Chapter 5 A Game of Shadows

Elaria's POV

The chamber hushed, and it felt alive, like it was wrapping around me, squeezing so tight I had to fight for every breath. Rowan wasn't far off, just a few steps, with his gold eyes burning into me, looking in a way that made me feel funny. He wasn't unsure of himself anymore. Zero doubts. Something switched in him, and he wasn't the same-something I wasn't sure I could handle.

Run that by me again, I breathed, barely getting the words out.

He came closer, and I could feel his body heat, almost like it was burning me. I won't let them touch you.

I shivered at his words. I actually believed him, which was scary.

The palace walls felt like a prison all of a sudden. Things were going haywire in the kingdom, and gossip about me being weak was getting louder because those Council guys weren't saying anything to stop it. But here, in this room, with Rowan standing right in front of me, the only thing I could hear was the silent war between us getting ready to explode.

Someone knocked on the door, snapping me back to reality.

My Queen, someone greeted from the other side.

I knew that voice. General Caelum. One of the few people I still trusted. I moved away from Rowan, not looking at him and ignoring how tight his jaw got when I turned my back. Opening the door, I looked at the General's serious expression.

The Council needs you, he told me, his face saying nothing. They said it's important.

Figures. I knew what was up. Another round of questions. Another plan to take my power away, bit by bit, until I wasn't the boss anymore and just there for show.

Rowan stepped up next to me, letting them know without saying a word that he had my back. I'm going with you.

Caelum looked at both of us, then nodded. Watch yourselves. They're looking for any excuse to come after you.

I knew the deal. The Council had been watching, waiting for me to mess up. They wanted me to fail, but I wasn't going to let them have it.

The council room felt colder than usual. Seven elders were sitting in those fancy chairs, and they looked either bored or like they hated me. Lord Varek, the one I couldn't stand that always looked like a snake, leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with what looked like excitement.

My Queen, he spoke slowly, it's so very kind of you to join us.

I didn't bite. That's what they wanted. If I slipped up and showed I was mad, they'd use it against me.

Varek looked at Rowan. And your...partner is here too. How cute.

Rowan didn't even twitch. Instead, he smiled. A slow, creepy kind of smile that made everyone feel uneasy.

Spit it out, I replied coldly.

Varek smiled wider. Right then. The kingdom's falling apart, and you do nothing. This thing you have with this outsider has made you less in charge. We've let you do what you want for too long. Time to switch things up.

The mood in the room changed. That was it-a challenge, like they were starting a war.

Rowan's fingers touched mine for a second without it showing, but I knew it wasn't by accident. It was a promise, that he was with me!

I lifted my chin, staring Varek down, and replied that I wasn't scared. Try to take what's mine, and I'll show you how strong I am and what kind you can't even begin to imagine.

Silence filled the room.

Then Varek laughed. Oh, Queen. I was aiming for you to come forth so valiantly.

Then the doors flew open, and killers rushed in.

The first blade nearly cut my throat open. I moved without thinking, twisting and hitting the attacker in the chest with my claws. Blood splattered.

Rowan was already moving, faster than I'd ever seen. He blocked another killer from getting to me. He growled, low and scary-the kind of sound that meant death.

The council guys stayed put, watching like they didn't care that their hired thugs were trying to take out their queen. All self seeking jerks, nothing more!

Another blade came at me. I grabbed the guy's wrist and twisted until I heard a bone crack. The killer screamed. Before he could say anything else I slashed his throat. My heart was pounding, and I could hear my blood rushing in my ears. But I couldn't stop. I wouldn't stop.

Not until they were all dead.

Rowan was a force of nature, taking down anyone who came close. I'd never seen him fight like that. He was tough, good at it, and wouldn't stop and Gods was I feeling something very confusing!

When the last killer dropped, the room was covered in blood. I gasped for air, and my hands were shaking. But we won.

For now, that is!

Rowan twisted to face the council, his eyes full of hate. Who sent you?

No one answered. Varek just grinned, looking back and forth between us, like we were pieces in his stupid game.

I stepped up, the boss in me coming out. You wanted a war?

Varek smiled bigger. Oh, my Queen. The match has already begun.

I shuddered. I thought he was right. And that really scared me.

Rowan cleaned the blood off his hands. We need to leave, now.

I shook my head. I am in charge here!

His eyes burned into mine. Not for long.

The council doors slammed shut behind us.

And the shadows started to shift.

I feel cold as the quiet builds up between us. Rowan is too close, and it's too much. I can smell him, the scent is dark and wild, and it makes me feel funny in a way it shouldn't.

His eye contact stays put, stormy and hard to read. I should move away. But I can't will myself to move.

You're shaking in your boots to me, he whispered.

I scoffed and lifted my chin. I'm not frightened of any thing.

He smirks slowly, but it's not funny or what I thought it'd be. Then look elsewhere.

My fists clench, and I take a deep breath and make myself steady. Every muscle is tensed and in place screaming at me to move.

His fingers move as if he just wanted to make contact but halts himself, he takes position to keep me close to himself.

My pulse is fast. I can't move an inch.

Tell me, Elaria," Rowan spoke, his voice doing something to me. "You dislike what I may act on ? Or that you may show?

I replied never. I am unable.

Because I no linger know what is going on with me.