“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one's own sunshine.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
***
The rough stone wall of the palace scraped against me as I backed into it, trying to quiet the frantic thrumming of my heart. All I could smell was myrrh, perfume choking me.
“Oh Phoenyx,” She whispered, kissing my cheek shakily, “oh, Immortals above, I love you Phoenyx . . .”
“Sabina,” I said desperately, “my mother will be furious if she catches us-.”
“I know, I know.” She breathed, “I know . . .”
Please get away from me, “I don’t want you to get in trouble; please, just go . . .”
“I can’t. I just can’t Phoenyx.” Sabina pressed her lips against mine, “Don’t . . . haven’t you considered my proposal?”
I’m less than half your age. “My father says I can’t get married . . .”
“But Phoenyx, you could come to live with me.” She assured me, “I could take care of you-.”
“Sabina, please.” I whispered, holding her to me, “We can’t. I . . . my parents would be furious.” I hate you.
“Phoenyx-.”
“Phoenyx!” A shout rang out, “What the hell are you doing?”
Sabina’s eyes widened and she immediately sprang away from me, “Your Majesty-.”
“What are you doing?” My father demanded, pushing past a hanging fern and glaring at Sabina, “I made it quite clear that Phoenyx wasn’t up for grabs, Sabina. I was polite and asked you not to visit him; now I’ll make sure of it. You’re not to see Phoenyx ever again.”
“But I love him!” She shrieked.
“You love what he can give you.” Father said coldly, “He’s just a piece of ass, Sabina. My son is much more precious to me without you taking his virginity when he’s barely sixteen.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but several guards showed up and escorted her away. She called back to me, “Phoenyx! Phoenyx, I’ll find you—please!”
Father turned to me, and I relaxed. This would put a stop to it. Now I wouldn’t have to sit with those strange woman and see their hands . . . feel their hands.
“Papa,” I sighed, “Papa, I don’t want-.”
Slap!
I was knocked against the palace wall again, and stared in shock at Father. He was livid, eyes ablaze, hands clenched in fists.
“You’re such a slut.” He knocked me on my ass, “You’ll be the death of me Phoenyx!”
***
I opened my eyes and took in shaky breath. Aphrodite sighed next to me and murmured, “Bad dream?”
“Sorry for waking you.” I turned in bed, “Go back to sleep.”
She made a disgusted sound and flopped over, “You’re a pain.”
“Forgive me.” I murmured, shutting my eyes once more. Just shut your eyes, Phoenyx, just shut them; you don’t have to see. They can’t make you.
YOU ARE READING
Iris
Paranormal*SEQUEL TO PSYCHE* Phoenyx: Prince of Darkness, last living Canem on earth. He's been in a coma ever since he learned that his sister Iris is alive and well. Familiar to the goddess Aphrodite, he must bow to her every whim, and he will, in time, th...
