Page 193 of The Throne Seeker

It was a long while before either spoke.

Roman finally looked back at her, observing her in the reflection. “What is it?”

She hesitated, stowing away her fear. “I’ve only read bits and pieces about sirens. Their beauty is their most deadly weapon. A trap to lure others in. They’re able to feel and manipulate emotions, which makes it easy for them to control those around them—to use them.” Her eyes fell to her hands cautiously, as if they’d do something against her will. “Their superior physicalities allow them to live for hundreds of years. Consequently, they have been hunted down by humans for generations, out of fear that if they outnumbered them, they’d rule them just like they had in history. So they killed them off. It’s said they were almost annihilated—just like every other magical creature. There’s hardly any left in Vallor.” She paused, her eyes meeting his. “What if I’m exactly what the high council thought? What if they had a right to fear me? What if somehow they knew that I was this monster?”

Roman planted his feet in a wide, determined stance. “You aren’t a monster and never will be.”

She wished she could share his certainty.

He came to her, bringing his hand to her chin, lifting it so she’d have to look into the eyes she held so dear. “You are thefurthestthing from a monster.”

She braced herself as his ache for her was magnified through the simple touch.

“Gods, look at those eyes. You can’t look into those eyes and not see an angel.”

It was strange to feel his mind, how much he wanted her. The knowledge amplified her desire for him, too.

She leaned towards him, her mind subconsciously reaching out, digging its claws into his, burring them into his soul. Bringing him closer. To devour him, to take?—

She backed up, suppressing the feral beast from ripping out of her skin.

She didn’t have to feel his pain to know it. It was written all over his face.

“I’m sorry,” she apologized, stepping back again. “I just don’t want to hurt you.”

His determination only grew with her confession. “You’re not going to hurt me.” He took a step forward.

She took another step back. “You shouldn’t be so sure,” she snapped, but then she softened at his hurt face. “I just need to know how this is possible. I need to know more. I need to speak to my mother.”

They both knew what that would mean.

They’d have to return to the castle.

Roman looked out the window again, rubbing his jaw as he let out a large breath. “If we go back, there’s a good chance you’ll be seen. I don’t know exactly how they’ll react, but I can guess it won’t be good. You could be putting yourself in danger. You were already a target before; now, you might as well have a red beacon over your head.”

“She could come here?” she threw out the idea.

Roman thought. “We could do that, but I know my brother. As soon as he realized she was leaving, he’d know she was coming to you. He’d follow her. And I don’t want him showing up unexpectedly.”

She searched her mind, thinking of other options, but nothing else seemed possible. “It’s too important. We’ll have to take the risk. At least it’ll only be him and not the entire court.”

Roman sighed, caving. “Fine. We’ll send for her to come.”

“But there’s something I have to do first. And you’re not going to like it.”

Roman’s eyes darkened as soon as she told him.

CHAPTER 71

“Rose, don’t,” Roman pleaded, following her outside as she called for Onyx in her mind, but she sensed he was already coming to her. “It’s too dangerous. Think about what you’re doing. To hell with the castle. You’re walking into an entire city. A very dangerous one at that. What if you’re discovered? What if Moretti hands you over for money—or worse? It could be like the tavern all over again.”

She ignored him.

He grabbed her arm, spinning her to face him. “Look at me. It’s not worth it.”

“No one will be watching for me like at the castle.” She pulled her arm out of his grip. “The crowd will be to my advantage. Besides, I’m a siren. I don’t know exactly what that means, but I do know I possess powers. I know I can persuade him to tell me where these men are. The snawfus said finding them would help lead me to my destiny, and this is the only lead I have. I have to try.”

“This is madness.”