Beauty and Betrayal

Chapter 6 A bed of secrets

"Cauldron boil and fry me," Juliette muttered, gazing at the lone bed in the small room. Rowan loomed over her shoulder, a smirk playing on his lips. "Looks like it's you and me all cozy tonight, princess."

Rolling her eyes, Juliette walked to the bathroom, filled the pitchers with water, and set them over the hearth to warm for her bath. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "What's your game, Rowan? What do you really want with the Prism? And don't say power—I already know that."

As they stood in the dim light, the air crackling with tension, Rowan straightened, his smirk fading. "You want the truth, Juliette? Fine. The Prism isn't just a powerful artifact; it's the key to controlling forces that could reshape everything we know."

Juliette's stomach twisted at the darkness in his words. "Control? You want to dominate everything and everyone? What's your endgame?"

He stepped closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Imagine a world where I am untouchable. I could manipulate the very fabric of reality, bending others to my will. The Prism can amplify my power exponentially. With it, I could carve out a kingdom of my own—one where no one would dare oppose me."

Her breath caught in her throat, torn between horror and fascination. "You're talking about tyranny, Rowan. You can't honestly believe that's the path you want to take."

Rowan chuckled softly, a dark edge to his laughter. "You think I care about your ideals of right and wrong? The world is cruel, Juliette, and power is the only currency that matters. The weak get crushed beneath the feet of the strong. I plan to be strong."

Juliette took a step back, her heart racing. "And what about me? Am I just another tool for you to use? Another pawn in your game?"

Rowan tilted his head, studying her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "You're not just a pawn. You could be my queen. Together, we could rule with an iron fist—but only if you're willing to embrace the darkness alongside me."

Her mind raced, caught between the allure of power and the revulsion of his intentions. "You want to drag me into this chaos? To use me to achieve your goals? That's not the future I want."

Rowan stepped forward, closing the distance, his voice dropping to a low, seductive murmur. "But think about it, Juliette. With the Prism, we could rewrite the rules. You could have everything you've ever wanted—freedom, respect, a place where you're not just an afterthought. But you have to be willing to play the game."

Her gaze locked onto his. "And what game would that be? Deceiving our friends to rule the world? What will happen to them?"

His fingers tilted her chin up, their eyes locking. "I know you want to give in, princess. So do it. I have Cassian eating out of my hand, thinking I'm using you." His hand traced her jawline, igniting a tension that hung thick in the air. "I could never hurt you. Think about it, just you and me, forever. All those who doubted you, kneeling before you, fearing the mighty queen at my side. Nothing would stop us."

As she opened her mouth to respond, a sharp knock echoed through the room. "Jules, it's me! I'm sleeping in your room; Rowan is with Cassian."

Juliette stepped back from Rowan, her heart racing as she hurried to the door and opened it to reveal Jude, worry etched across his features.