I hold Sebastian’s hand tight to the point I fear I’ll crush it, but I still don’t relax my hold. I’ve never told a soul any of this, and if he reacts how I think he will, then this will be the last time I ever get to touch him. The moment I said I killed my family, I felt it. I felt the dread and the fear creeping over him. He can say what led to my curse changes nothing, but it changes everything. It did for me. “What do you mean you killed your family?” He slowly asks, managing more composure than I expected. I take in a deep breath and brace myself to relieve a past I’ve long tried to forget, “I was born in 1711 in what you might know to be called the Kingdom of Ankole, which is now part of Uganda.” His eyes widen in surprise “You don’t sound like you’re from Uganda.” “How many people do you know from Uganda?” I ask, raising my eyebrow. “Um… just you. I just mean you don’t have that kind of African accent.” “There’s no such thing as an African accent. Africa is a continent c

After getting changed into some respectable clothes, Sebastian and I begin walking from the palace down through the streets of Atlesper. His mother’s guards Hector and Danaë are acting as our escorts, following from a respectable distance behind us. Since Cole and Andromeda were killed, Sebastian has been left with no bodyguards, and given current events, I don’t think that’s wise. His mother instructed her guards to protect Sebastian and assured them she would stay close to the King in the meantime so that his guards can watch over them both. Obviously, the kingdom has many guards, but being an elite guard seems to be a high and prestigious honour that only a few are put into a position of. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Sebastian’s hand twitching and I can sense he’s dying to hold mine. Given this morning’s events and the fact I promised to try, I take pity on him and reach out interlocking my fingers with his, feeling jolts of electricity shoot up my arm that bring with the

Waking up this morning was the most peaceful I’ve ever felt. Not even when I was human can I recall waking up excited for the day. I spent so many years having no one to confide in and no one to unburden myself to, that I always believed it would be that way. Then Sebastian swims into my life and turns everything topsy-turvy. I thought he’d run from me in disgust once he knew the depths of my depravity, but he didn’t. He embraced my darkness and chose me anyway. I don’t think I’ll ever deserve to have someone like Sebastian in my life, but I can honestly say meeting him has changed my world. After dressing for the day, I make my way down to the kitchen, where as usual, the staff are busy preparing food for the suite. “Good morning, Lemuel,” they greet me warmly. I smile at the room, “Good morning everyone,” I say as I take my usual seat at the counter. “What are you in the mood for this morning?” Theodosios asks while polishing some silverware. “I think I’m in the mood for someth

I race up the stairs and make my way to Sebastian’s room seeking out the only person who can calm the storm raging inside of me. I hear the sound of the shower and proceed to the bathroom only to freeze in my tracks as I enter. Is there any part of this palace that doesn’t scream opulence? Blinding white marble assaults my eyes and makes me stand out like a sore thumb. Across the room, three illuminated steps lead to a sunk-in bathtub surrounded by glass-encased candles, accented by a charcoal marble backdrop surrounding an electric fire behind a large glass screen, yet still managing to fill the room with its warmth, creating a warm ambience. To my right is a long marble slab with two matching sinks with gold fixtures in front of a wide counter-to-ceiling mirror that faces two glass doors. The glass doors are divided by a marble wall, with the first glass door enclosing a very minimalistic-looking toilet, but on the other side is the whole reason I came in here. Sebastian is standin

Sitting here trying to focus on Sebastian’s emotions is giving me whiplash. Since we’re not fully bonded, interpreting these emotions is just guesswork. He’s furious beyond all measure, but he’s also hurt, in awe and smug. I have no idea what to make of any of that. What could he possibly be in awe of? Not his father’s bullshit, that’s for sure. Scrubbing my hands down my face, I get up and make my way to the door, peeking my head out to make sure no one is around. I start walking across to my room when I hear the sound of a low whistle coming up the stairs. “Someone’s doing the walk of shame,” I hear Eisa tease. I sigh and turn around, “I am doing no such thing.” “Yet you’re naked in a towel,” she smirks, folding her arms over her chest. “I had a shower,” I retort. “Is yours broken?” She asks smugly. I sigh, “I can see why you two are such good friends.” She chuckles, “Go get dressed and then you can tell me why His Royal Highness was so furious.” I frown. I don't want to ha