Exiting my chambers, I glance down at the floor as several servant girls pass, hurriedly making their way to the other side of the castle. The servants are always in a hurry now, as they fear the man they think Kane has become. Little do they know, it's much worse than that. Once they pass, I move quickly down the hallway, turning the corner and pausing just a moment.
I know the way to the gardens with my eyes closed and I know that at the end of this hallway, I turn right where I must pass by Drogaem's study in order to get to the garden. I don't know where he is this morning, but I can't wait any longer. I begin down the hallway taking my time, building my bravery within me. When I'm about halfway, something shimmers from the corner of my eye. I look right, finding the clear glass doors that lead to the garden. My brow furls as I know that I'm nowhere close to the place they always sit. But then I remember what Kane had said to me the first time I found them. His mother built these gardens and she is in control of who finds them. If Willem has escaped, then maybe she knows, maybe she is helping me.
Whatever the reason, I yank open the door and hurry down the steps, curling my way around the pool. The water within moves in waves, unlike the normal stillness that I've seen in the past. The room isn't as bright and shiny, and when I look up, I see crackles of light as if lightning is moving above me. Everything is angry right now, and I don't know whether it's me, the Three, or Drogaem inching ever closer to his ultimate conclusion.
When I reach the other side, I bend down on one knee and reach beneath the ledge of the pool. Seeking my hand down into the water, I feel the coolness just as I did the first time. Tucked within a small hole about a foot beneath the surface, I grasp the handle of my dagger. As I pull it out, a light glistens along the blade and I dry it on the skirts of my dress. It feels good to have it in my hands again.
I reach around behind me, finding the cut out in the back of my dress and slide the dagger into the thin leather sheath I constructed before I left. I knew I had to conceal it as good as possible, and I wanted it to be easily accessible. I hurry back through the garden and up to the doors, pausing to look back at the quiet calmness for just a moment. I realize it may be the last time I see them, but I don't let the sadness overcome me. I cannot afford to. After going to free Willem, I had sat in my bedroom working out a plan. I could no longer meander about, slowly edging my way toward Drogaem. I had to take action, and it had to happen now.
I know the power that he has currently sits within his crown. If I'm capable of getting the crown from Drogaem's head, and destroy it with my dagger, my hope is that it releases Drogaem's soul from Kane's body. It's the only plan I can think of. I continue down the hallway toward his study, praying to the Gods that he's inside. When I reach the doors, there are two guards standing on each side of the door. They step together, not allowing me to enter.
I raise my chin and look them up and down. "Please step aside. I wish to see my King. As his bride, I have every right to."
Both men keep their eyes forward, neither glancing at me for even a second. The man on the right squares his chin and puffs out his chest. "I'm sorry, he doesn't wish to be disturbed."
I purse my lips. Feeling the blade of my dagger pressing to my back. "I suggest you check with him. I don't think he will be too happy that you turned his future Queen away."
He continues staring ahead. "I'm sorry. He strictly forbids any distraction."
I open my mouth to chide him when the door flies open, and my heart flutters for just a second seeing Kane's face. It quickly dissipates when he begins to speak and I remember who he truly is. "Move aside and let her in. Never keep my Queen waiting."
I feel a bit of pity for the Guardsmen, as they were only trying to protect themselves by doing his bidding, but it worked. I walk into the room, stepping forward in front of the desk. Stopping, I turn toward him before he closes the door and has a chance to see any sort of outline of the dagger on my back. My nerves are in my throat now, and I know that I need to dive in, without thought. When he turns to face me, I look at him for only a moment and hurry forward, throwing my arms around his neck. Without hesitation, I close my eyes and press my lips to his. I am hoping that I feel at least a glimmer of what it was like to kiss Kane, but instead I feel revulsion. I force myself to keep pressing against him, my stomach turning.
When I believe I can't take it any longer, I feel something. It starts as a spark and begins to grow. As it begins to take shape, I recognize it immediately. It's Kane's spirit, and it's growing stronger. I open my eyes, seeing his shut tightly, a smirk on his lips still pressed to mine. I know my kiss
