They do, and I tangle my hand with Theo’s. “Better?” I check.
“Infinitely.”
Nash hisses, causing me to turn and check in on the stoic leader of the group. His jaw tics as Hart whispers something inhis ear. I’m desperate to know what’s gotten under his skin, but I can’t leave Theo right now.
The hedge spits us out at the front of the castle. Gleaming red and black spires pierce the gathering storm with crimson vines clinging to the walls. My eyes narrow. Are they bleeding?
A wall of playing cards blocking the entrance splits and shuffles to the sides, revealing a hallway that appears to stretch into eternity. The Red Queen strides forward on the black-and-white checkered floor. She certainly has a theme.
Massive portraits of the queen, each slightly different, line the walls. She is a stunning creature, and the curve of her lips is a wicked temptation most men would struggle to resist. She better not try to steal my knights. I will unleash all my chaos.
“Anyone notice their eyes?” Charming whispers.
I frown as the portrait’s eyes move, clearly following us. That’s a whole new level of creepy I could have lived without.
The queen swings left, and we follow, still ushered on by the guards.
We step into the vast expanse of a throne room, a space thrumming with an unsettling energy. The high ceilings loom above us, draped in crimson and ebony tapestries that absorb the light, casting haunting shadows across the floor. Raised platforms line the perimeter, filled with people. Their extravagant attire sparkles and shimmers, a dizzying array of elaborate gowns and suits, meticulously crafted from silks that catch what little light penetrates the sombre atmosphere. Each figure dons a mask, transforming their identities into a menagerie of creatures. Some take the form of fierce beasts, while others appear to be delicate birds of paradise, each glinting with feathers and gems. Yet beneath these magnificent disguises lies an undercurrent of treachery, a palpable tension that hangs in the air like an unspoken threat. Their eyes, glittering beneaththe ornate masks, gleam with an insatiable hunger, darting toward us with a predatory focus.
My heart quickens in response to their gaze, a visceral drumbeat of adrenaline and dread. This isn’t mere curiosity; it’s as if they are weighing our worth, eager for some display of folly or disgrace. A shiver skitters down my spine as the oppressive weight of their scrutiny wraps around me, making every step toward the throne feel heavier, every breath fraught with uncertainty.
The Red Queen steps up to the stage at the far end of the room and turns to take a seat on a throne carved from rose thorns and gleaming rubies. Her dress billows around her like a living creature, and the man who kissed her hand takes up position behind her. His hand rests on the sword at his side as he narrows his eyes on me. Why? I’m the least dangerous person in our group. I would be concerned with the highly trained bloodthirsty knights and whip smart female. Charming is questionable, but I suppose he could hair flick them into boredom.
A huge bang echoes behind us, and I glance over my shoulder. The guards have sealed the doors and blocked our only exit. It’s fine. Everything is fine. Go me for positive thinking.
The Red Queen leans forward. “You’ve brought not one, but three flying creatures into my domain without petitioning for my favor.”
There’s a gasp from the courtiers. I guess that’s bad. Wait, three? She knows Theo is a dragon? The genie grabs my broom and backs into the far corner as the rest of us refuse to speak.
“Well?” she snarls. The whispers fall silent. Well, what? She didn’t ask us a question.
“Leave this to me. I know how to handle royalty,” Charming says as he moves around us and steps forward.
“Get back here,” Gwyneth hisses.
He lifts his head. “I am the favored prince in our land,” he starts. He’s making out like he’s the only prince, not one belonging to a cute baby castle. Hart is an uncrowned king, and he doesn’t display a fraction of the arrogance Charming does.
“I apologize that my companions didn’t observe proper protocol. We come from a foreign land, and your laws are unknown to us. I am at your service to offer reparations for any slight caused.”
What is he saying? I glance at Theo. He scowls at Charming, but no one corrects or intervenes, probably because he’s speaking nonsense.
The Red Queen snaps her fingers and points at the floor by her feet. Charming strides forward like he owns the court. Perhaps we can sacrifice him. That would solve several issues in one fell swoop.
Charming falls to one knee and bends his head in subjugation.
“Present your winged creatures,” the Red Queen demands.
Charming glances over his shoulder and zeroes in on my genie and broom. “Come here,” he hisses. They don’t move. Oh Blazes. I guess that means I’m up.
I take a step forward, but Theo’s hand tightens around mine, and he yanks me back. “From here,” he mumbles. “I can’t go closer.”
A ripple of unease wraps around our group as the brothers glance at Nash. What is going on?
I jerk my head in silent command at the genie. He swipes a hand over his forehead like he’s sweating. Do genies perspire? Must get uncomfortable in the lamp. He grabs Sir Sweeps-A-Lot and drifts forward to float above Charming’s head.
The Red Queen leans forward. “What are you?”
The genie expands to double his normal size. “I am a jinn.”
