Babel Novel
Chapter 86
I dragged myself back to my room, exhausted, the clock striking midnight. It was the first time that I was out of my late and I didn’t know what to do with myself. Every part of my body ached and it felt like my limbs were about to rip apart. I needed a freaking massage but the chances of me getting one in a palace where most of the people in it were actively trying to kill me was really slim so I was just going to have to stick to using the pain relief patches that I had gotten from my last visit to the infirmary when Aston was still behaving like a relatively normal person
I applied the patches on the part of my back that I could reach and every other place that hurt and I started to wonder if this was how the maids in my palace really felt every day of their lives. I was sure I treated them better than Aston was treating me, if I had not then I was sure they would have quit. These conditions were unbearable and I treated my maids like workers not slaves, they at least got to earn their keep.
Who knew making someone feel better would make one feel so terrible?
Aston had kept me up for over an hour, massaging his shoulders until my fingers felt numb and useless. “Do this spot again.
“I think you missed a spot.” “Rub this spot until it feels better.” “Put your shoulders into this thing” “Is that all the strength you have in your fingers?” he went on and on and I was seriously considering stabbing him from behind and making a run for it but what would I stab him with? Balm? Towel?! I wanted to go crazy when he kept barking orders at me. He was purposely trying to drive me insane and I was doing my best to keep myself sane. I was really doing my best and I was able to make it out without screaming or killing myself so I guess that was a win for me.
I collapsed onto my bed, anger and frustration burning within me. I needed to find something to channel all the anger that was feeling towards Aston to something else but I could not think of anything and I was weak enough as it was. I took a long shower with hopes that the hot water was going to help heal my muscles that seemed to be throbbing violently. My fingers were weak but at least they didn’t feel so numb anymore. I could feel the pain now.
After taking a shower, I didn’t have time to think about anything I fell asleep straight up and my sleep was dreamless. I slept like a freaking log.
The next morning, I sought out Brax, to apologize for my absence the night before. He was the first person that I thought of as soon as I woke up and I made my ways to his chambers after struggling to look relatively presentable and not like I just rose from the dead
I knocked on his door taking in the familiarity of the corridor and the warm reception that it had. There was just something about being around him that was always so relaxing. He opened the door and the sweet smell of his room wafted up my nostrils making me feel like I was home.
“Hey, Brax, I’m so sorry I didn’t make it last night. Aston summoned me and…well, you know how that goes.” I had rehearsed saying but as soon as I saw him, I just wanted to wrap my hands around him and cry till they were no more tears in my eyes
to cry anymore.
“Where have you been all day since yesterday?” he looked both disappointed and concerned and in felt really bad about the whole thing but it was completely out of my control which was why he needed to get me out of this place fast or at least. speed up whatever plan he had to get me out of this hellhole because there was only so much more I could take
“Whatever I say right now is an excuse. The fact remains that I did not show up when you invited me and I don’t know what you had planned and I’m sorry that I could not come, Aston had me tied up in chores and no matter how much I tried to hurry to get back to you, he kept burying me in more and more chores.” I rambled on and Brax’s expression softened. He closed the door behind him and pulled me into a small hug.
I crashed against his chest sucking in the warmth and doing my best not to cry. He patted my shoulders and rubbed my
back at the same time I felt like a child.
“I understand, Kira. I heard you got summoned.” He said with his expression weirdly unread able. It was usually so easy to figure out what he was thinking but now that I was staring at him, I was not able to figure out what he was thinking and it felt oddly strange.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
“Aston literally told me that he hated me so I don’t get why he’s so invested in me.” I whined and his brows furrowed in a
frown.
“He warned me to stay away from you, and yet he’s always calling you to his chambers.”
–
1 shifted uncomfortably, feeling a flush rise to my checks. Brax didn’t know the truth that Aston and I had slept together, or that we were fated mates. I didn’t know how to reveal that, so I changed the subject. “So, what’s the plan for today?”
Brax’s eyes lit up. “I was thinking of surprising you with a picnic in the gardens. But if Aston tries to interfere, I’ll come fetch you myself
Just then, guards appeared, summoning me to Aston’s chambers. My heart sank, but I knew I had to go.
Aston greeted me with a cold smile. “Did you sleep well., Kira?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Stop asking me personal questions, Aston’s none of your business.”
He chuckled “Very well. Go fetch me breakfast”
I returned with a tray of food, expecting him to force me to eat as usual. But instead, he glared at me, his eyes flashing with anger. “You don’t deserve to eat in my presence. You reek of Brax
My face flushed with anger. “What’s your problem, Aston? What I choose to do in private is none of your concern.”
Aston smeered. “You’re disgusting, Kira. Sleeping with someone else when we’re fated mates. It’s unacceptable.”
Haughed, a bitter sound. “You’re one to talk, Aston. You’ve been sleeping with Mara, and yet you still claim me as your mate. When will you finally reject me and sever our bond?”
Aston’s face darkened, his eyes blazing with anger, “You’ll regret those words, Kira. Mark my words.”
“I can’t believe you’re doing this again, Aston,” I said, my voice laced with frustration as I entered his chambers.
“Doing what, Kira?” Aston asked, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he lounged on his throne.
“Summoning me at the crack of dawn, for no reason other than to assert your control over me,” I replied, my anger simmering just below the surface.
Aston chuckled, his smile dripping with condescension. “You’re my fated mate, Kira. It’s my duty to ensure your well-being and safety.
I snorted, rolling my eyes. “Save it, Aston. We both know the only thing you care about is your own power and prestige.” Aston’s smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. Enough, Kira. You will do as I say, or face the consequences.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, defiance burning in my chest, I’m not afraid of you, Aston. And I won’t be bullied into submission
Aston’s eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “We’ll see about that, Kira. Go fetch me breakfast. Now”
Thesitated, my heart racing with anticipation. I knew that defying Aston would come at a cost, but I couldn’t bring myself to back down. Not now, not ever.
Finally, I turned and left the room, my feet heavy with reluctance. I returned with a tray of food, my hands shaking with
Enger.
My face Blushed with anger, my heart racing with indignation. “How dare you,” I hissed, my voice barely controlled. “You have no right to judge me, Aston. You’ve been sleeping with Mark, and yet you still claim me as your mate. When will you finally reject me and sever our bond?” I said all those words in my head, fighting with an invisible Aston as I made my way to the kitchen.
I entered the room again glaring hard at Aston and doing my best not to spill the food. I held the tray with so much force, it was a miracle that it was not ruined yet.