Page 116 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

I pointed a finger at him. “Well, first of all, that’s a lie. You seemed to be breathing fine with the few nymphs who ran out of your bedchamber last—”

Samkiel rubbed his hand across his face and nearly growled, “Cameron.”

“Oh, right, that’s a secret and not the point. The point is, I’ve been scouring around for the best, and I have a few I think would be amazing.”

“Is that so?” Samkiel asked, adjusting the armor helmet in his grip to fold his arms.

“Yes. I’ve become friends with one of Kryella’s yeyras.”

“Cameron.”

I held up my hands, and Logan snickered. “I know you two have a weird relationship, which is also not the point, but he’s fast, smart, and a hell of a blade wielder. Dual actually. Just give him a chance.”

Logan and Samkiel exchanged a look I couldn’t decipher before he turned back to me.

“Very well. I will be with my father for the next two moons on another prolonged damned council trip. When I return, we will have tryouts.”

“Yes.” I clenched my fist and punched the air in triumph.

A smile broke across Samkiel’s face. “For a price.”

“What do you want?”

“You have to try out, too.”

“Me?” I croaked. “Listen, I’m good being with Athos. She—”

“Lets you get away with anything?” He cocked a brow.

“Okay, fair.” I sighed, placing my hands on my hips. “I’ll try out. Just disqualify me early or whatever.”

Logan chuckled, and Samkiel looked at him. “Why are you laughing? You’re trying out, too.”

Logan’s face went slack. “Me? Why?”

Samkiel sighed and shook his head. “You two shouldn’t question your future king so much. It’s disrespectful.”

My eyes rolled so far back in my head that I swore I saw my brain. “Oh, gods, now I definitely don’t want to be under you.” Logan chuckled again. I turned to walk away, but I couldn’t resist and called back with a wave of my hand, “Unlike the nymphs.”

“Cameron!” I heard him snap, and the energy around him built. I picked up my pace and was safely away before it reached me.

I practically ran out of the palace, skipping past guards and celestials alike until I made it to the center of the city. Voices buzzed, and people laughed. Shops thrived, customers carrying bags ladened with goods. Children gathered before a stand selling tangy melted creams, shouting about a new flavor. I placed my hands behind my back, pretending I hadn’t run half a mile to get here, and pursed my lips. A small whistle floated through the air, a tune all its own. I stilled and waited for a response.

A sharp tune came from my right, and I turned to see Xavier leaning against a wooden post near a shop a few paces away.

“Well?” he asked as I walked toward him. “What did he say?”

“You know you can talk to him, right?” I asked, folding my arms. “He just looks really big and scary, but on the inside, he’s softer than the frozen cream they sell here in the market district.”

Xavier shook his head, making the dreads he wrapped in a topknot shake.

“He kind of scares me.”

“Why? He saved you.”

“Yeah, and did you see the planet after he left?”

I shrugged. “He was just making sure none of those damned creatures lived after . . .” My voice trailed off, seeing that haunted glaze fill his eyes. “But yes, I talked to him.”

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