Chapter 33: Chapter 33

I woke up in silence because of the strong pulsing of my head and the aching of every muscle in my body. A groan escaped my lips as my gaze landed on my body. I was covered in a soft, thick duvet that has gold, laced designs on it that makes it look so expensive. The bed was soft and comfortable; it made me want to sleep more.

With my lips parted in awe, I glanced at the interior of the room. There was a crystal chandelier hanging at the center of the ceiling. The walls were high and painted in beige. There’s a wooden closet and some statues as decorations. The ambiance screamed of extravagance.

No running rats and flying roaches here, only the still silence and chirping of birds right outside the huge, parted door which I assume leads to the balcony. I am embraced by warmth despite the cool air circling the room. Where am I? I was out of the castle’s basement and I do not remember the design of this specific room as one like in Ambrose’s castle.

“Am I dreaming?” I asked myself, the question was left hanging as it echoed inside the room.

I stretched my arms and legs under the duvet and smiled weakly. Shit, this feels real.

My eyes scanned the wide space for the second time and still, I am left wonderstruck by the luxurious beauty. It didn’t look old; it made me think that the people living here have been cleaning the room daily for it to look squeaky clean and organized.

My body jolted in surprise when I heard a low chuckle coming from the chamber’s balcony. The deep, husky tone of its voice made me think that the stranger was indeed a man.

“This isn’t a dream,” A tall, muscular physique emerged from the balcony and I easily recognized his face. Dark, emerald eyes bore at me with warmth and affection.

“Are you feeling alright?” He asked, his eyes softened as his gaze spotted my exposed shoulder. I slowly nodded in response.

I was wearing a simple satin dress that is white in color, the thin strips of cloth falling gracefully on my shoulder. This wasn’t the dirty dress I was wearing. A look of horror fell on my face.

“One of our servants has changed your clothes, don’t worry.” Cassius gave me a genuine smile.

I blinked at him, “Where are we?”

“My castle,” He smirked

I gasped, “You mean in the royal castle? At Syrr?”

Cassius bobbed his head up and down. He moved closer and sat on the edge of the bed where I was lying down.

I was about to open my mouth but I closed it again since I can’t find what words to say. The only thing I am aware of is that my whole body is still sore from the shackles and chains.

“Can you eat? You haven’t eaten breakfast.” He eyed me intently.

“I don’t have the appetite,” I replied, closing my eyes.

“Are you sure? We have the greatest cook in town.” The playfulness in his voice was clear and taunting.

A smile graced my lips, “I don’t have the appetite,” I repeated and his chuckle echoed inside the room.

“Cassius,” I called out, my eyes remaining shut. They seemed to get heavier and heavier.

He hummed, “Thank you,” I mumbled in a low tone.

I heard him inhale sharply, “How many times have you saved me now?” I let out a soft laugh.

Then I heard his deep laughter, “Don’t mention it,” He stated, I can only imagine his grin as he speaks.

A few seconds later, I felt softness dampening my forehead. My heart skipped a beat as soon as his lips withdrew from my skin. Blood crawled up to my cheeks for some reason.

Cassius whispered, “Rest now, I will prepare you a warm bath for later.” I heard the rustling of the duvet and his light footsteps as he walked away.

Then I fell into a deep slumber.

The loud tingling noise made me jolt up on my bed and ran to the bathroom. With my hands wrapped on my hair, I released the metallic taste of liquid from my mouth. Blood has splashed on the mirror and all over the pearl, white sink.

A curse left my lips, “Oh, god.” Here we are again.

The nausea and smell of blood wasn’t clearly helping at all. My eyes started tearing up due to the constant puking, I feel like my eyeballs are popping out of their sockets.

I let out a shaky breath and started cleaning up the sink once the vomiting stopped. The bathroom was large and filled with marble walls.

My gaze fell on the massive bath tub at the far corner. I took a few steps towards it and dipped my hand under the water. The warm water made me feel excited. No wonder the temperature here is so hot and the mirror was moist.

There were rose petals and stems of herbs floating on the surface along with the bubbles. The scent of rose was pretty strong compared to the other herbs. My lips curved up in a smile, touching the rose petals on the water. I love roses. I should really be good to Cassius these days.

Quickly, I stripped off my clothes and went in the tub. A moan of satisfaction escaped my parted mouth as the hot gush of water covered my body entirely. I couldn’t help myself smiling, lowering my head under the water to wet my hair. I closed my eyes and stayed underwater for a few minutes.

“Feyre!” I heard Cassius barged into the bathroom.

I gasped for air and looked around to see the water in blood red. My lips parted in shock as I stared at my reflection on the water surface.

Cassius helped me stand up and wrapped a rope around my body. He carried me outside the bathroom and made me sit down on the edge of the bed.

“Are you alright? You’ve been there for hours.” He scanned my arms and feet.

He looked me straight in the eyes. “Are you hurt?” He kneeled in front of me.

I shook my head in response. “No, I’m fine.”

He let out a tired sigh, “You scared me.” He blurted out; his face was buried on my lap as he held both of my hands.

“I’m sorry,” I uttered.

Slowly, I found myself raising my hand in the air to stroke his dark, disheveled hair. He didn’t move and he let me touch his hair.

“My lord, are you kneeling in front of me?” I joked

He swiftly raised his head to see me, “I would do anything for my loyal servant,” Cassius spoke and suddenly I was being drawn by his powerful, emerald orbs. He caught my palm that was caressing his hair and he kissed the back of it.

“My lord, you are very kind.” I said, mockingly as I pulled my hand from his grip.

A deep, husky chuckle rolled out from his crimson lips, “Indeed, I am.”

I wrapped the robe around me tightly, “You must be cold, change into these.” He handed me a set of fresh clothes.

“These are some of my sister’s clothing.” He said even though I didn’t ask anything.

I nodded with a small smile. “Thank you,”

Soon he left me in the room to change. The sky has fallen dark and the moon is up behind the clouds. Cassius has told me to wait for my dinner in the room. It turns out that this room is one of many empty chambers in the royal castle.

A servant has entered my room. She wore a stained, black dress that fell on her ankles and topped it with an old, white, sleeveless tunic. The young maiden holds a wooden tray with a meal on it.

“Your dinner, my lady.” I gave her a small smile but she kept her eyes planted on the ground and later, left quickly.

Maybe she simply dislikes talking, huh.

I began eating my dinner. My jaw hurts from chewing the carrots because they’re somewhat hard. I’m having difficulty swallowing too. The meal was as Cassius had told me, indeed tastes heavenly. They really have the greatest cook in the castle. The meat was cooked well; the vegetables were fresh and crunchy too.

After eating, I put the tray on the near table. Tiredly, I lie on the bed and stare at the high ceiling. For some reasons, I feel a lot safer here than in Emberton.

I put my arms up in the air and saw the marks on my wrists. They were still fresh and stinging but I’m pretty sure they would heal in time. I checked my ankles and saw the same, disgusting marks. My body is already patched with so many scars.

The door of my room creaked open and revealed Cassius in his usual princely attire. His hair slightly disheveled and lips of crimson red. He looked ravishing as always. I wonder if that girl he likes has found her way back to him.

“We have to talk,” He started, his emerald eyes darted at me intensely.