A Kingdom of Bloodshed (A Crimson Court Series)

*¬*Chapter Three*¬*

       Closing my bedroom door behind me, I don't release a sigh until I've sunk into the mattress. The world finally having stopped moving, I can breathe properly again. The encounter at breakfast has left me winded.

Who does Augustus think he is? An arrogant prick, that's what. My eyes drift shut and I've just begun to fall into the arms of sleep when there's a knock at the door. Groaning, I shout over my shoulder, "Go away."

His deep chuckle pulls me from sleep. "Miss Thea, may I come in?" Sighing I pull the covers up higher to my chin and growl, "Go away," once more. Again that dark chuckle but the door opens anyways. Kaz strides into the room, his steps sure and soft. Sitting up, I turn to face him and blink away the bleariness.

"What do you want? Does "go away" mean nothing to you?" He pauses beside my bed, flicking his wrist so that the chair at my desk slides along the floor and comes to a halt next to him. Seating himself in it, Kaz grins at me and says, "I just wanted to make sure you're ok."

"Why?" I ask. Feeling suspicious of his gentle demeanor. "Because you are to meet with all the other ladies today before each of you begin your first challenge." My stomach clenches. The roiling sickness from before only seems to increase. "What challenge, exactly, will we be forced to do?"

Kaz meets my stare, his amber eyes glittering in the sun, "It's a surprise. Try to get some rest, Thea, you have a long day ahead of you." I go to retort but he rises, his full height towering over me. Kaz strides for the door pausing just within the frame."You did well today, Althea." I frown, "With what?" But Kaz only shakes his head and chuckles before exiting my room. Leaving me confused and wondering if maybe, there's more to the Lord of Night than we think.

⤗

         Nope, I take that back. The Crimson Court is terrible and the Lord of Night is just as bad. Both of them actually. After my interaction with Kazimir, I slipped under the covers and fell asleep, hoping it would take the residual effects of whatever drug was in my drink last night,when I'm woken up by pounding on my door. Grumbling, I throw the covers back and stumble to the door. Wrenching it open I growl, "What? What do you want at this ungodly hour?"

"Apologies, but you are to come downstairs," I blink. Amber eyes, medium black hair, strong build, Kaz. Blinking blearily at him, I lean against the door frame and ask, "What? What time is it?"

"Nearly 6:30" I balk at the time. "I slept for seven hours?!" "So it seems." I feel my cheeks pale before sighing, "Good god. Alright I'll get dressed." I pause then look at him and state, "Did you want to come in or are you just gonna stand in the hallway?" He smirks at me, gives a slight bow, then enters my chambers.

"I'm not going to barge into your room without permission Miss Althea, I do have manners." Blinking, I just shake my head and turn around, only to realize that after he left I changed my clothes, so I'm still wearing the baggy t-shirt that goes down to my knees and nothing else.

Kazimir clears his throat, but doesn't say anything. Either he's too proud or too stunned to point it out.

I don't really care.

I open my closet and pursue through it; trying to find something decent to wear. "What is it, exactly, that I need to prepare for?" I'm pushing through different options when he huffs a sigh, "Something decent but movable." His tone causes me to frown. "Fine."

Looking over my shoulder I give him a pointed look and he rolls his eyes, but backs out of the room. "I'll be downstairs when you're ready. The others will be waiting as well."

His receding footsteps allow me to relax. A deep exhale slipping free. Grabbing a simple, yet pretty gown of the deepest blue with small pale pink flowers embroidered upon it, I slip the dress over my head and make myself look presentable. Roiling nausea and all.