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“Birdy’s coming tonight?” She’s never been a part of any of the queen’s lavish and nefarious parties before.

“Yes, she’s nearly eighteen, and she needs to put away childish things and start pulling her weight around here. There will be several eligible heirs from the Twelve. Maybe it’s time to make a match?”

My fists tighten at my sides as anger simmers so close to the surface I have to swallow it down.

I’ve spent my whole life trying to protect her, to keep her out of the queen’s way and out of her games. If Birdy is coming tonight, it’s not just because she desperately wants to be included.

The queen is no doubt using her presence there to keep my leash nice and tight.

“Now, now, no need to get yourself all worked up. Plenty of time for that later.” She tugs at my collar, adjusting the dark cloth beneath my leather tunic. She sees my displeasure and I have to do a better job at hiding my emotions.

“After tonight, all the Twelve realms will know of my power and will have no choice but to bow to me. There will be plenty of time for matchmaking later. Plus, there is that matter of her horrific birthmark.” She pats my chest, stepping back with a shrug. “So unfortunate.”

How dare she!

“I’ll deal with the rest—you really should go. It’s nearly time.”

My mind races trying to figure out why she would want to give her guests, her enemies, enchanted gifts. With her, there’s always a catch.

What she says next shocks me, interrupting my thoughts.

“I want you to stay by her side tonight.” I know she’s speaking of Adelaide and not Birdy.

“Majesty, please no. Shouldn’t I be by your side?” I play her little game, knowing that this too is a test.

My entire life has been a test, and since the moment I brought Adelaide here, I’ve been failing. Miserably.

I give up, knowing it’s no use.

“You’re my most trusted hunter. I need you to watch her tonight.”

She doesn’t know what she’s asking of me, or maybe she does.

“Besides… I saw the way you looked at her.” And there it is.

She turns her back to me and resumes dressing, fastening on earrings. Black diamonds, dripping like giant tears, hang on either side of her perfectly painted face.

Her frigid gaze holds mine in the mirror, and she enunciates every word with deadly control.

“I. Saw. You. Riven. In the bathhouse with her. I saw the way you watched her. The way you desire her.”

I let her continue, while I fight the memory of Adelaide bathing and what it did to me as the scent of night jasmine suffocated me in the steam and hot water cascaded down her flawless skin.

“You forget, I see all. Know all.” The reflection. The bathhouse mirror. Even from the odd angles, it’s possible she was watching.

Always watching.

“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. She is very beautiful,” she baits me, her eyes unblinking as she waits for my practiced response.

Reaching out, daring to touch her, I place a hand on her shoulder to reassure her.

“No, my queen. You are beautiful, the fairest. She’s just some silly girl.”

Before I finish my lie, she spins around, removing my hand from her, and digs her nails into my forearm. The metal tips covering her fingers and thumb pierce my skin, revealing five small drops of blood just above my wrist.

“Your denial is pathetic… weak. Like you. But don’t worry. I forgive you. Because you need me to teach you a lesson to make you strong.” Her lips hover over my arm as her tongue reaches out and slowly drags up my skin. The queen licks the blood away, each swipe of her tongue a warning.

“You’ll do as I say.”