The moment she was gone, Frost slipped back in, his eyes immediately scanning me for signs of distress. “What had Thalia wanted to talk to you about?”
“I really don’t know who she thinks she is,” I said, sinking back into thy chair, suddenly exhausted from the confrontation.
“It is common with the elders to feel entitled to things; pay her no mind,” Frost advised, returning to his seat across from me.
“Do you think Kaius did the right thing when he made a deal with her? The question had been nagging at me since I’d learned of their arrangement.
“No. Not really, but that was the only way we could get her to agree with our arrangements; she is indeed stubborn but also very calculative.” Frost’s honesty was refreshing after Thalia’s manipulation.
“How exactly does Kaius plan to sidestep her? I mean, she had gone through her part of the deal. I couldn’t help but feel unsettled by the potential consequences of Kaius’s political maneuvering.
Frost’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you sympathizing with her?”
“No, I just feel like Kaius is playing a dangerous game, but again, when is he not?” I sighed, picking at the remains of my breakfast.
“Don’t waste your time worrying about Kaius; he knows what he is doing.” The confidence in Frost’s voice was reassuring, though I wasn’t entirely convinced.
“Thalia does not love Kaius; all she wants is the title.” I shared what I’d confirmed during our conversation.
“It isn’t exactly surprising; the elders crave for power, and you would think all the power they have acquired through the years is enough, but the more they attain, the more they desire.” His expression darkened momentarily.
“Thalia had been offering me the position of a mistress when she takes over as Queen Luna.” Even saying it aloud felt absurd.
“That is a desperate move.” Frost shook his head, a hint of amusement breaking through his concern. “I think she has doubts.*
“Makes sense. You know what? I don’t want to talk about her and my very much envied title anymore; let’s talk about something else.” I pushed my plate away, needing a change of subject.
“I do have something that might interest you.” A mischievous smile played at the corners of his mouth.
“Now I’m curious, what is it?” I leaned forward, eager for distraction.
“It’s about the book.” His emphasis on those words immediately captured my attention.
“So what about the book?” I tried to sound casual, though heat crept into my cheeks at the mere mention of Barbara’s Fantasies.
“Isn’t that your favourite book? His eyes danced with barely suppressed laughter.
“Of course it is not; I just… enjoyed reading it.” My defensive tone only widened his grin.
“Would you love to meet the author?” he asked, catching me completely off guard.
“Wait, is Barbara alive?” The possibility had never occurred to me.
Of course, and maybe you’ve even met her before.” His expression was cryptic, enjoying my confusion.
1/3
Chapter 148
“Come on, you are not being serious.” I studied his face, trying to determine if this was another of his jokes.
“I am. You met Kaius’s mother, Ophelia, right?”
The pieces snapped together with shocking clarity. “What? She is the author? But that is impossible.
“Why?” His amusement was growing by the second.
‘She was the Queen Luna, and why would she title the book Barbara fantasies when that is not even her name?” I couldn’t wrap my mind around the elegant, scarred woman I’d met being the author of those explicit scenes.
“Maybe because she didn’t want Alaric to find out. Though some experiences had been purely made up, simply fantasies, but I must say, Ophelia did have her own fair share of men and cocks. The blunt statement made me choke on air.
“How did you know?” I demanded once I’d recovered.
“I didn’t; Kaius had always known.” Frost shrugged, as if this wasn’t earth–shattering information.
“And he didn’t tell me?” Indignation colored my voice.
“How would you expect him to tell you that your favourite erotica book, which you have ‘done it‘ to more than once, his mother?” Frost’s direct question made heat flood my face.
“You could be very direct at times, Frost.” I looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
“I’ll take that as a compliment, so thanks.”
“I didn’t mean it as a compliment, just so you know.”
“And that changes… nothing, so thanks still.” His grin was infuriating and charming all at once.
was written by
“Well, I would never enjoy reading that book ever again; I feel like I had pried into something private.” The thought of the scenes I’d enjoyed now seemed mortifying.
“If she left the book in the library, it means she intended on it being read.” Frost’s logic was sound, if not entirely comforting.
“I bet not by her daughter–in–law.” I buried my face in my hands, unable to process this new information.
After a moment, curiosity won out over embarrassment. “So the ‘blonde guy,‘ ‘the motorcycle guy,‘ and the cute guy Liam, they were all real?”
motorcycle guy‘; they were terms she used to differentiate
“The names might have been made up; I don’t think there was ever each guy from the next.” Frost seemed far too comfortable discussing this topic.
“This is so… awkward.” I groaned, wanting to sink through the floor.
“It is not; you weren’t the only one enjoying it; Kaius was too, and that should be more awkward.” The thought of Kaius reading his mother’s erotic writing made me cringe even harder.
“Well, I’m returning it now.” I made up my mind instantly.
“Elowen, you need to rest; I’ll return it.” Frost’s concern broke through my embarrassment.
“You don’t even know where the book is.” It was currently hidden under the mattress in Kaius’s room–our room.
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Chapter 148
“I’ll find it.” His confidence was unreasonable.
I sighed, letting the topic drop. I am glad you told me this. After a moment, I added, “But I want to hear more.”
“About the book?” He raised an eyebrow.
“No, about you.” I’d realized how little I actually knew about him, despite everything we’d shared.
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