Glass and Bone (The Diadem Book 1)

by Celaena Cuico

I know the sharp edges cutting through my skin are that of glass and bone. And worse, that the bones in which I now stand on, belong to the ones I used to know.

I made myself a promise that I will feel the water in the Delaquar Lake one more time before I leave. That I will once again let the icy chill crawl up my spine, causing goosebumps across my pale skin. That I will use that time to say goodbye to my home, and the memories I have of my mother.

Living a life in a home you feel more of a captive than a resident in isn’t easy.

I would lose everything. The people of Chatis could possibly lose everything. This isn’t about my happiness, it’s about the lives of our people. They are the ones I need to consider when I contemplate running away, but my selfishness peeks through quite often.

I wonder why I have to endure so much for everyone else, why these choices are not my own, but fate is fickle.

A whole new world I’ll have to learn to navigate. He won’t be able to control me then.

Oh darling... How i hope the prince is kind.....

I wanted so badly to be a servant or kitchenmaid growing up. To be invisible. But I will never be invisible.

The crystal blue waters are dark due to the cloudy sky, but still inviting, nonetheless. I take the last step out of the trees, and I am met with pure white sand.

I am hopeful that life in Noterra will be different. That I will be allowed to have friends below my status, that I will be allowed to walk the grounds, or even explore the country, without fear of my father’s hand, or my future husband’s. I am hopeful that I will have a life worth living, because I fear I won’t survive if I enter another world like the one I grew up in.

Your duty will be complete and there will be no need for your existence. So you better make him happy, in all ways, or he’ll throw you away for a real woman.”

Soul crushing to feel this pain. Ive never felt it in this demanding way, but ive created thus feeling for myself. Being nothing unless i do my best and even my best may not be enough.

I always hoped he loved me deep down, as any child hopes.

“Is that how you felt about my mother?” I spit. His eyes widen slightly, shocked at my question, as I turn my head to face him again, his nose almost brushing mine. “Was she just another warm body for you to do with as you pleased until she ceased being of use?”

THATS RIGHT GET YOUR LICKS IN GET HIS ASS

I am almost afraid of his answer, afraid that the truth will come out. He doesn’t care about me. He never has. I was a walking bag of gold that he couldn’t wait to cash in.

“It is your duty as a father to protect me, yet you throw me to another suspected monster for the sake of your own rise in status. I am a human being, not a pawn for you to play when it's advantageous.”

I would rather die than be forced to live another day in your shadow.”

The way I have treated you thus far is the same treatment you will get anywhere else. Do not think so highly of yourself that you think you deserve equality. You are a woman.

Adrenaline because I just killed a man. I’ll never get that noise, that sight out of my head.

I can’t let this break me. I can’t let this be my story. What happens from here on out will either paint me a victim or paint me as someone who is strong and resilient.

I murdered a man. He deserved it, but I figuratively and literally have his blood on my hands.

Hoping that I can trust him. But I feel as if my naivety is at play here, grasping for any semblance of decency in a person.

“You do not know much about me, Nora, but I promise you that I won’t let anything happen to you.

So is the prince out and about???

I know of the man you are to marry, and he is not entirely like his father. You will be safe.”

“Kings out rule princesses, and you are on Noterran soil.” Dammit.

Damaged.

A woman's virtue is a prized possession that men like to collect.

His mission is to bring me back alive, and I walked right into it.

My virtue, the only thing that gives a woman value in this damned world, was taken from me.

You were lucky you found my son,

Ohh?? Two sons!

“Thank you.” He cocks a brow and tilts his head. “For taking care of me.” He smiles, his face relaxing. “I’ll admit I am not used to affection or someone caring for me. The last person who had any sort of concern over my wellbeing was my mother. It will take some time to get used to, and I hope you will be patient with me, but thank you nonetheless.” My voice cracks and he squeezes my shoulder.

I wasnt expecting this much honesty.

“Just because a tradition exists does not mean it has to continue.”

These feelings are fleeting, and safety can end in a matter of seconds.

This man sitting in front of me is gentle, considerate, and is doing everything possible to make sure I am comfortable.

The rumors floating around home quickly escaped my mind as he catered to me and took time to show me my new home.

I feel an uhoh at this...

Every time his skin touches mine, electricity sparks through my veins as if he’s shocking me.

Part of me wants to kiss him, the other part wants to run as far and as fast I can.

He looks worried, his icy blues deepening into gray.

I smile and lean into his palms, relishing in the feel of his skin against mine.

I kiss him back, bringing my hands up to his chest and then to his face. Something delicious and warm

To make me feel wanted.

It’s nice to feel desired by someone who doesn’t have an alternate agenda. Someone who just wants my company.

Any relationship I have had has been purely physical. I have purposefully kept emotions out of it so they could be saved for you.”

I still do not know if i like him or not.....

“Will I be enough for you?” My voice comes out in a croak, my throat tight and my eyes burning with unshed tears as I look back at the ceiling.

I sit up abruptly, gasping for as much air as I can get.

Im wondering if shes a seer or has some sort of visions.

I am safe. I am not in Chatis. I am not being blown up. People are not dying.

Whether it's blood or expensive silk, it seems I am destined to be wearing red, at least if Tobias has anything to say about it.

Today is supposed to be my wedding day, however no one has mentioned it to me since yesterday morning.

“Elaenor.” He stops, catching me by surprise, and looks at me. “I apologize for any pain I caused you. I don’t know if us kissing or maybe the way we were sitting contributed to your pain, I just don’t like seeing you hurt or bleeding.” His eyes are lined with silver as he looks down at me and it nearly knocks my breath away. I have never seen anyone look at another this way, with such care and desire. I reach for his other hand and bring it to my face, wanting no distance between us.

Okay, cute. Still feels like manipulation... Theo seems like the better half.

This palace is safe from creatures like him. You have my protection, Noterra’s protection, I promise.”

My body fits perfectly against his, as if we were molded for each other. I can feel a spark everywhere his skin is touching mine.

Which one... Will she cheat??

Your mother lived here at one time.