Stephani’s jaw tightened, but it was the quiet sister on her right, Noelle, who gently grabbed her hand and patted it. “Of course. We will respect the queen’s wishes.”
I fisted my hands, wanting to throw my magic around them and send them into an inescapable nightmare.
“Return to your quarters,” Tallis said. “I will have someone come retrieve you by nightfall to relocate you to the estates.”
The three sisters turned and scurried down the hallway. Only when they were out of sight did Tallis turn around.
A shudder ran through me.
He grabbed my arms. “Steady, my queen.”
“I don’t want them here anymore. They are a plague among a million other curses that have afflicted this castle.” My body continued to shake as the rage inside me begged to be released.
Tallis lowered by my ear. “They will be gone. I will make sure of it. Let us continue to your quarters and know I am right by your side.”
It took everything in me not to hug him and thank him for just being there. He stepped aside, falling back behind me a few steps as was customary.
We began our walk.
“I lost the cat,” I mumbled.
“I’ll find her.”
When we arrived at my room, Anna fluttered outside. “Your majesty. Food is prepared inside.”
She glanced over at Tallis and gave him a little smile.
“I give you my leave, your majesty,” he said, and before I could say goodbye or thank him, he rushed out and if I wasn’t mistaken, he moved faster than normal.
Chapter Six
Tallis
“What do you mean it’s gone?”
Olivia fluttered in the air, pouting. “It’s notmyfault. Why are you yelling at me?”
Dragging a hand down my face, I sighed. “I’m not yelling.”
“Hmpf.” Olivia folded her arms and flew toward the door.
“Not so fast.” I snatched her out of the air, and she squeaked. Holding her, I lifted her until we were eye level. “Say it again. This time slower and don’t leave anything out. Understood?”
She frowned, but gave me a slight nod.
“Good.” I plopped her on top of my shoulder. “Tell me on the way to the death priest.”
“I did as you asked, but when I went to the room all the food was gone.”
“And the tea?”
“Gone too.”
“What did the guards say?”
“You came with a servant and allowed her in.”
“I did no such thing.” There were many servants in the castle, but usually we had a select group of fae that worked in the royal wing. “Where is this servant now?”
