THE BLOOD ROYALS Book 2: Long Live The Queen!

Chapter Thirty: A Silver Tongue

Daa Haan
The Rose Palace
Renée's POV
Day 3.

I had a long night yet again. I'm not in a prison or a cage. I'm not tied up or hurt in any way. I am not being tortured. I am comfortable but the thought of Carl's death constantly reminds me not to dare get too comfortable. It reminds me that Adair will dispose of me as soon as I'm no longer useful. I  am not ready to be disposed of.

I heard the man speak a day ago. I heard him address a secretly gathered crowd. He made sure I attended, guarded heavily. He wanted me to listen to him preaching freedom and equality to Daa Haan. He tickled his listeners ears with stories about the oppressive nature of the monarchy. He talked about Reli's grandfather, a man called Dargan and a place called Cray Thera. The way he tells it is convincing. If I had not set my mind to not trust him and see him as the enemy, he would have carried me away with his words. His actions are just as palatable. He displays deep emotion, empathy and affection by getting close and personal with members of his audience.

The little touch on the arm, the pat on the back, the squeeze on the shoulder and deep eye contact to assure them they are one. To assure them it's their fight and they are all in it together. But that is not so. No. They are fighting for him. They will lose their live and everything they have to give him power to oppress them.

It saddened me when they cheered for the wrong man. They should be cheering for Reli, my man. My empathetic, loving, compassionate and fair Reli. Their prince! Their future king! That is who they should be cheering for! My Reli.

I'm reminded of the sweet sleep I have been enjoying in Reli's arms. Everytime he has pleasured me, I have slept soundly and deeply. It's not the same when I try to do it on my own. My mind is thinking of him, just him and every single moment I have felt the graze of his lips or the brush of his finger tips against my sensitive skin. I'm reminded of every whisper he made in my ear, every bite, every kiss, everything... especially the way he looks at me when we are alone, undisturbed and distanced from everything. I miss that gaze that is completely meant for me. I miss the man who is making me feel these things.

I rolled over turning my gaze to the window. It's almost morning. The sky looks pretty.

I have to remind myself that Reli is not going to save me. I don't want him to risk anything to save me. I don't want him to be selfish. I want him to check off everything that takes priority and if he can fit me in somewhere, anywhere, then he can come for me.

My hand slid over my hardened tips to my flat stomach.

Using an imaginary pregnancy from Reli as an armor has really changed things for me. Adair may not be a fan of the monarchy but some of his followers -those I have met in this palace- treat me like I'm already the queen of CN. They are somewhat terrified of displeasing me. Even Della is a little wound up around me. I always make sure to run my hand over my stomach to remind them that if they hurt me Reli will rain fire. It's an idea that's growing on me; the pregnancy. I can't help but imagine it. Before I told that lie I never thought   about babies. Now I am thinking about it and I just want his.

I slipped my hand lower and I closed my eyes just to relive the moments in our love nest. He would love it right now. I'm dripping for a man whose not even here. I smiled and I sighed.

But the knock on the door ruined everything. I sat up quickly and wrapped in a robe around my naked body.

Della walked in accompanied by two servants. "Good morning." She greeted me with a fleeting smile. "I hope you slept well."

They just interrupted a moment I intended for myself.

"I did. Thanks." I looked at them. "Is something wrong?"