Page 159 of Evil Hearts

Chapter 8:Kyliana

I t’s been two weeks since we gave into our bonds and every day since then has been made up of my lessons in Orc politics, planning our wedding, and my night ending with Xaug and I snuggled in his ginormous bed. Last night was no different, though I did use the potion the healer left for me after the last tear got so bad he had to come out during the night to stop the bleeding. I wake up feeling revived and content as Xaug kisses me on the forehead and leaves for his morning meeting. I’m technically late to meet the wedding planner but I’m struggling to care as the warmth of Xaug’s bed envelops me.

I know that she will come find me if I don’t hurry up, though she will probably knock this time… I hope. Throwing the heavy blankets off of me and sitting up, I shudder as the harsh chill scratches at my skin as I stoke the fire to chase away the cold of the winter morning. I dress quickly, weaving my hair into a simple braid and donning my jeans and a long-sleeve shirt with a thick sweater and my hefty winter slippers.

As I make my way through the halls to the dining room where we meet, I hear hushed whispers and pause outside of the kitchen doors.

“I don’t care if you don’t like it. I will be your king soon and you would do well to remember that. Just one more week until their wedding where the accident will happen and then you’ll be bowing to me so remake my fucking food how I like it.”

I startle at the sound of Urzog’s voice and turn away to tell Xaug but it’s too late. Arietta steps into view and throws a containment bubble at me. I manage to dodge it but she’s quick and a second snaps closed around me.

“What’s the meaning of this? Let me go!” I shout but as the sound reverberates back to me I realize that no one can hear me. In one last desperate attempt, I throw all of my weight to the left side of the bubble and it fades enough for me to scream out of it. Seconds later, Xaug ters into the hall and when his eyes lock on me, his gaze turns furious.

“Sire, I can explain. We caught her kissing one of the guards and found out she has been sleeping with him, betraying the oath you share.”

As if on cue, the oath bracelet falls from his arm, though mine stays intact. Devastation bleeds into his eyes as he takes in the bracelet filled with hopes and promises that now lay shattered at his feet.

“Take her to the prisoner cells and await further orders. Bring me the guard, he will suffer as well,” he growls so low that I almost can’t hear him. My soul fractures at his quick betrayal and tears fill my eyes and I can’t stop them from falling. I’m stronger than this. Stronger than them. I am the daughter of Lilith. I will end them.