The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash 4)

“I want both.”

“That’s not an option, Penellaphe.” Her eyes bored into mine. “And soon, neither will be. So, make your choice and do so quickly.”

I stiffened, hands curling into fists. “Casteel,” I forced out, and guilt churned, bordering on shame. My father was important, but I couldn’t choose differently.

Isbeth smiled. She had known who I would pick. She dropped my chin. “I will let you see your precious King, and then you and I will talk. And you will listen.”

“Your Highness.” The male in front of me bowed at the waist. He had to be the Revenant Kieran had spoken about. Callum. Everything about him was golden—his hair, skin, clothing, and the winged mask painted on his face. Everything except his eyes. They were the same milky blue as Millicent’s. She’d resurfaced when they led us out of the chamber, along with a less pale but not-so-smug Malik.

From what I could see, the Revenant was handsome, the curve of his chin and cheeks almost delicate. Oddly enough, he reminded me of one of the porcelain dolls stowed away in the wardrobe.

“It is an honor to finally meet you,” Callum said, straightening.

I doubted it was an honor, so I said nothing.

Callum smiled, nonetheless. “You wish to see your King?”

“Yes.” Opening my senses, I brushed against thick, shadowy walls.

“Then follow me.” Callum started to turn. “But only you. They cannot come.”

“We’re not leaving her,” Kieran stated.

“I said I would let you see him,” the Blood Queen spoke, surrounded by Handmaidens and silent Royal Knights, who also appeared to be a mixture of vampry and Revenant. “Not all of you. That is asking for too much, while thinking little of my intelligence. They will remain behind to ensure your behavior.”

Reaver shook his head, his chin low. “You insult our intelligence if you think we will allow her to walk off alone.”

The Blood Queen’s gaze flicked to the draken and lingered far longer than was comfortable. “If you choose not to agree, then you will not see him at all.”

Kieran stiffened, as did I. He knew what I would decide before I could even speak. “I agree,” I said, meeting Kieran’s stare. “I will be fine.”

“Of course, she will,” Callum confirmed.

I ignored him as I looked at the Blood Queen, catching and holding her gaze. The Primal essence burned in my chest, sparking. The air charged around me. “If anything happens to them, I will bring this entire castle down on your head, stone by stone.”

“Goosebumps,” Callum murmured, lifting his arms. “You’ve given me goosebumps. Remarkable.” His gaze flicked to me. “I haven’t felt such power in, well…” The edge of his teeth dragged over his lip. “In a very long time.”

Reaver’s head swiveled in Callum’s direction. “How long?”

“Long,” he said.

I saw that Isbeth’s features had tightened. “Yes. Remarkable.” Her chin tilted. “Nothing will happen to them. Malik.” She snapped her fingers, and he came forward like a loyal hound. “Show them to their rooms—and I do mean their individual rooms.”

I reached down, gently squeezing Kieran’s hand as several knights joined Malik. “I’ll be fine.” I turned to Reaver and then returned my gaze to Kieran. “Go with him.”

A muscle throbbed in Kieran’s jaw. “I’ll be listening for you to return.”

Meaning he would be in his wolven form, allowing me to communicate with him. I nodded and then stepped forward, stopping at Malik’s side. He looked straight ahead, his body rigid. I could still taste his anguish. That sorrow could have come from many different sources, but I stopped myself from going down a road that would surely end in disappointment. I forced myself to walk past him.

“Ready?” Callum asked in a jovial tone as if he were questioning if I would join them for supper.

Leaving Kieran and Reaver with Malik and the knights was extremely difficult, but I didn’t think Isbeth would attempt something wretched yet.

Millicent and the Blood Queen fell into step beside me as I followed Callum through the winding, crimson-banner-adorned halls, my hands clasped, much like I used to do when walking the halls of Castle Teerman as the Maiden. Except, this time, it wasn’t because I had been instructed to walk as such. I did it to stop myself from doing something reckless.

Like strangling my mother.

“I can remember the last time you walked these halls,” the Blood Queen started. “You were so quiet and quick, always running about—”

“With Ian,” I cut in, noting the thinning of her mouth as we passed the kitchens. “Do you remember the last time he walked these halls?”

“I do,” she replied as Millicent walked beside me, very much in the same manner as I did, hands clasped and alert. “I think about him every day.”

Anger rose, scorching the back of my throat as I saw two Royal Guards ahead, opening heavy, wooden doors. At once, I knew we were headed underground. “I bet you do.”