Sinjin, A Vampire Romance

Chapter Five

"Guardian?" I repeated, both shocked and annoyed at the very idea that any privacy I might have previously had was about to be encroached upon.

"You can't stay inside that guestroom forever, Bryn," Jolie explained as she turned to face me. "You said yourself that prolonged confinement was jeopardizing your sanity."

"I also have no interest in someone babysitting me," I spat back at her as I crossed my arms over my chest and realized she was right—I most definitely would lose my mind if I had to spend another minute locked away in that twelve-by-twelve prison. However, that wasn't to say that I wanted to be escorted around like an inmate or a pet dog.

I heard the fae king chuckle in a deep baritone. I speared him with an angry expression, narrowing my eyes into mere slivers. His amber eyes widened momentarily as soon as I glared at him, but he quickly stopped chuckling, leaving only the hint of a smile to replace his obvious amusement. I could admit he was a good-looking guy, but there was also something about him that broadcasted "shameless womanizer."

"Then you would prefer to remain incarcerated?" Rand asked. When I turned my attention to him, I found him studying me pointedly. His tone was matter of fact, like it was of little interest to him whether I wasted away in confinement or not. Rand didn't trust me and he didn't like me—I could read as much in his sharp gaze.

Clearing my throat, I suddenly felt the penetration of everyone's eyes on me. For a split second, I felt slightly intimidated but then I beat the feeling away and stood up straight, to my full five-foot-six height. "No, I wouldn't prefer to remain incarcerated," I repeated, spitting his words back at him. Then I faced Jolie again and said telepathically: you could have discussed this situation with me in private, without everyone overhearing. I wanted her to know that I didn't appreciate our audience.

I preferred to introduce you to everyone as my sister, Bryn, but as their queen, I have to acknowledge that you are first and foremost, my prisoner. I can't treat you differently than any other prisoner; although, truthfully, I already have. She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. Trust me, I've thought long and hard about the best way forward. Then I was flooded by her emotions—she was physically torn between treating me like her own flesh and blood or considering me her enemy. She also didn't want any of her subjects to think she'd gone soft, which wouldn't bode well for her position as queen. I understood where she was coming from, although I didn't like having this guardianship business sprung on me. I'm trying to make this easy on you, Bryn, she continued, I know you don't want to be locked up forever, but I also can't grant you your freedom. Not yet, anyway. Not before I know what your true intentions are.

I never expected to be granted freedom, I snapped immediately. It made me uncomfortable that she was even considering what my true intentions were. They should have been obvious to her. I wanted to return to my people, where I belonged. The sooner she realized that, the better.

I couldn't help imagine that Jolie lived in an idealistic dream world, where she must have assumed that she and I would eventually become bosom buddies, wearing matching outfits like twins, and talking about any and everything girly. But that was not my reality. And it never would be. It just wasn't in the cards for the two of us to be anything besides lifelong enemies, whether we shared the same blood or not.

Jolie's face became like a mask, revealing nothing, although her lips were tight. Well, then, the choice is yours: either remain locked up or you can get a little more autonomy with a guardian. She faced me expectantly with her eyebrows raised.

"If the prisoner prefers not to be removed from her confines, the subject is clearly over," the prophetess suddenly piped up, taking a step toward us. Her mannerisms, alone, made it pretty clear that she ranked high on the social ladder. "We cannot spare the time to argue the matter further."