I took the quickest and most thorough shower ever. My hair dried fastest by running around a room at vampire speed. I grabbed the counter, my vision spinning. I hated doing that—dizzying shit that was. I shook my head, my black hair tumbling around my head. Time to brush it out now, even worse. I wouldn’t fuck with makeup today.
A knock came on my door when I was jumping on one foot to put my other black heel on. I shoved it on my foot and smoothed down my black dress. I only needed my crown and weapons after this.
I slipped my gifted necklace under the neck of my dress and opened my door.
Lord Pippin stood in the hall, his hands in his suit pockets. His lush lips tilted up into a honeyed smile. “Do you have a minute, your majesty?”
I glanced at the clock on the wall. “We both have, like, two minutes available before we need to go. Will that work?”
“That’s more than enough.”
I waved him inside. “Come on in.”
The Overlord shut the door behind him, his gaze darting around my quarters. “I haven’t been in this room in forever.” Not since the last queen—his queen—had lived here. He pointed at the white walls. “They used to be red.”
“I’m sure they’ve been many colors throughout history,” I mumbled, strapping on my weapons. I surveyed his profile as he walked around the living room area. “You didn’t come here to talk about decorating, my lord. What is it you wanted to discuss?”
Though, I would need to get a decorator in here. The place was a blank canvas. Even my bedding was white. All in preparation for the new queen—me—to change it.
Lord Pippin turned in my direction, placing his hands back into his pockets. He rocked back and forth on his heels, his rugged, redheaded good looks just as formidable as they were when we’d dated. He stated simply, “I received a curious call last night. I’m not entirely sure why she contacted me either, instead of you. Or even how she had my private number.”
“Who was it?” My eyebrows puckered.
“Harmony.”
One name. Not even the last name. I didn’t need it.
“Damn. What did she want?”
“To be the Queen’s personal assistant.”
I stared. Blinked once. “And she called you?”
“Yep.” His brown eyes flicked around the room again. “She’s here for Cleo’s death. After that, she’s available to meet with you, if you’re interested in her offer.”
I snorted. “Are you fucking kidding? Text her ass now and tell her she’s got the job.”
His laughter was soft as he pulled his phone out, typing on it. “I thought you’d say that. I’ll let her know to come by your office today. We’ll be leaving for Cape Argent the day after next, so you’ll want to solidify her employment before then.”
My mouth dropped open. “We’re going to Cape Argent?” I shook my head. “Why the heck are we going there?”
His red brows lifted in surprise as he stuffed his phone back into his pocket. “For Master Niallan’s Challenges. I thought you…” He trailed off and shook his head, his eyes returning to mine. “That’s right. You left in the middle of the conversation—with flair if I remember correctly. It was discussed with him the night of the King Challenge. He agreed to it.”
My heart beat heavily in my chest, excited…and frightened. “But no vampires have ever been invited into the druid’s main stronghold.”
“It appears Master Niallan really wants the job.” His lips twitched.
I shook my head in awe. “I have no idea how the fuck you guys talked him into that, but bravo.” I clapped twice. “Seriously. Brav-fucking-o.”
His cheeks pinched as he chortled. “Thank you. But Lord Belshazzar had it all under control. He played him like a virgin on their wedding night.”
I snorted. “I think you need to drink a human who’s younger. Your metaphors are a little dated.”
Lord Pippin brushed his red hair out of his eyes, his smile only growing. “It was funny. Admit it.”
I opened a glass cabinet where my crown was held while shaking my head. “I’ll admit…it was bad.”
“Come on. There are hardly any virgins left anymore on their wedding night, so that means Master Niallan is a liar—”
