GWYNNORE
I grunted heavily as Maonsat my ass down on a chair—upon his queen’s insistence. He leaned my frame back to rest against the chair, none too gently.
My kidnapper smacked at my cheeks, insulting. “Smile. You’re about to dine with a queen.”
I am a queen, you fuckwit.
I smiled generously. “Will there be the bones of your enemies to munch on? Or something more delicate, like their entrails?”
One more hard smack to the right cheek. “If you’re lucky, she’ll save you the eyeballs.”
I snickered softly. At least, my jailers had a sense of humor. After talking to only myself, and the gems, the interaction wasn’t completely unwelcome—if I was being honest with myself.
How long had the cracked queen gone without talking to someone? I was betting a very long time by the bouncing of her steps while she placed tea on the table, brought in by a servant.
“Got any blood to spike it with?” I asked politely, attempting to move my fingers. I was dying of thirst, so tea didn’t sound too damn bad right now. If only I could move…
Queen Niniane sat down on the chair across from me, spreading her gown out around her. She smiled with genuine excitement, but demurred softly, “No, I’m afraid not. It is not time for you to have blood yet.”
“It’s been a while,” I hedged.
She lifted both eyebrows high on her forehead. “Believe me. I know when it is no longer safe for a vampire, when they need blood, and when they don’t. You are not there yet.” She giggled—a little crazy entering her gaze again.
I asked bluntly, “How long were you withheld blood?”
“A long time.” She shrugged her dainty shoulders. “Many, many times. King Savion kept me locked in the attic for close to three thousand years. Although, I did find ways to sneak about the castle within the walls.” Her brown eyes flicked to the cave around us, a gentle, content smile crooking her lips. “This place reminds me of it.”
Three. Thousand. Years.
Holy fuck.
No wonder the lady was twisted in the mind.
I scanned the cave anew.
It made sense now. Small spaces. Cold.
This was hersafeplace.
I hoped Bel hurried up and wrecked it.
I smiled kindly at the woman who was creating havoc all over S’Kir. “I must ask this. Do you truly believe you should be ruling with the trauma you’ve survived? As a ruler, one must put the people first. You aren’t able to do that, not with what I’ve seen so far.”
A cocky eyebrow hitched up. “I am the rightful ruler. It doesn’t matter what one person thinks.”
“What about an entire island of people?” I asked dryly. “S’Kir is in shambles right now, and you’re hiding in a fucking cave. How is that the action of a ruler?”
“We are only temporarily here,” Queen Niniane averred, though she hesitated—more wildness entered her eyes at the thought of leaving this safe cocoon she had made for herself. “We will be returning to the Stronghold shortly.”
“To the place where you were tortured?” I probed brutally. “How do you think you will hold up there?”
The queen sipped at her tea, her fingers shaking so badly that the tea spilled over the edges. She didn’t notice, her brown eyes locked on my gaze. She stated evenly, “I will be fine, just as I am here.”
“Hmm.” I really wanted some damned tea.
I’d lick that drip off her chin if I could get close enough. I was falling farther and farther down the rabbit hole of insanity. But I would not allow myself to become like her. A Rest was sounding better and better.
Queen Niniane tipped her head back…
