Skyler's POV
Another cruel, wretched night with Liam. He left me again after taking exactly what he wanted, his satisfaction drawn from my pain only stoking the fury burning inside me. If that monster even knew the meaning of the word restraint, maybe he wouldn't be this cold-hearted beast who only ever fed on others' suffering.
As the gilded clock on the wall ticked away each passing minute, my thoughts twisted with dread. If I didn't act soon, Liam's madness would spiral further—what if one day he decided my life was no longer worth sparing once hurting me no longer amused him?
He wasn't listening. Hell, he had never truly listened. To him, I was nothing but a nuisance to silence, a body he could shape into Hazel's image whenever his twisted desires demanded it. That selfish, delusional bastard!
Groaning, I forced myself upright though my legs wobbled from exhaustion. This wasn't just unfair—it was unbearable. If I didn't take matters into my own hands, it would never end. But how? How could I strategize when my plans had already crumbled, and Liam was too obsessed with Hazel's ghost to see that he was unraveling?
Maybe he should find her. Maybe that was the only way to rid myself of this torment. The thought lingered as I dragged myself to the bath. The sting of hot water against my bruised flesh made me wince, but I sank back against the tub, thoughts circling endlessly.
He had likely made no progress in finding her. I wouldn't even be surprised.
Afterward, I dressed carefully, my hand steady as I painted my lips with crimson red—the shade I always wore when I wanted his attention. Once, it had thrilled me when he noticed me. Once, I even craved it. Now, the excitement was gone, replaced by nothing but dread. My heart was silent, my blood cold, and the only sound I heard was the chorus of night insects outside, chirping in their hiding places like prey keeping out of sight from a predator.
Like me.
I envied them. How easy it must be to slip into shadows and vanish from danger.
Staring at myself in the mirror, I sighed. The makeup, the dress, all of it disgusted me. I hated that I still sought his attention, but I couldn't afford to throw away all I had endured. My suffering had to mean something. I had clawed my way this close to his heart—if he had one at all—and I wouldn't let it go to waste.
I forced myself down the hall, ignoring the unease that gripped me. The guards dipped their heads as I passed. I stopped one.
"Where is the king?" I asked, my voice softer than I intended, too much like a desperate wife searching for her husband.
"In his study, my lady, but… he ordered not to be disturbed—"
I didn't wait for him to finish. My heels clicked away before the last word left his mouth. I knew defying Liam's command was a gamble, but I was dressed for persuasion. Perhaps I could redirect his wrath. Or perhaps, as always, he would turn his fury on the very guards sworn to protect me.
Standing before his study, I glanced down at my gown, steadying my breath before knocking. Silence pressed down on me, broken only by the pounding of my heart in my ears.
"Come in," came his deep voice. An invitation laced with warning.
I pushed the door open. His displeasure was immediate, flashing across his features. Whether he was expecting someone else, or simply didn't want me, it hardly mattered. I wasn't here for comfort. I needed answers.
His gaze pierced me, and I held my breath. But before he could speak, another knock sounded. A guard slipped inside.
"Your Majesty, a report from Colton. We've seen no sign of him. His maids fled the moment they caught wind of our approach."
Liam's expression darkened.
"No progress? You dare stand before me with nothing to show for it?" His tone was venom.
The guard faltered, backing away as Liam rose and stalked toward him. Step by step, until the man's back hit the wall. Then Liam's hand shot out, wrapping around his throat, lifting him from the ground.
"Listen well," Liam growled, his voice low, dangerous. "If you ever stand before me again without good news, your corpse will be the only message sent back to your people. Do you understand?"
The guard nodded frantically until Liam finally released him, letting him crumple to the floor like discarded prey.