Page 191 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

“The casmirah?”

My brows knitted together. I knew that word, or it at least tickled at a memory. He studied my look of confusion and rolled his eyes.

“It’s a myth older than you and me combined. Casmirah fly through the sky when a new ruler is about to ascend. One blazed through the sky last night, and Nismera believes it is heralding her reign now that Samkiel is dead and she’s eradicated the threat of Dianna’s rebellion. She believes the rebels will back off after the power she displayed. Her brutality does seem to be working in her favor.”

“If that’s the case, why didn’t—”

My door swung open, and I flung myself into Kaden’s arms, pressing my lips to his.

“It’s time,” the guard spat impatiently. They hated me as much as I hated them. They very much resented being assigned babysitting duty when Vincent wasn’t available to escort me everywhere. Nismera didn’t trust me, and she had good reason. The second I had the chance, I’d make her pay for so godsdamned much.

I pulled back from Kaden with a smack, hoping our ruse worked. Everyone seemed to accept without question that the once-hated rivals had turned into lovers. So far, at least.

A second guard stepped in, careful to avoid eye contact completely, fear turning him quiet and timid. Kaden slowly removed his hand from my waist. “She’s coming,” Kaden said, more power behind his words than was needed. “In a moment.”

The guards did not question him, bowing and leaving.

“We have to find a better cover,” I said, wiping my lips.

Kaden ignored my comment, glancing toward the door. “Have you heard anything else?”

“No.” I shook my head. “She’s still doing her experiments, and that stupid talisman is driving me insane. I have it almost complete, but the last pieces are harder to mend, even with all my power. Hilma hasn’t even remotely slipped up again. Why do you care anyway? I assumed you were done after I told you about Oblivion.”

Kaden sighed deeply, ignoring my question before extending his arm. “Shall we?”

“Have you heard anything else about Dianna?”

His eyes flared a vibrant red for just a moment, but he smothered it as I laced my arm through his.

“Only a city demolished where a hive of revvers lived. I’m sending Cameron to check it out.”

“How’s he liking his new promotion?” I asked.

I knew they had made Cameron a legion commander with his own small unit because of the information he gave Nismera.

“He hates it, but it gets him one step closer to who he truly wants. You two can relate.”

I tossed him a glare as we walked out the door, not the least bit surprised to see no guards waiting for us. They wanted to avoid Kaden if at all possible, and with him escorting me, they weren’t needed.

We walked arm in arm toward the main gallery, following the sounds of voices and clinking glass. Massive vases overflowing with white flowers flanked the entryway. Artfully strung small lights cast an ethereal glow over the room. All of it was designed to present the illusion of welcome and peace, but Nismera was a blight on all of it. This was bait, and she was the predator laying in wait.

I sucked in a breath as we walked inside. There had to be at least a hundred or more beings here, all wearing outfits that sparkled or shined. Crowns rested upon the heads of kings and queens, proclaiming royal power. My hand squeezed Kaden’s forearm as a path cleared before him. No one looked at or acknowledged him, but people instinctively moved out of his way.

“Who are these people?”

He reached for a passing wine glass, the liquid inside bubbling as he sipped before looking at me.

“Exactly who you think. They are neighboring royals here to pledge their allegiance to Nismera.”

I smiled at him as if we were having a normal conversation, but no one paid us any mind. “There are so many?”

His smile met mine as he leaned close. “Did you assume there would be none left?”

My hand curled around his biceps, playing the part. “I’ve only heard of her power leaving wastelands in its wake. I never thought there would still be this many rulers left who did not challenge her.”

“That’s why there are wastelands, Camilla. Those who opposed her are nothing but dust on the wind. Besides, the realms are massive. You truly believe that none would bow to her rule rather than be annihilated? Only a fool would challenge Nismera with any hope of winning.”

I nodded along, eager to ask more questions, but Isaiah joined us, clapping a hand on Kaden’s back.

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