The Darkest Crown (The Eternal Darkness Duet #2)

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

T ime passed quickly. I spent each night with Allie, usually listening to her complain about her guards. She said they followed her around like a bunch of creepy stalkers, but I suspected she wasn’t as annoyed as she let on. They were a good-looking bunch, and I caught her watching them on several occasions.

Marius no longer made me spend half the night with him, he was content with our time in bed together. Every morning played out the same. I’d tell him I would never marry him, and he’d silence me with kisses and lovemaking. Afterwards, I’d feel angry and disgusted with myself, and I’d try to start a fight. Sometimes it worked, but more often than not, he’d just pull me down next to him and tell me to sleep.

One night, just before dawn, he asked if I'd play the violin for him again. I was confused. What did he mean again? How did he even know I played? He told me about the night of the ball, and I couldn’t believe I had no memory of it. When he asked again, I said no. My music was too personal, and I refused to share it with a man holding me prisoner. Even if that prison felt less like a prison with every passing day. Marius looked disappointed, but didn’t press me. That was the only night he didn’t touch me, and I told myself I wasn’t disappointed.

Wedding preparations were underway, but I refused to take part in them. Invitations went out, and before I knew it, the ballroom was being decorated.

Two nights before the wedding, guests started to arrive. Allie was tucked away in her room, as we all agreed it wouldn't be wise to have her walking around a castle full of vampires, and by the end of the night, the castle was full. There were people everywhere. Strangers, smiling and bowing, and trying to kiss my ass. As if I gave a shit about them. I grew angrier every time someone bowed, until I felt like I was going to blow up at someone. So I snuck out while no one was looking.

I went to the cliffs and stared out at the sea. It was rough, as it often was, matching my mood perfectly. The sky darkened, telling me that dawn was approaching, but I didn’t go in. I needed a few more minutes. Hopefully, if I stayed out there long enough, everyone would be in their rooms when I went in. I heard a sound and spun around to see Marius approaching.

“It’s almost dawn,” he said, as if I didn’t know. Without answering, I turned back towards the sea. He came to stand beside me. “What’s wrong?”

I shook my head sadly. “I want to be free.”

He brushed my hair over my shoulder. “You are free.”

“No. I’m your property. Just like I was Julian’s property. I wish I could return to my old life, as pathetic as it was.”

“I’m sorry, Sarah, but you can never go back to that life. Everyone knows about you now. Whether you believe it or not, you are Phaedra. Every vampire in the world came from your blood. They will all feel the pull towards you that I feel. That Adam and Julian feel. If I let you go, you would be in constant danger, as would Allie. They would use her to get to you.”

“Isn’t that what you’re doing? You say you brought her here for me, but I think maybe you brought her here so I wouldn’t try to escape.”

Marius nodded. “You're assumption is correct. That is why I brought her here. But tomorrow we will wed, and Allie will become my sister. And I swear to you I will protect her with my life. I will give you both anything you desire. I will take you wherever you want to go. You wish to be free?” He laughed harshly. “Humans are never truly free. They are slaves to their lives, to their jobs, to their debts and responsibilities. Slaves to sickness and death. You are more free now than you’ve ever been.”

He held my gaze for a moment, then turned back towards the castle. As I watched him walk away, I considered his words, and realized he was right about everything. Allie had said basically the same thing when Julian captured us.

I had no desire to be queen, but if Allie and I left, we’d be running forever. Our lives before were miserable, at least mine was. I couldn't even afford to go to the hospital when I was was attacked outside my building, and my face was scraped raw. And look at me now. I stared at the ocean until the first rays of light peaked over the horizon. Then I went to find Marius.

I told him I would become his wife, and he made love to me slowly. Afterwards, I fell asleep in his arms, and dreamed of our wedding. We exchanged our vows, and I closed my eyes as he leaned in to kiss me. When I opened my eyes again, it was Julian standing in front of me.