Page 200 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

Orym shuffled on his feet as Samkiel leaned across the desk.

“I agree it would be the best course of action if we could achieve it, but Nismera is not just any goddess. She is gifted in battle, fast and ruthless.”

“And I’m not?”

His eyes held a deep warmth. “Akrai, baby, she is a conqueror in the purest form. Alone, she is not easily defeated, but with her army and guards defending her, she is nearly untouchable.”

“He is not wrong,” Orym added, rubbing his chin. “They nicknamed her The Shadow in her death camps. She is far quicker than most goddesses, and they say when she fights, you only see a flash of her silver hair before your body meets death.”

Irritation filled me, and I wiggled in my seat. “Everyone and their stupid nicknames.”

A small snort left Samkiel’s nose, and he leaned back. His hands tapped lightly against the assorted scrolls strewn across the desk. The moon hung behind him, the crescent shape listening in as we plotted.

“I’m not afraid of her,” I said, and I meant it.

“I am well aware.” Samkiel smiled, and I knew he was remembering me running into that damned room for him. “But we have to think rationally when it comes to her. We can’t let emotions direct our actions.”

“You fought her. I saw you two in that blooddream way back when. You held your own, and you’ve helped train me.”

“Yes,” he agreed, “but I barely survived, and I had all my power then. It wasn’t burning in the sky. Plus, you also saw her beat me and nearly take my head off. You’ve kissed the scar that proves it.”

“But you have me now.”

“That I do.” A look of pure contentment crossed his face at my words.

Orym ignored us, but his eyes darted to Samkiel’s throat, looking for the scar.

“Now think of the years I spent locked away, the years she has had time to train and perfect her swordsmanship,” he said. “She will not be easy to dethrone. No matter how strong we are. We have to be smarter.”

An idea formed in my head as I chewed the inside of my lip. “You mean destroy her from the inside out?”

Samkiel’s smile sent a chill down my spine. “Exactly.”

EIGHTY-ONE

DIANNA

And this is your room,” I said, opening the door. I stepped aside so Reggie could pass.

“It’s quite lovely.”

“You like it?” I asked.

I walked to the desk in the corner, eager to show him the massive globe and large colorful map of the realms and their stars that we’d found.

Reggie lifted his gaze to the glass-domed ceiling. It was sometimes hard to tell with Reggie, but I could feel the happy surprise coming off of him. While he explored, I opened the windows, letting a sweet, warm breeze slip in.

“We are so high you can see the mountain tops and, at night, nearly the whole galaxy,” I said. He watched me flit about the room, seeming to enjoy my excitement. I stroked my hand down the large brass telescope. It pointed toward the open window above. “And if you really miss your home, you can look through here.”

Reggie nodded, grinning indulgently. “This is truly lovely. Thank you, Dianna.”

I folded my hands in front of me. “You’re welcome. I made sure there was a small table and chairs here. Maybe we can get you some of those board games you enjoy.”

Reggie said nothing as he glanced toward the small table.

“Maybe Miska can bring you those teas you love so much.”

He only nodded.

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