Phantom of the Heart Read Online Free

up until she heard her name fall from those full lips. She moved closer to Orla and saw her stiffen slightly.
    “I am sorry about your cat. I did not mean to step on it.”
    Orla smiled faintly. “No need, milady. I doubt Pinto is sorry that he scratched you.”
    Sterling blinked at Orla. Had she just made joke? Orla was always so serious and guarded around her. This close to Orla, she could actually see her eyes brimming with mirth. She swallowed as she stepped closer. There was a sharp hiss and she stopped in her tracks.
    Damned cat. She threw the cat a poisonous look.
    “I cannot say that I like your cat very much,” Sterling growled as she turned her gaze back to Orla.
    This time Orla laughed, a soft, husky sound that reverberated down Sterling’s spine to settle heavy between her legs. She could only stare, wildly aroused.
    “I believe the feeling is mutual, milady,” Orla said quietly, her amusement gone as quickly as it had appeared. Sterling narrowed her eyes slightly. She had never worked this hard to impress a woman.
    But then, this was no ordinary woman.
    She wished she could move closer, but the cat was watching her with sharp, suspicious eyes.
     
    ***
     
    Orla noticed everything, she did not know how in the dim lighting, but she did.
    Sterling’s slightly drunken state, her arousal, and her frustration, thanks to Pinto. It was time to put some distance between her and the princess. If possible, it seemed as if Sterling’s arousal was growing stronger the longer she stared.
    “Was there anything else, milady?” she asked calmly, her eyes downcast. The intense stare was doing something to her, something indescribable, something that caused her insides to grow warm.
    Sterling’s expression darkened for a moment, before she shook her head slowly. “No. It was not my intention to rouse you from your sleep.” She turned and disappeared into the shadows.
    Not sure what to feel at Sterling’s abrupt departure, Orla could only stare at the spot where Sterling had stood a few moments ago.
    Chapter 3
    Mesmeria was troubled as she stared down at her sleeping daughter. Sterling was growing more distant as the days passed. For a moment, an urge, so strong, to hold her daughter came over her, but she was not sure if the sentiment would be appreciated. She felt tears burning behind her eyelids. It was obvious that Sterling was avoiding her and not Cybralle. The two had daily sparring sessions and went hunting together.
    Knowing that she was so close to crying, she quickly turned away from the bed and walked over to the curtains and threw them open. She heard a soft groan behind her and quickly swallowed her tears. She spun around, a bright smile on her face.
    “You almost slept the day away, dearling,” she gushed, as she walked over to the bed. She blinked when the strong alcohol fumes threatened to knock her out. “You definitely need a bath first, before I let you loose amongst the others.”
    Sterling’s eyes flickered open and she moaned. “There is no reason to get out of bed.” She rolled over and pulled the pillow over her face.
    Mesmeria swallowed at the sadness Sterling’s words had stirred inside her. Ignoring her earlier fear of rejection, she sat on the bed and pulled the pillow from Sterling’s head. “Talk to me, Sterling.”
    There was short silence before Sterling turned over, her bloodshot eyes expressionless. “There is nothing you can do about it, Mother.”
    “I am the queen. I might just surprise you,” Mesmeria said softly. She had used the line on Sterling when she was younger. It was effective back then, chasing away monsters and nightmares. Now, all she saw in Sterling’s eyes was surrender. “Tell me what is hurting you, my child. Please.”
    Sterling sat up, the sheet falling away and exposing her chest. Mesmeria blushed at the sight of the small bite marks on Sterling’s breasts and neck. Yes, she was indeed Cybralle’s daughter. Only a woman mad on exquisite passion