The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash 4)

“What I wear will be my choice. What befits a Queen, I will decide.”

“Now that was said like a Queen,” she replied. “Unlike the last time we spoke.”

“A lot of things have changed since then.”

“Have they?”

“Yes. Starting with the fact that you rule over several cities less than you did last time,” I answered.

“Is that so?” The Blood Queen lifted a hand. The pink diamond glittered as she snapped her fingers. “What was lost yesterday can easily be regained tomorrow.”

My lips twisted into a thin smile. “I never thought you to be a fool.”

Her eyes sharpened on me. “I would hope not.”

“But you must be one if you think you will easily gain anything you have lost,” I told her, aware that we held the rapt attention of the Ascended and mortals alike. They couldn’t get close enough to hear us, though. The guards and Handmaidens prevented that.

“Hmm,” she murmured, taking a glass of what appeared to be champagne from a servant who’d arrived. “Would you like a drink? Any of you?”

We didn’t take her up on the offer, but Malik did, drawing Kieran’s attention. “You look well, Prince Malik.”

That half-smile that hinted at a lone dimple in his left cheek surfaced as he took a sip of his champagne, saying nothing.

Isbeth eyed Kieran. “And you look as scrumptious as you did the last time.”

Kieran’s lip curled. “I think I will vomit now.”

“Adorable.” Unbothered, she looked at Reaver, her delicate, dark brows lifting. “You, I do not recognize.”

Reaver stared back, unflinching. “You wouldn’t.”

“Interesting.” She gave him the once-over from above the rim of her slender flute. “Tell me, daughter, have you been able to resist the ample charms of the men you surround yourself with?”

“I’m not even going to dignify that with a response,” I replied, and Malik’s grin deepened.

“Smart move.” She winked, and my stomach turned. “By the way, you are wrong.”

“About?”

“Being unable to easily reclaim what I’ve lost,” she said, lifting her chin. “I have you.”

An icy shiver of anger swirled down my spine. “You only have my presence because I’ve allowed that.”

“Ah, yes. You agreed to come. My apologies.” She stepped in closer, and both Kieran and Reaver tensed. I did not. “Did you really think you would be able to sneak in here and free him? Come now, Penellaphe. That was foolish.”

My insides burned from how cold I felt. “But I’m here now, aren’t I?”

“You are, and I am glad.” Her gaze searched mine. “We have so much to discuss.”

“The only thing we have to discuss is Casteel’s release.”

She took another sip. “Do you remember what happened the last time you made demands?”

I ignored that. “And the release of my father.”

The Blood Queen lowered her glass as the striking lines of her features tensed. “Your father?”

“I know who he is. I know you have him. I want both of them.”

“Someone’s been talking,” she murmured. “Your father and your King are well. Safe where they are.”

Safe? I almost laughed. “I want to see them.”

“You haven’t earned that,” she replied.

Earned? The essence pressed against my skin, threatening the icy calm. “Do the people in this room know who I am?”

A curious look settled into her features. “Only a few in my Court know you’re my daughter.”

I stepped forward, and the Handmaidens moved. Isbeth held up her hand. “I’m not talking about that. Do they know I’m a god and not this Harbinger you speak of?”

She said nothing.

“What do you think will happen if I reveal that?” I asked. “What would’ve happened if I’d done so during your farce of a speech and the Royal Blessing?”

“Better yet, what do you think will happen if you do?” Isbeth countered. “Do you think they will drop to their knees and praise you? Welcome you? That they will no longer see you as the Harbinger the gods warned about?”

“The gods warned of no such thing,” I said. “And you know that.”

“What, my dear, do you think a prophecy spoken by a god to be, other than a warning spoken by a god?” Isbeth countered.

My nostrils flared. “I’m not the Harbinger.”

She smiled as her gaze swept over my face. “My sweet child, I see one thing hasn’t changed.”

“My rampant dislike of you?”

Isbeth laughed softly. “You still haven’t accepted who and what you are.”

“I know exactly who and what I am,” I said, ignoring the sudden burst of dread—of unease. “And soon, all those you have lied to will know the truth. I will make sure of it.”

“Again, what do you expect of the people, Your Highness?” Malik asked. “For them to turn their backs on her? When she is all they know and trust? You were a Maiden they believe either dead or changed. A stranger from a kingdom they fear.”

“Shut up,” Kieran growled.

“I’m only speaking the truth,” Malik responded. “They will fear her.”