I wait until the guard is out of earshot before speaking. “Why does she want to see me? Other than when I first arrived, she has been avoiding me. Frankly, I don’t even understand her insistence that I attend the ball last night.”
“The queen’s motives are never clear.” Kian shrugs on his jacket and attaches his sword to his waist. “But we must not keep her waiting.”
My stomach chooses this moment to grumble and groan. “I hope this doesn’t take long. I’m starving.”
Kian winks and begins walking back toward the castle, and I hurry to catch up. Falling into step with him, I look around, noticing the guards and soldiers we pass each wear different uniforms. The guards wear the sage green like the maids, but thesoldiers wear black and red. Despite the difference in color, both display the emblem of a majestic dragon. I can’t help but wonder if this emblem holds a deeper meaning or if it simply represents the royal crest.
“Why are the guards in different uniforms to you and Tristan?”
“Well, the guards are mainly stationed around the castle and take orders from the queen and Nolan. Soldiers are in the black and red because we are the army. We follow the crown prince and keep the Unseelie kingdom safe.”
“Is it beneath you to play bodyguard and babysitter?”
“Not at all.”
There is a hint of hesitation in his voice, but I decide not to press it.
We arrive at the doors to the queen’s sitting room, and I struggle to suppress the unease clawing my insides. After what happened last night at the ball, am I in trouble?
Kian's knuckles rap twice against the door before he steps back, clasping his hands behind his back. I bite down hard on my bottom lip as we wait, nerves getting the better of me. The door swings open, and a young servant girl greets us with a polite bow before stepping aside to allow us entry. As we pass through, her gaze lifts to meet mine, and a flicker of recognition passes between us. Before I can say anything, she quickly averts her eyes and leaves the room.
“You may leave us,” the queen says, dismissing Kian.
My heart jumps into my throat and fear skates down my spine, as I focus on the queen standing in front of us. The thought of being alone with her brings a feeling of immediate dread. Her animosity toward me is noticeable, and though she tries to play it off, it’s clear she sees me as nothing more than a bothersome insect to be dealt with.
“I’m sorry, your majesty, but I am not to leave Miss Baker’s side.”
The queen's black hair falls down her back as she tips her head back and laughs. “Nonsense, boy. You may leave.”
“With all due respect, your majesty, no.” Kian refuses to back down.
My breath seizes in my throat, and my eyes widen. Is he crazy?
Worried for his safety, I am on the verge of intervening when he gives me a look that makes me think twice.
The queen's expression turns predatory as she strolls toward us. “You would disobey your queen?”
Kian bows with respect, before rising back up to his full height. “It’s not that I’m disobeying you. But I will not disobey my king.”
My eyes just about pop out of my head, when the queen’s face turns red.
Vibrating with rage, her violet eyes take on a crazed edge. “He is not king yet,” she snarls.
Oh, shit.
Despite the her fury, Kian stands resolute, his demeanor unchanging. My respect and gratitude for him soar to new heights.
The queen takes a step forward and my breath catches as she stops in front of me. I can feel the heat of her rage as it fills the air around us, and I watch in alarm as her canines grow longer. I'm tempted to squint my eyes and double-check, but I don't want to appear rude.I'm caught off guard when she grabs my chin, and I wince as her fingers dig into my skin. I can feel her warm breath on my face as she leans in, and I fight the urge to pull away.
“What is it about you”—she ponders—“that has the prince so fiercely protective?”
Kian moves, his muscles tense and ready for action. “Remove your hand, Your Majesty.”
Would he really fight the queen for me?
I can't help but feel a sense of apprehension as her lips curl into a twisted, cruel smile. Leaning in, her lips brush against my ear as she whispers so softly that her words are almost indistinguishable.
“They cannot protect you all the time, child.”
