want you to do is go and get a good night's sleep. I know it's early, but things are going to get a little bit chaotic in the Castle and I want to know that you're safe."
I bat my eyelashes at him as I nod, walking out of his office. I jump slightly as he slams the door behind me, losing the cool I know he was barely hanging on to. I want to put distance between the two of us, so I hurry to my room and lock the door behind me. There is nothing else for me to do at this point except to wait. Wait to hear where they take Willem, wait to hear what happens, and hope that it all turns out in my favor.
I sit down on the bed, too uncomfortable to do anything else. I sit in that exact spot, listening to the noise outside, staring at the door for several hours. Finally, when I can hear the noises begin to lower and the ruckus of the Guardsman become calm and settled, I put on one of my cloaks and head out of my chambers. Despite the anger I have toward Willem, and despite our background, I feel terrible. I feel the need to go to him and apologize for taking that route. I know where they keep the prisoners, and though Kane has been moving everyone to the closed down wing, I know he won't take the chance with Willem. No matter how strong of a person that the Kane imposter attempts to be, he isn't stupid. He knows a dangerous person when he sees one, and the Reapers are definitely dangerous.
I creep down into the dungeons and move along the corridor in the shadows as I've learned to do pretty well. I lift my dress up, careful not to drag it along the damp and dripping floors. I need to be careful with every detail. If I leave there and run into Kane, I don't want him to ask why my dress is wet and sopping on the bottom. As I turn the corner, to head down the long straightaway to the cells, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I jump, whirling around to find Kane standing behind me with a furled brow.
"You scared me," I gasp as I attempt to slow my breathing. "I know you said to go to bed but turning in Willem has weighed on my conscious. I thought maybe if I could talk to him…"
Kane puts his arm over my shoulder as he leads me back to the stairwell. "This is no place for you. You can't be allowed near a man who would slice your tender neck without a second thought."
I want to argue that Willem wouldn't do such a thing, but after what I've already told him, I'm pretty sure it would only take away some of his trust. To get his mind away from that, I lean against his chest and sniffle, allowing him to maneuver me up the stairwell and back down the hallway.
Kane walks me all the way to my door, opening it up for me and stands right outside. I yawn and stretch my arms, wanting him to think I am more than comfortable around him. Kane leans against the doorway. "Have you been drinking your drink at every breakfast? I get concerned that you're not getting enough calories."
I nod. "Of course, I am. I want to stay strong and healthy."
It's almost frightening how quickly and easily I can lie to this man. Then again, my life has never depended on lies like this one does. My life has never depended on the demise of someone else.
Chapter 20
Drogaem
I knew the mortal would fold, that she would find herself fearful and eventually understand that her best bet is to keep her loyalty with me.
When she came to me the night before to tell me about Willem, I was a little bit hesitant at her first, but upon capturing, Willem confessed to everything. He was angry, and I could see the hate in his eyes, but getting rid of him now is the best choice. Through my reign as Death before, I learned that the best way to keep people loyal is to treat them as if you care. To involve them in your plans, no matter how nefarious. Mortals are so easily appeased, and it's my turn to show Briar that I'm appreciative of what she has done. In reality, I care nothing for the girl but she is the capsule that holds Lux and therefore, has the powers that I will use to strengthen my place on the throne. All she has to do is wield them in the way that I tell her.
"Kane?" Briar's small voice echoes from the damp stairwell leading down into the crypts.
I move quickly, stepping in front, forcing a smile on my face, and reaching out my hand to take hers. She stands, her mortal cheeks rosy, dark makeup applied specifically for me, her hair twisted up on the top of her head, and her dress hanging onto the curves of her body. She is trying to please me. When I take her, I will teach her how to be the lover that I require.
"Don't be afraid, come with me." I say as
