I move in closer, feeling his hands against my thighs. He grips one to my waist and runs the other up my shoulders clinging to the back of my neck. I turn my head to the side and part my lips, begrudgingly allowing his tongue to gently swipe across mine. I focus all of my attention on Kane, trying to block out the coldness and disgust I feel kissing a man that is not him.
That spark is growing and growing, beginning to flame out and I feel it strongly in my chest. I let out a small whimper, and though it is for Kane, Drogaem kisses me deeper believing it is for him. This is the moment. This is when I either save us or I don't. I press my fingers through Kane's dark hair and into his scalp. Very carefully and as sensually as possible, I begin to move my hand upward toward the crown. I cannot see it, but I know it's there and I know I'm just inches away.
As the tips of my fingers feel the cold gnarled steel, Drogaem's hand whips up and grabs my wrist, pulling his face away from mine. I try to move away from him, but his grip is strong and I can feel my skin bruising beneath his fingertips. His lip snarls and curves into a grin. He begins to laugh, a deep and unsettling sound that reverberates through the entire castle. "Did you really think that your mortal body could ever please me? I loved you when you were a God and my equal, but you will never be anything close to that again."
Chapter 23
Briar
I don't know what he's talking about, why he would call me a God, I'm just a mortal. But none of it matters, his incoherent rants and mumbling mean nothing to me. The secret is out, and he knows that I know who he is. Rage floods over me and I rip my arm from his hand and stumble backward. My hands begin to glow and I grit my teeth. "Give Kane back to me!"
Drogaem reaches up and settles his crown tightly on his head, a look of boredom on his face. "I never had any intention of keeping Kane for a long period of time. What am I truly to do with this body? It's weak and pathetic. Don't worry, little Princess, Kane will be free in time."
My brow furls and I run my tongue along my lips, confusion setting in. "I don't understand. Why do all of this then? Why hide it?"
Drogaem throws his hand in the air and walks over toward the desk. "Because this body is not like mine. Your little friend Willem, or his rebel army would surely have killed me. But don't be mistaken, your precious God will not come without a cost."
My eyes narrow and I step slowly toward him. "What do you want?"
He turns back toward me, a maniacal smile on his face. He looks nothing like the Kane that I remember. "Simple. You must subjugate yourself to me, in order for me to return Kane. You didn't actually think I would allow you two to be together, did you? Silly mortal."
My teeth clench as I'm tired of hearing that statement. At the same time, I have found myself in a position where my choices is to either attack and possibly die, or to do as I have always done. I am no stranger to service. From the moment I was born I obeyed my father. When I was handed off to Kane, at first, I obeyed him. Then I obeyed his brother, Aidan, and now I'm being asked to do it for Drogaem. I try not to think about what that actually means, as it doesn't settle well in my stomach. My only chance, humanities only chance is Kane. I knew that I would have to make a sacrifice, and if getting Kane back meant I had to give myself to Drogaem in whatever way he wanted, then I have no choice. Only then will Drogaem be able to be stopped.
He clucks his tongue against the roof of his mouth, yawning mockingly. "What is your choice little Princess, I have things to do, souls to raise."
I clear my throat, very aware of the dagger on my back but I don't move my hand. "Fine. I am yours if you return Kane."
He chuckles as he walks toward me, reaching out and snatching the necklace from around my neck. He holds the small orb up in front of him and waves his hand over it. I watch as the crystal and gold fade away. He reaches down and takes my hand, turning it over, palm up. His eyes shift to mine. "You have my word, your Majesty."
With that, he grips the piece of his crown tightly in his hand and I don't realize what's coming until it's too late. With force, he stabs the metal into the palm of my hand and immediately releases my wrist. My mouth falls open and I grip my hand tightly, looking down at it. The pain is almost unbearable. My lungs are full of air and I'm frozen in place, feeling the tears streaming down the sides my cheeks. With force, I release the deep breath and scream out in agony. It burns, and not like my light but like a venomous intrusion that surges through my veins, creeping up my arms and over my shoulders.
I begin to panic, raising my other hand and pulling the light to it. I hold it over the metal shard but it does nothing. The piece of crown melts over my skin and drips down on the floor, turning into a deep red puddle at my feet. Blood runs over my wrist and down my elbows and I take gasping
