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“You offered yourself into our service so you could find a way to the dark court to save your friend?” He finally replied.
“It was the only thing I could think of to get close to her. She’s like my sister. She doesn’t deserve that life. She deserves better. Please, I’m begging you,” I dropped to my knees in front of him. I thought furiously, trying to come up with something to offer him to assure he would save Lilian.
He slowly took my chin in between his fingers, forcing me to look at him. His fingers gently brushed my hair back behind my ears, revealing the small tips.
“We all have our secrets, Gen. Your secrets are safe with me…always,” he whispered.
I looked into his eyes. An overwhelming sense of relief flooded through me, and I collapsed onto his lap as I began to sob violently. “Thank you. Thank you so much,” I cried.
He held me tightly and kissed the top of my head tenderly. I pulled away, wiping my eyes free of the tears. I placed my trembling hands over my face, trying to steady myself.
“Now, what are we going to do about your friend?” he asked.
“I need to find a way to the dark court in order to get her out.”
“That’s if she is still alive,” he added. My stomach dropped even considering the possibility. “Gen, I am sorry, but you are going to have to prepare yourself for that reality. The dark court is not like the light. They dispose of humans faster than they do their own livestock.”
“I know, I know, but I can’t live without knowing what happened to her.”
He sat against the back of the chair, as his brow furrowed in thought. “Let me think about how to find her. In the meantime, we also need to worry about Gaelin.”
“How so?”
“If you haven’t noticed, his affections for you are growing by the day. He is going to find out what you are, sooner or later. We may even need him if we are to rescue your friend.”
“Do you think he’ll turn me in?” I asked hesitantly.
“He cares for you, but he is loyal to the throne and its laws. This could go either way. I’d rather he not find out unless we are out of options. The fewer people that know your secret, the safer you will be.” Levos’s attention snapped to the door. “He’s coming. Hurry, get your headband, and wipe your face.”
We jumped to our feet. I covered my ears and took a few deep breaths, trying to appear normal. Gaelin opened the door with a smile on his face that instantly faded at the sight of Levos and me.
“Am I interrupting something?” Gaelin asked, looking between the two of us.
“Nothing at all, cousin. I found a headband that reminded me of Genevieve, and I was unable to get it to her before she rushed off to fold your underpants.” Levos made his way to the door, patting Gaelin on the shoulder. “Have a nice evening you two.”
Gaelin shut the door behind Levos. He was uncomfortably quiet, no doubt pondering what his cousin was doing alone in his room with his prude mistress.
I went to his bed and pulled the sheets back. He stood at the footboard as his eyes roamed over me, looking for any indication that something had happened between Levos and me. He took a deep breath in through his nose, smelling the air. I stopped what I was doing and turned my attention towards him, cocking one eyebrow and smiling mischievously.
“You can just ask me, you know,” I said, walking over to face him.
“I don’t like it when you’re alone with another male. Even if it is my cousin,” he said firmly.
“And what do you think we were doing? Carrying on an affair behind your back?” I said playfully.
“Genevieve, I am serious.”
“I know you are. That is what makes this whole thing that much more entertaining. He is your cousin, Gaelin. He is loyal to you to a fault. He would never betray you.”
“Then why do I smell him on you?” I rolled my eyes, placing a hand on either of his arms. He flinched at my touch. I realized that this was the first time I had initiated contact between the two of us.
“He gave me a beautiful headband that he found at the market. I gave him a hug to say thank you. That is all. He is my friend and only my friend,” I said, stepping closer to him.
“Do you like gifts?” he asked.
“I don’t really know. That was the first one I have ever received. I guess it all just took me by surprise.” He looked away from me, chewing over the thoughts that were rolling around in his head. “Gaelin,” I said, reaching my hand out slowly to his face. He closed his eyes as my hand cupped the side of his jaw. His face was cold, yet soft and somehow alluring. “I’m not that type of person.”
“I couldn’t blame you if you did select to be with someone of your own choosing. I took your choice away the day I chose you as my concubine. You don’t deserve this.”