Page 48 of Consort of the Crime Queen

I stare back unfazed. I will make an example of her that no one will soon forget.

Still…

It's strange that she should challenge me at all. We both know that, of the two of us, I'm the better fighter. So that suggests she's planning something.

Well, let her plot and scheme. I'll keep my eyes on her every second, and she'll learn the foolishness of her arrogance when her blood is pouring out of her to water the grass lawn.

"You better kill her good and hard, or I'll do it for you," Lyssa hisses at me.

I give a humorless smile. "Oh, I intend to. Her death will be a lesson."

Tony sidles up. "You make sure it is," he says, tone serious for once. "And don't make it quick. The ranks need a little entertainment, know what I'm saying? Spin it out."

He holds out his hand and I take it in surprise. "Thanks for the advice," I say, trying not to sound too ironic. "I'll do my best to make it entertaining."

He walks off just as Aurora approaches us, her delicate face pale but set with determination. "You can take her," she says confidently, and I almost smile.

Of course I can take down Ilona. But I don't want to do it in front of Aurora, especially not if I need to be as brutal as I think I do. I don't want her to see that side of me any more than she needs to.

"I want you to stay inside. Lyssa will keep you safe."

Aurora starts to protest but Lyssa beats her to it. "No way. I'm acting as your second."

"It's not a suggestion," I say softly, but with all of my authority.

Lyssa wants to argue. That much is clear. But in the end, she gives a nod.

"But Hadria—" Aurora begins.

"It's an order," I tell her. "Unless you plan on challenging my leadership, too?"

She gives a half-sob, half-laugh. "I would never dream of it."

"Then off you go with Lyssa. Stay inside the house until this is finished. But first—will you go and get my favorite knife from my study?" I describe it to her, and she runs off.

Lyssa arches a brow. "Since when do you have a favorite knife?"

I force a thin smile. "I needed her gone for a moment. If this goes south, promise me you'll protect her."

Lyssa scowls. "I should be at your side. I can end that backstabbing snake faster than she can blink."

Probably true. Unlike Aurora, Lyssa was born for this ugly work. But Aurora's safety is paramount.

"I know. But I'm trusting you to guard Aurora. The ranks may turn on her if I fall." Voicing that possibility twists my gut. But only fools ignore unpleasant realities, or fail to plan contingencies for them.

Lyssa clenches her teeth. "You damn well better not fall, you silly bitch. Or I'll have to kill every last one of them myself."

Before I can respond, Aurora reappears clutching an ornate antique dagger. I take it and our eyes meet, the air between us heavy with unspoken words.

Come back to me.

I smile at her, a cool, confident smile. "There's really nothing to worry about, Sunshine. I'll be back with you soon. Go on, now, both of you."

Lyssa guides her away and I place the knife down on the table. It's a heavy, clunky old thing despite the sharp blade, and I don't plan to use it to dispatch Ilona. I draw a thinner, sleek-handled knife from my boot instead. It's not what I'd call a favorite, but it's practical, and it's more than competent for the job.

And then I head outside to meet my fate.

Outside, it's starting to rain, a light drizzle that threatens to turn heavy. Tony falls into step beside me as I cross the lawn. "No Lyssa?"

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