A Kingdom of Bloodshed (A Crimson Court Series)

*¬*Chapter Fourteen*¬*

          Being back here sends unwanted memories flaring to the surface of my mind. Not a lot of good happened in Scarwood. One of them is currently holding me tightly to his waist and nuzzling my neck as he whispers, "Welcome home, my love."

The urge to vomit comes quickly. I've barely pushed from his chest when I'm bent over and my lunch from earlier comes back up.

Augustus tuts at me before pulling my hair back and waiting for the shaking to subside. Straightening, I wipe my mouth before pulling away from him and asking, "What now?" He chuckles, his hand letting go of my hair as he steps around me and grins.

"I can either tell my brother that you're here and share with him the news, or I can wait until after his announcement. I haven't decided yet."

The delighted satisfaction that twinkles in his eyes makes shivers ripple along my arms.

Bastard. He's such a selfish prick. "I think you should tell him."

"Tell me what?" Kaz's voice has me spinning on my heels. His amber eyes drink me in. They slide over my face then down my body until they swing back up. His mouth is a hard line and he has his hands stuffed in his pockets.

Augustus sidles closer to me, his hands going around my waist. Kaz notes the movement. His brow twitching in question.

"Tell me what?" He asks again. I turn to Augustus crossing my arms over my chest and giving him a are you going to tell him? look. Steps approach us and I glance over my shoulder to see Arrow rushing for us, her face also drawn in a frown.

"Well I was going to wait until later, but I guess now is a better time than any." Augustus drags the words out, making Kaz wait. Arrow has just reached us, her hands reaching for me but dropping them when Augustus snarls at her. "What's going on here?" She asks. Kaz gives her a look that seems to say I'm wondering the same thing. Pulling away from Augustus, I whirl so that I'm able to see all three of them properly and wait, his next words falling like a heavy stone in smooth water.

"Althea is going to be my bride." Kaz and Arrow stare at him in stunned silence. Their faces slack with shock and hands balled into fists. "She's what?" His words are laced with venom. Deep, dark, hungry poison that isn't afraid to strike. Arrow's face holds the same lethalness. "Thea, come with me." She reaches for me, I don't object.

We've just barely stepped away when Kaz snarls, "You've gone too far this time Augustus. I will not let it slide." Augustus huffs a laugh, "You can't stop me Kaz. It is already done. She's agreed to it." Kaz's eyes twist to mine, a sharp sting of shame blooms in my chest but it's the betrayal in his eyes that takes my breath away.

You sent me away! I want to scream but instead I raise my chin, refusing to be cowed by this arrogant male.

Arrow pulls me back further, her breath whispering in my ear. "Come on Thea, let's get out of here." I'm inclined to agree when suddenly the smell of iron rips through the air. Magic shakes the earth and thunder ripples in. I whirl once more to see Kaz glowing. How magic and shadows are spearing for his brother. Augustus raises a shield and before I can react or even get Arrow and I out of the way, they erupt.

Their powers swirl for the other in dark blasts.

Darkness and Shadow. Heat and Shade. Its powerful hit makes us lose our balance, falling over with a scared cry.

"Come on Thea! Run." I try to get up, but the quaking ground makes it nearly impossible.

Rolling, I manage to get my feet under me when I hear a hissed, "You're going to pay for that." Turning, I see a wound appearing on Augustus's shoulder. Blood pooling from it. I barely have time to look away when a bolt of light appears in his palm and he's hurtling it at Kaz. It bounces harmlessly off his shield.