EMBER POV
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The big sword came down like a heavy axe. I shut my eyes tight. I thought for sure I was going to die. But I didn't feel any cold metal Instead, I heard a loud crunch.
I opened my eyes. Evander had caught the sharp blade with his bare hand.
The blade sliced deep into his palm. I felt the pain like it was me because of the blood link, I watched his blood drop on his boots. His blood was thick and red.
He twisted the blade with all his strength making it break into two piece.
"Oh my goodness" the people panicked as they continue to gossip within themselves.
"Enough", Evander roared, everyone stopped whispering they all stood watching him terrified.
Julian's face twisted in a mask of rage. "He's protecting her! Look at him! He's choosing a kitchen stray over his own blood!" Julian lunged forward his daggers drawn he moved towards Evander aiming for his chest.
"Stop!" Cassian barked. He grabbed Julian's arm.
Cassian wiped my spit off his face. He looked at the people watching from the balconies.
"Let him act like a hero," Cassian said. "If he doesn't let us punish her, I'll inform the High Council. I'll tell them the King is crazy for a foreign girl. They will take your crown before the sun goes down, brother." He said pointing Evander.
Evander's breathing was loud and heavy. The black veins on his neck were popping out. He was shaking. "I said I was sorry for her," he growled. "What else do you want?"
Cassian stepped closer. His voice was calm but deadly . "That was your apology. What happens next is between me and the girl."
"What do you want from her?, He's head seem to be aching , I could feel a mixed energy in his body like he was trying to control something inside of him.
Evander started to sway. He was losing his balance. The silver in his eyes was turning into a scary black ink , the fighting were making the madness come back.
I tried to run to him. "Evander!"
But the guards blocked me with their long spears. One of them pushed me back. "Stay down, girl," he hissed.
Evander fell to one knee. He let out a sound like a hurt animal. While grabbed his head with both hands. He looked like he was trying to pull the bad thoughts out of his brain.
Cassian and Julian didn't help him. They laughed. "Look at the Great King," Julian teased. "The madness must be eating him deep, like the monster he is"
Evander body was becoming petrified; his veins became larger and his wolf was starting to crawl out of his body tearing down his flesh.
"Please!" I cried to Cassian. "Let me go to him! He's dying!"
Cassian knelt in front of me so I couldn't see the guards. He whispered in my ear. "You know what I want, Ember. Tell me you will come to my room tonight. Say yes, and I'll let you save him. If you say no, I'll stay here and watch him turn into a monster."
I looked at Evander. His skin was turning a sick gray color. I felt his heart failing through our bond.
"Fine," I whispered. It felt like I was swallowing ash. "I'll do it. Just let me go to him."
"Good choice," Cassian smiled. He told the guards to let me go.
The moment the chains dropped, I ran to Evander. I didn't care who saw us. I grabbed his face with my hands.
My skin hit his, and it felt like a shock of electricity. The gold mark on my head glowed very bright. I felt the madness leave him and flow into me. It felt like a river of ice in my veins. He gasped and looked at me. His eyes were clear again.
"You're okay," I whispered. My back was hurting and my heart was breaking, but he was safe for now.
Julian groaned. "Gross. Get him to his room."
THE KING ROOM/CHAMBER
The room was very quiet ,then the maids came in all looking frightened to step close to Evander.
"Here's his medicine" one maid dropped it beside me then ran to stand at the door.
"Some towel and a warm water, with some bandages" another dropped.
Once they were done , they ran out leaving us alone.
"I have to do this by myself" I mumbled.
Evander sat on the bed. I moved around the room without making a sound. I was cleaning the deep cut on his hand, I didn't look at him; My hands were steady, even though I was upset.
"Ember," Evander said. His voice sounded breaking the silence between us . "Your back is hurt. Let me help you clean it too ."
"Don't worry about me, My Lord," I said. My voice was flat. I dipped a cloth in the water. "I am just here to work for you. You don't need to be nice to a tool." I kept cleaning his body.
He reached out to touch my shoulder, but I jumped back like he was made of fire.
"What happened now?, didnt I try to help you."
"You told them I was your tool," I said. I finally looked at him. My eyes were hard. "You told them am your payment. So don't be surprised when I act like a servant. I'm just your tool that's all."
Evander looked frustrated. "What did Cassian whisper to you?"
"That is a secret," I said.
"A secret?" Evander stood up. He looked angry. "I am your King! My life is tied to yours. Tell me what he said. That is an order!"
I froze. My lip shook for a second, but I hid it. I gave him a small, cold bow. "I am sorry, Master. I forgot my place."
A sharp pain hit Evander and I felt it too , I was sure he could feel how sad and small he made me feel.
"Ember... I didn't mean to say it like that," he said. He sounded like he wanted to take the words back.
I stepped away, keeping alot of space between us.
"It doesn't matter what you mean," I said quietly. "You are better now. You have your cure for the night. So, if you'll excuse me, I have to go. I have a debt to pay."
I turned and walked out before he could stop me.