Chapter 176: The Phantom Mark [Part 2]
It snowed harder, and the rough wind flooded in like a blizzard, carrying the curtains and sweeping the shards of glass on the floor. My candles went out, and the only source of light became the moonlight.
The pulse from the phantom mark ceased, and it became a thick load of emotions coming from this horrible man before me.
I clenched my teeth as rage chilled my insides. I flung the candelabra, and the sharp clang filled the room. Then I slapped him across the cheek, again and again, pouring all my strength into it until I was trying to catch my breath.
Soft cracks filled the air, and the entire place we stood was sheathed in ice. Damon moved his head slowly, and when he faced me, his cheeks were bruised, the corner of his lips was swollen and bleeding.
Yet... this was not enough. I raised my hand, but it stopped midair. His eyes... Those obsidian eyes held extreme sadness, which made my hand fall to my side.
I felt like an evil woman tormenting a poor man. I hated this, hated that I pitied him when he didn’t deserve any of those things.
"Say something!" I yelled at him. "You’re the expert when it comes to cruelty, so speak!"
Damon lowered, and my heartbeat was loud against my chest. My eyes widened as he dropped to one knee, took my hand, and gave a kiss to my ring of reign.
"My queen," he muttered in his baritone voice.
"What are you doing?" I demanded. "Do you think swearing your loyalty to me will change anything?"
He gripped my hand tighter, and a subtle quiver followed.
"No. Nothing I say will change what I did to you." The pain in his voice was deep. "I was waiting for you to come see me, because that’d give me hope. I have thought of nothing but you."
He raised his gaze to me. "I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to earn your forgiveness if I’m worthy to be given one."
This was unlike him. No, this wasn’t him. It was like I was staring at an entirely different Damon but this could be his trick.
"Because of what you did, I’m connected to you. Bask in the joy of it that in some way you claimed my soul."
The Damon I knew would have laughed at this chance to use it to his advantage, and yet there was no reaction.
My chest burned in rage. "I came here to sever all connections with you." I yanked my hand away from his hold. "I hope you rot in here, Damon Balthar."
I turned on my heels and walked away without looking back.
~•~
I didn’t sleep, I couldn’t. I just lay in bed staring at the view, and even when dawn came and covered everything in its glow, I remained where I was.
I kept thinking about my encounter with Damon and how underwhelming it felt. But it was none of my business anymore. I’m never going back to see him again, and when Drevon comes, I’ll tell him about the phantom mark and find a way to deal with it.
"Your Majesty."
I sat up when the door opened, Talia and Osha stepping in.
"You’re up early."
"I’m sure, Your Majesty couldn’t wait for today," Osha said, walking to open the curtains.
"Or I just couldn’t sleep," I said, crawling out of bed.
"It’s still full," Osha said, holding the goblet. "This is the third time now."
"I thought that was needed," Talia said. "Your cravings."
"Not as much as I thought, discard it. I don’t want it."
Osha was hesitant but eventually replied. "Y-Yes, Your Majesty."
"Are you okay? Did you really not get enough sleep?"
"Yes, only because I couldn’t wait for today."
"Hmm..." Talia murmured, unconvinced, but she got the silent message that I didn’t want to talk about it.
"The water is ready, Your Majesty."
I rose to my feet, stripped out of my nightdress, and stepped into the tub. I stayed at the edge as Talia came behind to wash my hair.
She poured some liquid from a golden jar before massaging my scalp.
"Have you heard from your sister?" I asked randomly.
"Yes, I did, I got a letter last week."
"That’s nice. Is she healthy?"
"Yes, very. I’m glad I told her to send me letters privately before I left. I wouldn’t have gotten any otherwise."
I understand what she meant. Upon my stepmother’s orders, she was supposed to spy on me.
However, she never sent any letter of report to my stepmother, and as a result, that automatically meant she wouldn’t hear from her sister.
"Have you thought of letting her come here? Even though she sends you letters, we should keep in mind that the Archduchess won’t always be generous."
Talia wrapped my hair atop my head and held it together with a hairpin. "I thought about that too..."
"And?" I questioned moving into the water to get washed.
Talia added some tulips and scented herbs.
"I’ll let you know when I get an answer."
I smiled. "Please do, and I promise you that she will be safely brought to Valkanor."
I made a mental note to discuss it with Drevon when he got back.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Talia said heartfeltly.
I could tell she truly wanted this, but knowing Talia, she was always defensive. Whatever she decided, I’d be willing to help and more.
A knock came at the door. "Your Majesty, it’s Ravyn."
I stepped out of the tub, and Osha helped me with my robe. "Come in."
Ravyn stepped in. "Forgive the intrusion."
"Any news?"
"Yes, the noble ladies are here. They await you and are ready to swear their loyalty."
"Good. Let us not take too much of their time, then."
I had requested a discreet meeting, and the other ladies were eager to see me. By the time we have an official meeting, they’d have already been under my wing.
The first stage is done, and I still have time to spare.