He gestures for me to enter first, but I quickly realize that the space isn’t empty. Atop the crumbling stone throne is an elf with short, wavy hair. His piercing green eyes find mine from across the room as one foot is kicked over the armrest.
There is no movement to stand when he sees us.
“Who the hell are you?” I demand.
He smiles.
“You must be the human Enduar queen. A pleasure to meet you.”
Ulla pushes to my side and gasps.
The sound makes his electric eyes pass over to her, and his smile curves upward a little more.
“Hello, my dear. Glad to see you haven’t gotten yourself killed by standing in front of any sharp objects.”
“This is Thorne,” Teo says almost irritatedly to me. “He’s the most trusted assassin of Mrath, leader of the Sisterhood of Bhaldraithe. She’s Arion’s sister.” Teo crosses over to him, and Thorne watches with an almost bored expression.
“Get off my wife’s throne,” he growls.
Velvety butterfly wings brush against my ribcage and heart.
My throne?
Yes.
I smile nervously, wondering if this display is a good idea—if I even deserve it—as Thorne begrudgingly gets up.
“Very well. But allow me to pay respects to the most lovely queen I’ve ever seen.”
He brushes across the room as I narrow my eyes. “I’m likely one of the only queens you know.”
Laughter, like the rustle of trees through branches, fills the room.
“Perceptive.” He drops to one knee before me and takes my hand. “It is still an honor to finally meet one. May your reign inspire a new wave of equality throughout the land. I tire of kingdoms and their boring, megalomaniac, power-hungry ways. I’ve been beseeching the gods and goddesses to give me a vengeful female to soak the land with blood for a change.”
“Ignore him,” Ulla says decidedly, despite how excited she had looked upon first entering the room.
He stands and places a hand over his heart.
“I’m wounded. Come now, don’t tell me you haven’t thought of a hundred more creative ways to slice up a man than whatever High Lord Cleaver has decided to do.” He jerks a thumb toward Vann, who scowls in return.
Ulla cocks her head to the side, and Thorne bites his lip.
“Tell me, how would you kill me?” he asks, pushing her further.
Her eyes narrow. “Are you… flirting with me?”
Thorne grins just as Teo says, “Enough. We have more important matters to discuss.”
The elf frowns and turns around, flourishing his hands. “Very well. I suppose we should get started.”
Chapter 23
Anatase
TEO
It isn’t until after Thorne is off the throne that I take my beautiful wife by the hand and guide her to her rightful place.
