EMBER POV
"Let me leave! Give me a horse," I said.
Cassian laughed at me. "You think you are worth that much? My brother is a dying animal, Ember. He will use you until you are dry and then throw you in the dirt. You want to leave? Hahahaha!"
He took a sip of wine. Then he leaned toward me like he was searching for my face. He tried to brush my hair with his fingers, but I moved my hand fast and blocked him.
"Do you know my brother is a beast?" he asked. He leaned back in his leather chair. "Did you see his skin? He is turning into a monster."
"I know he is a monster," I said.
"Then join me," he said. "Be my woman and my partner. Together, we kill him. You get your freedom, and I get my crown."
I stood up. I looked right into his eyes. I leaned down close to his face. "But you are worse. He is a beast because of his blood. You choose to be one because of your greed."
I paused. I reached for the wine bottle on the table. I picked it up and poured the dark red liquid right over his head.
"Has anyone ever told you," I said with a smirk, "that you aren't even worth the dirt on his boots?"
SLAP.
He jumped up and hit my right cheek hard. My head snapped back. I staggered, but I grabbed the edge of a chair to keep my balance. A single tear ran down my face.
"You think you are strong?" Cassian hissed. He put his face close to mine. "You are nothing. You are a tool. And tonight, you are mine."
He lunged at me. He tried to kiss me, and it made me want to throw up. I reached for the heavy steel cup on the table. I swung it as hard as I could.
CLANG.
The metal hit his head. Cassian groaned and fell back. Blood started to run down his face.
"You bitch!" he yelled.
He jumped at me again. I tried to run for the door, but he grabbed my dress. The old silk was weak. It ripped immediately. I fell down as half my dress was torn away. I scrambled up and held the rags to my chest. My skin felt cold.
I looked at the door. It was locked, and I couldn't find the keys. Cassian was already getting up like a mean snake.
I looked at the window.
I didn't think. I ran. I jumped over the table in the center of the room. I flew into the night air. The wind pulled my hair back as I fell toward the dark ground below.
I got ready to slam my body against the ground . I thought it was the end.
But I didn't hit the ground. I hit something warm and strong. Large arms wrapped around me. I smelled blood, sweat, and a strong perfume. My head was dizzy , so I couldn't tell exactly what the scent was.
I looked up. I saw the silver eyes of the King. He looked like he wanted to burn the world down.
"I have you," Evander said. His voice was rough. He held me so tight it almost hurt. "I have you."
He buried his face in my hair, and for the first time, I felt the shaking in his hands.