Page 78 of Wings of Betrayal
“Is that why you did it? Was this all a part of your big plan?” I demand.
His expression darkens, and I know I shouldn’t push him any further.
“I’m not sure what plan you’re referring to. But I’m doing right by my Kingdom. We need a strong ruler right now. If not me, then who would you suggest is suitable for such a task?”
Although I hate to admit it, he has a point. I’m not fit to rule. And I can’t think of anyone else who would be. I don’t know the first thing about ruling a Kingdom. Maybe Mikel could, but eventhen, it’s a huge undertaking. Lissian may be able to do it, but I know The Throne would prefer a male ruler.
Gods above, what a mess.
A smirk curls his lips, and he leans in close, his mouth inches from mine. I let out a slow breath, remembering how his lips felt against mine. Gods above, how does he have this effect on me? He hovers there, his warm breath tickling my cheek. His scent fills my nose, and I close my eyes.
He slides his hand across my side and around to my lower back, gently tugging me closer, and I don’t fight it.
“Good to know I still have the same effect on you….” he whispers in my ear before stepping away from me.
I blink my eyes open, and he smirks then crosses the room and leaves me alone in my quarters while I question my stupidity.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Everywhere I go, there are whispers about me.
“Did you know she killed her own father?”
“Did you hear she killed Harlum so she could take the throne?”
“They should lock her up in the cells.”
“How dare she show her face after what she’s done!”
“She killed our King!”
I know angels within the Kingdom think I did it. The rumor mill is well and truly turning, and it weighs heavily on my mind.
Leaving the castle grounds was a mistake. The city was rife with gossip yesterday when I ventured out. A group of angry angels surrounded me, and I was so close to using my powers to defend myself. Luckily, Mikel showed up and threatened them, giving me a chance to spread my wings and escape.
I’ve got to be more careful. Until they find the actual killer, or I can prove Amaros did it, I have to lie low. I haven’t seen Lissian since everything happened, and I know I need to pay her a visit. In fact, I’m surprised she hasn’t come to me. She always has in the past. No matter how bad a situation is, she’s there for me.
Unease knots my stomach, and I can only hope she doesn’t believe the rumors.
I wind my way through the castle hallways, hoping I don’t bump into Amaros, and head toward Lissian’s quarters. I gently rap my knuckles on the door, and she opens. Her expression hardens a bit when she sees it’s me, which coils my worries tighter.
“Zarla, hi,” she says, tugging her shawl around her shoulders. “I didn’t expect you.”
“I know. I’m sorry to show up like this, but I need to talk to you.”
She fiddles with her shawl more before stepping to the side and gesturing for me to enter with a wave of her arm. I cross the room and sit in one of her armchairs by the fire, and after closing the door, she sits down in the one opposite mine. She fidgets around, trying to get comfortable, then runs her hands over her dress.
“I didn’t do it,” I blurt out, needing to clear it up before she makes me feel any worse.
She freezes and doesn’t say a word.
“I didn’t kill Harlum,” I say, as if being more specific will help her better understand. “He was like a father to me. You don’t think I did it, do you?”
She blinks and lets out a long breath. “In all honesty, no. I don’t think you’re capable of such a thing.”
Relief washes over me, and I relax. “Everyone’s talking about it, saying I did it. It’s bad.”
She reaches out and places her hand over mine. “When have we ever cared what anyone else thinks? We both know the truth, and that’s what matters. It’ll all blow over in time.”