Marrying a Warhound (Cassian) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

ATASHA’S POV

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“You-” Genevieve’s voice faltered, her expression twisting in something between shock and irritation. For a moment, she looked genuinely speechless, as if she hadn’t expected that resistance at all. “Atasha… how could you say something like that?” She looked around the tent as if scared that someone else would suddenly barge in and punish me for saying those words.

“I think the Lord wanted me dead,” I whispered, just loud enough for my voice to tremble between us. “The maid… the maid was wearing something like those soldiers. She said… she said… it was the Lord who wanted me to have the tea. We need to let the King know and have a divorce before he kills me… Mother, please. You must save me.”

Genevieve’s eyes widened, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of panic, not for me, but for what I’d just said. Her gaze darted around the tent, scanning for hidden ears. “Atasha!” she hissed, lowering her voice in a sharp whisper. “Do you realize what you’re saying? The marriage certificate you signed should have already arrived at the castle. As far as the law is concerned, you are now legally married to Lord Cassian. There’s no going back.”

“Do you understand what it would mean to divorce a royal? Especially that royal? You’d be tried for treason, if not executed outright. You need to stop this foolishness, immediately.”

“But-” I started, letting my lower lip tremble.

“But what?” she snapped, her tone clipped. “Did you want your sister to marry him instead? Is

that it?”

I opened my mouth, then slowly closed it, eyes downcast. I didn’t answer, because I didn’t have to. That was exactly what I wanted her to think. A frightened, reluctant bride. One terrified of her husband. One clinging to her mother for protection.

Yes, let them see that.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught it, a flicker of movement. A glance. So subtle it almost looked like it’s nothing. But it was there,

Genevieve looked at Celeste. It was the kind of glance most people wouldn’t notice. Once, I wouldn’t have either.

But now? Now, I saw everything.

It was a signal. A cue passed between them like actors on a stage. And right on time, Celeste moved. She glided to my side, knelt beside the bed with grace, and took my hand like it was

instinct.

11:06 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 20

Her eyes were red, swollen.

I blinked.

How was that even possible?

Had she really cried that much? Or had she made sure to look like she had?

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Had she forced tears down her cheeks just long enough to stain her lashes, only to wash them off behind a veil of pity? I couldn’t tell anymore.

How could someone cry so much and still look this perfect? Was it real? Or… makeup? Drops to mimic tears? A trick she’d practiced until even mirrors believed her?

“I know you’re blaming me,” Celeste whispered, her voice cracking just enough to sound like it was holding back tears. I turned to her slowly, brows furrowed. What is she doing?

Then it clicked.

“I know you think it should’ve been me,” she continued, her lips trembling, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “That I should’ve been the one to marry Lord Cassian. And maybe you’re right. Maybe I should have. If it meant sparing you from this-” her voice broke, “-then I should’ve taken your place. Even if only as a concubine… I could’ve gone with you. Maybe it wouldn’t feel so cruel.”

“Celeste, stop,” Genevieve interrupted sharply, her hand flying to her daughter’s arm. “How could you say something like that?”

Her tone was half–scolding, half–panicked, as if Celeste’s words were too dangerous. “Your sister is not heartless. You had taken great care of her since she failed to awaken years ago. How could she let you suffer? She knew you couldn’t survive that man. She married him to protect you. Don’t twist her sacrifice into something ugly with this nonsense.”

I blinked, momentarily stunned.

The way their voices cracked, the trembling hands, the sorrowful glances could easily fool anyone. If I hadn’t heard the truth with my own ears, I might’ve believed they were actually hurting. That Celeste was breaking because of guilt.

But now? All I saw was how seamlessly they shifted roles. Mother, the defender. Celeste, the grieving sister.

“No…” Celeste shook her head. “I can’t let her marry into the North. I can’t–I can’t just watch

that man hurt her.”

“Celeste!”

11:06 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 20

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Then, with a smile too soft to be trusted, she reached into the folds of her cloak and pulled out a small glass vial. “I want you to keep this,” she said, pressing it into my palm.

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