CHAPTER 102: UNRAVELED

"And what do you mean by that?" Damon replied coolly. "What mistake have I made? Using his pretty little cunt to rile him up? Or allowing you to see the darkness within, he tries so hard not to show? Did you tremble at the sight of him ripping out my throat just because I spoke to you? Oh, I do wonder what he’ll do when he finds out that we shared a kiss."

I have the strong urge to slap his distasteful mouth, uttering such foul words. Don’t let him in. Don’t give him any satisfaction because that was what he liked...to have you shrink as he makes you come undone from his cruel words.

He has this sense that he could bring out the worst in anyone, probably something that grew within him due to his obsession with getting under his brother’s skin.

"Because of what you did, you made him a threat."

He laughed loudly, overcome by whatever amusement. "Wasn’t it that obvious? Do you know how many of the noble houses of Valkanor have sought me out? Drevon is now publicly known as a threat to the future of the Empire, and all I had to do was use you."

Wait... I was thinking about this differently the entire time.

"Of course... that is what it is, isn’t it?"

He narrowed his eyes in question, as if my sudden declaration had captured his interest.

"Which was it? Did the court come to you? Or was it you who went to them?"

His smile faded.

"Gods! You went to them, didn’t you? To push them to your side."

"Shut your mouth."

"You saw an opportunity to sway them about their dismissal, it was perfect, wasn’t it? Thank your goddess for the human bride. That was all you needed."

The table flipped, and the fine teacup smashed into pieces on the floor. I sat up, but Damon snatched my throat and seethed at me.

Bingo. This was exactly the reaction I wanted to confirm my discovery. This wasn’t just about turning the empire against Drevon, nor simply just getting under his skin for pleasure. This was but a step toward his real goal. To be monarch.

This cunning bastard, who had no interest in whatever power and only knew how to toy with his brother, was sharpening his claws in the dark.

"Princess!"

"Stand your ground, Ravyn!" I called out to her, keeping my gaze pinned on Damon’s hostile ones, his hand dangerously around my throat, but not attempting to crush.

"What’s the matter, Damon?" I taunted. "Shocked?"

He yanked me closer in a heartbeat. "You think you’re smart?"

"Judging from your reaction, I know I am. You really didn’t think anyone would figure out your true motive, but you made yourself open. I told you earlier you made a mistake using me."

"So what? You know, and I can end it by crushing your throat, either way it’s still a win for me, and my brother will go berserk when he hears I snapped your pretty little neck like a toothpick. I’ll become monarch."

This power-hungry bastard!

"Go on, do it."

He froze at my words.

"It shows just how much you feel threatened by a human. The idea that I can unveil your true motive is a bonus that I shall enjoy in the last moments of my death."

Silence was ensured, with Damon pinning me with those lifeless eyes, it was a long, intense moment. Ravyn was near and about to attack, and we all knew how this would end.

Damon’s teeth gritted, and his grip slacked. I used that opportunity to slip away from his hold, stumbling backwards, but I secured my footing.

"I had a wonderful time having tea with you, perhaps I should wish you well in your scheme to steal the throne. But rest assured, I’ll no longer be used for your sick ploy."

I walked down the steps and left without looking back.

~•~

• DREVON •

"What’s the progress on what I asked for?" I questioned Garrick, hoping a solid reply would distract my mind.

"I’m getting close to obtaining the ancient texts. You’ll have it in no time."

"Good."

"My liege."

"What?"

Silence followed as Garrick chose to end whatever he was about to say there.

I threw a look over my shoulder. "What Garrick?" I asked in a more stern tone to get him talking.

He wavered for a bit but eventually spoke. "Don’t you think it best to go see her? Your mood has been depleted for the last two days. You may not mention it, but I know your thoughts are with her. You’re distracted, and your focus is what is needed after what happened at the ball."

I turned back to the view out the window. "I’m focused."

"No, you’re not."

For Garrick to strongly disagree with me shows just how much I have been preoccupied, but I didn’t care about what I did at the ball, nor how the noble house views me as a threat to the crown prince’s life. I care only about Eloise.

"She doesn’t want to see me," I voiced, unable to recognize my voice thick with restraint.

When I recalled the look she gave me in the bathing chambers, that look of unfamiliarity, like she didn’t know who stood before her, broke my heart.

I never wanted her to see me in such a way, but I lost control and let my anger get the best of me. Despite that, if such a thing were to happen again, if Damon dared to keep his hands on her, I’d rip him apart without batting an eye.

The door badge opened, and loud footsteps echoed.

"Ravyn!" Garrick said.

"What are you doing here? You should be by Eloise’s side."

"She sent me to you."

My expression was fast changing, and I turned sharply. "Did something happen to her?"

"Calm yourself down," she replied amusedly. "You should have seen her."

"What are you talking about?"

"How on earth she stood her ground with both the Dowager and the prince in one day is a mystery I can never solve."