Wicked (Eternal Guardians #9) - Elisabeth Naughton Page 0,40

the prince or what he had planned, but she was smart enough to know she was at the mercy of those around her. Before Zagreus had left, he’d said she could have free rein of the castle. If she continued to piss off the nymph at her side, the female might leave her locked in this room out of spite. Talisa couldn’t let that happen. With her powers bound, exploring and finding a way to escape was the only chance she now had.

It took every bit of willpower Talisa had to say, “Fine,” instead of kiss my ass. As the nymph reached for the covers and drew them back, Talisa quickly tugged her gown closed and pushed from the bed.

“Turn,” the nymph instructed, dropping the armful of fabric on the mattress.

Talisa bit her tongue and faced the windows.

The nymph grasped the nightgown at her shoulders and tugged. The flimsy white fabric pooled at her feet. Lifting the light blue gown over her head, the nymph said, “Arms up.”

The sleek fabric slid down Talisa’s arms and sides. It was some kind of soft shell covered in layers of matching chiffon that draped her curves like a Grecian goddess. The sleeves were long and bell-shaped, falling past her fingertips. The wide ballet collar left her shoulders bare then dropped to a heart-shaped neckline that hit low to showcase her cleavage. The dress gathered high at her waist with a wide, gold-braided belt then fell to her bare feet in waves that were silky smooth against her skin. As the nymph zipped the back, Talisa realized more chiffon hung off each shoulder, draping behind her like a cape.

“Sit on the bed,” the nymph instructed.

The gown was regal and eye-stopping, and as Talisa sat and watched as the nymph reached for a pair of gold lace-up sandals to slip on Talisa’s feet, she realized it was unlike any she’d seen on any other female in this castle.

It wasn’t made for a commoner. It was made for a queen. Or a princess.

“I see everything, and this, princess, is your new normal.”

Zagreus’s words from earlier echoed in her head. And as they did, her heart kickstarted, beating a hard, fast, bruising rhythm.

“There.” Ana pushed upright, a look of disgust on her face. “You’re finished. The prince expects you to dine with him tonight. If you know what’s best, you’ll acquiesce and join him. As long as you don’t do anything between now and then to draw his ire, I’ll help you escape.”

Talisa’s gaze shot up, and the panic threatening to take hold came to a stuttering stop. “Escape?”

“Tonight, after everyone is asleep, I will return and show you to the secret tunnels.”

Of course there were secret tunnels in this place. Even in Argolea, there were hidden passageways in and out of the castle.

Ana turned for the door. “Stay within the castle walls today. The sentries have been told to watch you.”

The nymph yanked the heavy wood door open, but Talisa jerked to her feet. “Why are you helping me?”

Ana hesitated with one hand on the rustic handle. “Because you are a distraction the prince does not need. The sooner you are gone, the better for all of us.”

She left the door open in her wake, descending the stairs into darkness until only silence remained.

Talisa’s heart continued to pump hard and fast as she turned a slow circle and tried to make sense of what had just happened. Not only here in this room now, but last night, yesterday, and every moment since she’d walked into that club and stepped into Zagreus’s path.

And as she did, she heard Zagreus’s voice again. A voice and words that now wouldn’t leave her head.

“Your being here is not a coincidence. It’s destiny. Running won’t save you. Not from what’s inside you, and never from me.”

Talisa paced the length of her tower room. Outside, darkness pressed against the cathedral windows overlooking the water, and a chill spread down her spine.

She wasn’t sure what time it was, only that it was late—close to midnight, at least. She’d spent the day exploring the castle and grounds but hadn’t found a single way to escape on her own. As Ana had said, the guards had watched her every movement.

The nymphs she’d encountered working in the castle had been courteous and pleasant. None engaged her in conversation, though. And everyone she passed—nymph and sileni—had stared at her as if she had a second head.

That made sense since she stuck out like a sore thumb in