Chapter 212
Chapter 212
~ NYSSA
I was worried at first when I saw that Rowan left before I woke up, but that worry gave way to relief when I realized that I had the chance to do what I really wanted and search for answers.
The hard part was convincing Eric. He did not want to go anywhere near Marlene’s home, but after a lot of convincing from me, he decided to follow. After all, it was better than me going on my own.
The guards were another thing. They sat in cars around the house, watching like hawks, but they never interfered. I figured they’d call Rowan at some point so I needed to be quick.
"Your Majesty!" Evelyn announced in shock as she pulled the door open. "Please, come in, I did not know you were coming."
"Neither did I until this morning," I admitted as she led Eric and I into the living room.
"Would you like something to drink? Tea or water? Marlene is in the kitchen making scones. I can also bring some if you’d—"
"I’d just like to talk if that’s okay."
Her brows lifted in surprise. "Oh! Of course, I’ll go get—"
"Easy child," a soft voice echoed from the hallway as Marlene made her way into the living room. "I heard when she came in." She turned to me with a soft smile. "I’d say it’s a surprise but after the guards you put outside, I knew it was only a matter of time."
My eyes widened in shock, my heart pounding rapidly in my chest. "You knew about those?"
She nodded. "I spent years under the progenitor. I have come to learn how to spot spies."
My cheeks warmed. "We just wanted to make sure that he didn’t come for you."
The lie seemed believable enough because she smiled softly. "A noble effort, but you cannot keep him away from what he wants. If he wants me then he will have me, your guards be damned."
Her words tightened on the end, and the delivery was like ice straight to my chest. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get shivers down my spine.
"I need to know more about him," I told her, voice firm but soft. "I saw something yesterday and I think it has something to do with him. Perhaps if I know more than I can know what he wants."
She shook her head slowly. "You will never know what he wants. I do not think even he knows what he wants. You better pray that what you saw was a figment of your imagination because if he has found a way into this pack, and if he has his eyes set on you, then there is no escape for you. He always takes what he wants and no one can stop him."
"Rowan would never let that happen."
She smiled sadly. "Yes, that is true. If he takes you, then there will be war, but to what end? Millions will die, and there is no telling who will win. He has many years of experience behind him. There is a reason no one has been able to kill him, and it is not for a lack of trying."
There was so much more I wanted to ask, but all the words seemed to die on my throat. It was as if the more I learned about this king, the more terrified I became. War seemed inevitable and the last thing I wanted was a war on my behalf. I did not wish for innocents to die because of me... because of what I was.
"Is there anyway for me to—"
The door slammed open before I could finish my sentence. Rowan stormed in, his eyes flashing with anger and his lips pressed tightly into a firm line. I opened my mouth to speak, but one sharp look from my mate had me clamping my lips shut.
No one dared to speak or even breathe as he made his way over to me.
His large figure towered over me and while everyone held heir breaths, wondering what he would do, I just stared.
I knew my mate enough to know that he would never hurt me, not even in the throughs of his anger.
"You drive me fucking insane," he hissed down the mind link. "What the hell were you thinking?"
"I was looking for answers."
He snorted. "Did you find any?"
"No."
"Of course you didn’t."
He slammed the link shut and turned his attention toward Marlene who was watching us with a curious expression.
"I assure you, the Luna has been safe here," she said with a soft smile that Rowan did not bother to return.
"I know she was safe. There was never an alternative."
"That is true." Her smile widened a bit, but something about it unnerved me.
Rowan looked around the room for a minute before turning to me. "You should go wait in the car. There is something I need to speak to Marlene about."
My spine straightened at those words. "Why? Why can’t you say it in front of me."
"Nyssa—"
"I’m not leaving," I said firmly. "You either say it here or not at all."
He sighed in exasperation, clearly displeased with my choice, but he turned away from me, locking eyes with Marlene. "Seeing as we are all here now, there is something you must do."
She was quick to nod. "Of course, your Majesty, whatever it is."
"You will take a message to the vampire king—"
"What?!" Evelyn and I yelled in unison.
Of all the things I thought he wanted to say, this was not in my top ten.
"She barely managed to get out the first time!" Evelyn yelled. "She cannot go back! That is not fair, your Majesty."
Rowan paid her no heed. "As it stands, you are the only one who knows where he stays. You will take the warning to him under the palace seal. It is not a request, it is an order."
Marlene smiled slowly. "There is no need for me to take the message."
"And why not?"
"Because he is coming to you with a message of his own."
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