“That’s innovative.”
“Some of my more hesitant associates required a demonstration of my capabilities,” she continued, running a perfectly manicured nail along the edge of her desk. “Six years ago, I showed them exactly what one witch could accomplish.”
“The Buenos Aires incident.” My blood chilled as the pieces clicked into place.
“You remember. How flattering.” Her smile was all teeth.
Who could forget? Six years ago, the supernatural world had been rocked by news of an attempted coup in the South American vampire kingdom. A lone witch had nearly toppled the Matriarch of the South, a vampire queen who’d ruled for over two centuries.
“You nearly succeeded,” I said carefully, watching her reaction.
“I would have, if not for an unexpected alliance between the jaguar shifters and São Paulo’s night cartels.” Her face tightened withold rage. “The Matriarch had kept them at each other’s throats for decades. No one anticipated she would unite them.”
“Hmm.” I nodded thoughtfully. “I must say, you using Boraro mercenaries was inspired.”
“They’re excellent shock troops, fearless to the point of stupidity.” She waved a dismissive hand. “But that’s ancient history. This weekend, I share my grand plan for claiming a true throne.”
My ears perked up. This was new information.
“Which kingdom have you set your sights on?”
Arabesque gave me a look that said I’d pushed too far.
“Patience, Foster. You’ll know when I need you to know.”
“Of course,” I backpedaled smoothly. “I simply wondered if I should prepare the rogues for specific combat scenarios.”
That mollified her.
“Your diligence is noted. For now, continue their standard training.”
As she turned away to gather her coat, I mentally assessed the likely targets. Given her base of operations here in Michigan, she was probably aiming for either King Lucian’s vampire throne or King Julian’s werewolf kingdom. The Woodland Realm seemed too distant. Prague was a long way from her power center here. As for the Ice Cloud Kingdom? While the Iverson family’s rumored madness might make them vulnerable, Arabesque wasn’t the type to hide away in the frozen north. She craved the spotlight too much.
Personally, I’d have gone for the Ice Cloud Kingdom first. Insane kings make soft targets. Take down the smaller, isolated realm, use their resources to strengthen your position, then carve a path toward your true goal.
But Arabesque had never been one for subtlety or patience. She wanted glory, and she wanted it with an audience.
“I’ll be sharing just enough with my associates to secure their loyalty. They need to feel included in something momentous, but not know enough to betray me.”
“Wise,” I murmured as she pulled on her coat.
More info for the Cimmerians when I checked in later. Those three would be particularly interested in any threat to their father’s throne, even if their relationship with King Lucian was complicated at best.
“Remember your duties, Foster.” Arabesque glided toward the door. “My daughters remain here, and the rogues remain controlled.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I bowed again as she swept past me, trailing the scent of belladonna perfume mingled with Dark magic.
After she left, I stayed in her office for a moment, taking the rare opportunity to breathe freely in her private space.
My connection to this whole mess was a favor owed to King Julian. He’d asked me to investigate rumors of rogues organizing into packs in this area, a potentially dangerous situation that could threaten his throne’s stability. I’d agreed because when a werewolf king asks for a favor, refusing isn’t a healthy choice.
I hadn’t expected to find Arabesque Harrow, a Dark witch on five supernatural kingdoms’ most wanted lists, at the heart of it all. By the time I realized who was pulling the strings, I was already too deep to pull out. So I’d done what I do best. Adapt and survive. I’d presented myself as a wandering alpha with no pack, willing to work for the highest bidder, and Arabesque had snatched me up to keep her growing collection of rogues in line.
Now I was so entrenched that even faking my death probably wouldn’t extract me from this tangled web. The Cimmerians were my only reliable allies, and even they didn’t know everything about me. I liked those boys, respected them, but my loyalty extended exactly as far as my survival required. If things went south, I’d be gone before the first body hit the floor.
Which might not be too far in the future.
Just yesterday, I’d stood in this very office and watched Arabesque summon a greater demon, a twisted, oily thing that smelled like sulfur and rotting meat. She’d pulled a diamond ring from a small black box and held it up to the light.
