The Curse that Binds (Bewitched #2.5)

by Laura Thalassa

Roxilana, he finally says, his voice deepening with the roll of his voice.

Do you like it? Memnon asks. Yes, I say, a slow smile curving my lips. I like it. A lot. I am…Roxilana.

Yes, well, you’re less terrifying as Roxi, Memnon says. Roxilana might cut my heart out of my chest, but Roxi…Roxi sounds like…a friend.

No, est menulumguva amage,⁠8 Memnon says, they were merely preparing you. I frown in the darkness. Preparing me for what? Us.

Vak busu dat dit kuppu sutvuvu evu di’nuvak, pesa suvup azakupusa. Pesa udugab vesamapusa.⁠1

You can always talk to me, Roxi, even if you’re mad at me. Even if you despise me. He pauses. Will you do that? Will you speak to me, even in anger? Because I don’t think I can take more of your silence.

You are the only thing that matters to me in this godsforsaken world. The confession burns coming out, but it doesn’t matter. There is iron in my soul. I won’t let you die, Memnon. Not today.

So long as I am alive, you will never die, I vow. I won’t lose Memnon like I did my family.

Like I could conquer the world just to lay it all at your feet. His voice turns serious. Roxi, you are my first and last thought each day. I have longed for you more than I care to admit—not just as my friend and confidant but also as my lover and wife and amage.

No, little witch, he finally says. I hear his ominous laugh. You won’t be marrying anyone besides me. His voice is confident and uncompromising. I am coming for you. I will leave tomorrow at first light, and I will get there before a wedding takes place. And when I do, he continues, I will make graves of these grooms and anyone else who comes between us. Violent delight threads his words. You’re mine.

Little witch…I found you.

“My eyes have waited years to see you.” His gaze deepens. “But it was worth the wait.”

“I know many things about you, most of them unpleasant.” He takes another step toward her. “Shall I list them? Or shall I save us both the hassle and simply cut you down where you stand?”

“I have crossed rivers and kingdoms, I have fought armies and bandits to be here before you. For you are mine and I am yours, and those are my soul’s deepest truths.”

I…escaped that life, that fate. Memnon rescued me from it.

“Do you feel how perfect we fit against each other?” he says. “You were made to be here.”

“Sarmatians are the fiercest in the world. They are trained from birth to ride horses and wield weapons. They must fight in at least one battle before they are allowed to marry. And you are to be their queen. You will wear the riches of my empire, and you will ride astride my horse as my people do, and you will show these people that you were made to rule my warriors.”

“I hear that fairies live an astoundingly long time,” I say. “I also hear that, despite their longevity, they can be killed just as swiftly as the rest of us mortals.” My smile falls away. “If you try to come between me and my husband again, I will bury my blade so deeply down your throat, you’ll be shitting it out.”