Page 29 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

“I doubt it. It could be a precaution because of Nismera’s rule, but half of the vegetation here seems illegal.”

“Maybe that’s why they don’t tell Miska.”

“Perhaps. She is young. Under the right pressure, she would reveal any secrets.”

“Like the ones she spilled last night?”

Samkiel nodded and formed a silvery ball of light in his hand before lowering to a squat and moving a few jars out of the way. He held a smaller one in his palm, the beige prickly fern stuck to one side. “Like this? This is used to sedate beasts far larger than you can turn into.”

“Maybe they are not just treating people in the city.”

He placed the jar back and stood, but I saw that corner of his jaw twitch. I watched as he chewed on the inside of his cheek and knew what was running through his mind.

“They haven’t said anything about this or given you an indication of what they are doing?”

He glanced at me before moving forward to another shelf. “No, no, they have not.”

“So.” My hand danced across the table near me. “Do you want me to kill them now or later?”

A deep sigh left his lips as he continued to look around. “I prefer no killing, my akrai. I wish to know what they are doing with so many illegal works here, and I plan to ask the queen herself.”

“Well, that’s no fun.” I blew out a breath. “There should at least be some corrosion.”

He cut his eyes toward me, that storm-colored gray flashing. “Dianna.”

“Samkiel,” I repeated, lowering my voice in a mocking tone.

“Please do not kill anyone for me.” His brows flicked at me. “All we know is they have illegal products.”

“Which probably means they are evil,” I said.

“Or,” he added, “they are trying to make do or make ends meet in a turbulent world. I’ve seen no signs of wrongdoing besides these products, and they have helped us. Circumstances can make people go to lengths they usually wouldn’t in order to survive in a new world.”

His words hit a part of me I hadn’t thought about in a while. I wondered if that was how he saw me in the beginning: a woman desperate to survive.

“You’re so sweet. It’s sickening,” I said, smiling at him. Hopping up onto one of the tables, I crossed my legs and drew a slash across my chest before holding my hand up. “I promise not to maim or kill anyone unless they hurt or threaten you. If that happens, I’ll burn them alive. Deal?”

“Deal.” Samkiel snickered and shook his head as he turned back to the shelf nearest him, still holding that silver flickering ball of power. My stomach dropped when his eyes didn’t linger on me or run over me in the way they usually did when he thought I wouldn’t notice. My eyes roamed over his back, legs, and up once more. Hunger, sharp and painful, pierced my gut.

“You know.” I dragged the word and leaned back on the table, thrusting my breasts forward. He didn’t so much as glance at me. “Since we already know they are harboring plants that have been banned, we could do something else since we are here.”

He looked at me over his shoulder. “And what’s that?”

“We can role play.”

Samkiel cocked his head as if I’d spoken a foreign word. “And what’s that?”

The smile that danced across my face was downright dangerous as I slid off the table. “I can be a slutty healer who wants to tend to your wounds.” I worked the off-white gown open, pushing the sheer sleeves off my shoulders. The material fell, bundling at my waist, revealing rose-colored breasts, not my own. I expected his eyes to dart there and stay, waiting for that darkening they did every time I made a suggestive comment. I always loved it, though. He responded so completely to me, and it was my favorite thing to press his buttons and have him unravel at my feet, but the reaction I got now was the complete opposite. His lip curled as if I just insulted him, and his eyes held mine. There was no lust or overwhelming passion, not even a flicker.

“What?” I asked, swallowing the growing lump in my throat.

A single snap from his free hand had the dress covering me and tied once more. “Why would I want that?”

I was confused, especially given the tone he used. He sounded angry, the complete opposite of what I wanted.

“It’s just for fun.”

“Why would being with another be fun for me?”

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