Page 88 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

Teams of fae raced forward, battering rams slamming into the barrier, making the ground shake.

Catapults released, launching heavy stones skyward, before they crashed into the fae army. Only the first two hit before the fae began to use magic to catch the stones and throw them back toward us. They bounced off the shield, but every time they hit, I winced at the sound.

Flames roared as they lit bundles inside the catapults, launching them at the fae beyond. The fire was extinguished before it hit any of our enemies.

Battering rams slammed into our shields again, making the ground shake once more. The barrier buzzed and flickered, but it was holding.

Twice more they charged the shield, but the battering rams didn’t get through. Dragons continued their onslaught from above, but their flames were ineffective.

I started to feel like maybe we could do this. Maybe they’d realize they couldn’t win. But even that was a false victory. We couldn’t stay barricaded in the palace grounds forever.

The fae soldiers parted, making a path. A group walked toward us, led by the king himself.

Ryvin moved closer to the shield and Vanth held his arm out in front of the prince, preventing him from taking another step. I left my position, pushing my way through our lines to reach the front.

When Vanth saw me, he lowered his arm, and I made sure I was standing slightly in front of Ryvin. He wouldn’t risk accidentally pushing me beyond the shield.

The Fae King stopped only a few foot spans from us. His lips were upturned in a thin, unsettling smile that promised chaos. “Son, how good to see you again. I see you did let this Athos whore win you over.”

Ryvin’s fists clenched and he took a step forward. I grabbed his arm. “Don’t. He’s trying to bait you.”

The king turned his attention to me. “I found out something about you recently. About your parentage. You could be quite valuable once you’re trained up a bit and you learn to bite your tongue.”

“I have enough training to send you to the Underworld,” I sneered. Until he mentioned it, I hadn’t even thought about the fact that I might be able to use my magic against him. Now, ideas flooded my mind. If Bahar and his dragons failed, I was another option.

The king held up his wrist, showing several gold bracelets that reminded me of the one Ryvin wore. “I’ve been collecting these over the years. They prevent your mother from using her magic against me. I’m guessing they’ll work exceptionally well on you since you’re only half goddess.”

“Coward,” I hissed.

“No, not a coward. I’m prepared. I strategize. Which is how I know I’ll win, and you’ll lose.” The king’s eyes left mine, as if noticing something, then he returned his gaze to me. “It seems I’ll be in the market for a new queen once I execute my old one for treason. If you’re seeking more power, I can make you an offer.”

“Stay calm, princess,” Laera whispered as she walked past me.

I felt a strange cooling sensation crawl through my body. I knew I was fuming, but everything inside me was suddenly so light I might float away. I realized Laera was using her magic on me. I should be furious, but she probably prevented me from doing something stupid.

“Father,” Laera said flatly.

He clicked his tongue. “I expected eventual betrayal from Ryvin, but I thought you were loyal.”

“You always underestimated the women in your life,” she replied.

“That I did. I won’t make that mistake again,” he said.

“No, you won’t. Because you’ll be dead,” she said.

He laughed, letting it linger as he rested his hand on his stomach and threw his head back. The people who had accompanied him and were waiting right behind him looked at each other uncomfortably. I could tell they weren’t sure if they should join in. He stopped abruptly, and they looked relieved that he was finished.

“You won’t even leave the safety of your shield, how exactly are you going to kill me?” The king asked.

Sheglared at him.

“We are prepared to spend months camped outside your shield. We have provisions to last us through winter. But I have the feeling we won’t need to stay that long. There are other ways to solve this, you know,” the king said.

“We are not going to surrender our city to you,” I said.

“You are not the queen,” he hissed.

“But I am,” Lagina called as the soldiers parted for her to join us. She stood tall and proud, staring down the king as if he was nothing more than a slug. “And Athos is done bowing to the fae.”

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