Page 199 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

I was quiet for a second, Camilla’s words playing over in my head. Fight for something. How often had I heard them? But for her, for her safety, I would fight until it killed me.

“Pauule. It’s a war camp, but Nismera has a plan to draw Dianna out. Get there first. Maybe she can help you.” I shrugged. “A team is being sent out. They leave tomorrow morning.”

Cameron said nothing more before turning away, and a part of me ached for the brother I had lost.

“You won’t make it far looking as you do,” I said before he could leave. “I’d steal a general’s persona for it. It’s a tight-lipped mission. Nismera doesn’t want anyone to know. She is nervous, and if you’re caught, you’re dead.”

Cameron folded his arms and nodded once. “You know what’s funny?”

“What?”

“You hated Dianna so much, but she was willing to die for those she loved. She may have teeth and claws and be every bit of the monster, you believe, but she at least has a heart. You . . .” Cameron shook his head. “I’m just surprised I didn’t see how heartless you were before.”

Heartless. That was one word to describe how I felt.

“I’ll get you the mission. Don’t say anything about Camilla.”

Cameron had started for the door again but stopped and looked over his shoulder. I saw the Ig’Morruthen that now lived under his skin. He was all predator now, the beast keeping him safe. I had done that.

He gave me a smile filled with malice. “Unlike you, I wouldn’t damn someone else.”

“But you would risk everything for Xavier?” I asked.

Cameron turned to face me again. “Maybe if you loved someone more than yourself, you would understand, but I seriously doubt you are capable.”

I only nodded, chewing the inside of my lip. “Nismera moved his station several times. She knows you’re looking for him, and I think she plans to use him like a leash to keep you under control. I don’t know where he is.”

His eyes flared bright red. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

I shrugged one shoulder. “I’ve caused you enough pain. I wasn’t going to give you false hope, too.”

Cameron paused a moment to study me suspiciously before turning to leave. I didn’t stop him this time.

EIGHTY

DIANNA

Samkiel rubbed his eyes as Orym went on about some ceremony Veruka had sent him a letter about. Apparently, rulers far and wide had flown to swear their loyalty after what happened in the East. I still couldn’t wrap my head around it. The whole East was gone. When you looked toward the eastern sky, nothing but dust and scattered rock remained.

We had returned to pack everyone up and move them to the new castle, but Orym had pulled us aside the moment we’d arrived. I knew that grim look well, and every little bit of happiness had fled upon seeing it. We had been in this study for hours as Orym and Samkiel discussed what to do next.

I was back to being frustrated. It had been months. We barely had Logan and didn’t know where the others were. Orym said Nismera kept their locations and who they were with under lock and key.

“I hate this.” I sighed loudly, sinking further into the chair. “We are no closer to ridding the world of her, and gods, the second we stop and take a minute to ourselves, the world burns.”

Orym and Samkiel turned toward me, Samkiel’s eyes softening. “Dianna.”

“I know,” I said, sitting up. “I’m being selfish. Half the realm is dust, and my worry is our honeymoon lasted zero point five seconds.”

Orym cleared his throat and stood a bit straighter. “I am sorry to put this on you two just after the ceremony, but—”

Samkiel raised his hand. “Orym, you are fine. We need to know, and we need to plan our next course of action.”

“I have an idea!” I said, raising my hand. “We kill her.”

They looked at me like I’d grown two heads, and I shrugged.

“It’s a terrible plan. I don’t even know if she’s fireproof like you.” I sighed. “But we have to do something. She is still in her seat of power. What’s to stop her from doing what she did in the East to any others that don’t kiss her ass?”

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