Page 95 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

I continued forward until it caught sight of a large group of guards making a perimeter around a tent that looked the same as all the rest. Narrowing my eyes, I studied them, watching their movements. It could be a prisoner. Moving a little closer, I caught a strong floralscent. That wasn’t likely to come from a prisoner’s tent. It had to be the king.

There was only one additional row of tents between the king's tent and the sea. My fingers itched, feeling that connection to the water, begging to be used. I thought about it again, about trying to send him to a watery grave, but it wasn't enough. If I could guarantee a monster tearing him apart limb by limb, maybe I would use the magic my mother gave me.

I felt for the pouch, pressing my finger and thumb against the small circular object inside. I was going to use the magic my mother gave me, anyway. Part of me wondered if this was what she always intended it for. I had thought it was something that might save me if I were in mortal peril, but I knew deep in my gut that the object she gave me was not something that gave life, but rather something that would take life away. I knew it was a weapon, even if I couldn't explain how I knew that.

I stood behind the tent next to the king's tent wondering how I could get past his guards without alerting them. The shadows were a good cover, but once the tent flap moved, they’d know.

I glanced again toward the sea, feeling an urge to connect to it the way that I had before. Then I realized it wasn't the water that was calling to me, but something within the water. Someone who was starting to feel like an old friend.

I smiled, then worked to keep hold of the shadows around me while I reached for my other magic. The magicthat had been stripped from me just as I was learning how to wield it. After my deal with Nyx, I no longer had to fear using it.

It came easier than it ever had before. As if it were relived to come back to me, back to where it belonged. The sensations like reconnecting with an old friend. I felt strong and ready as I called to everything I had. I pulled on the water, bringing it toward me, willing it to come all the way up to that first row of tents.

The waves roared to life and crashed into the shore, causing the sea to swell and surge as the tide rose. Water surged over rocks, spreading beyond its normal reach. It continued to rise, the tide creeping farther until it began to kiss the bottoms of the first row of tents.

Screams and movement surrounded me as soldiers emerged from their tents and started to hastily pack them up, preparing to get out of the way of the water.

The guards around the king's tent were curious, watching with furrowed brows, but maintained their positions. As I continued to bring the water higher and higher and closer and closer, the guards around the king's tent began to get a little restless.

I pulled back just enough that they would think they were safe to stay where they were and the guards who'd started to disassemble stopped and waited. Dozens of men stood near their tents, staring out into the sea as if they could command it to retreat.

I asked the water to grow a little calmer to lull them into a false sense of security. A couple of the soldiers re-entered their tents, apparently satisfied that the water would go no higher. Others stood and watched, cautious about the will of the sea. They were the smarter ones, but they were about to regret that they were standing so close to the edge without any weapons.

I caught the faintest glint of scales under the moonlight a moment before the sea serpent's head rose from the water and attacked, grabbing one of those waiting soldiers and pulling him into the ocean.

His scream was short lived as he was dragged below, but it got the attention of the other soldiers who quickly ran away or returned to their tents and emerged with weapons. The sea serpent swam farther down the shore, grabbing more of the men even as they aimed their swords or attempted to blindly shoot arrows into the dark water.

I let the water rise, giving the serpent more depth so it was easier for her to hunt. She attacked again and again, dragging screaming fae into the depths before returning to take more victims.

I looked over at the king's tent and noticed the guards getting increasingly agitated. They were talking to each other in hushed tones and finally half of them drew their swords and raced to the aid of their companions. Still under the cover of shadows, I moved closer to the king's tent, and while the guards were busy staring at the massacre happening at the shore, I slipped inside.

36

Ara

The interiorof the tent was lit by one small fae light flickering in a jar on a table near the bed. I could see the king's sleeping form bundled under the blankets. It was a small soldier’s bed, in a simple room. I expected him to travel with opulence after seeing how he lived in his court. Quietly, I reached for the bag around my neck and began to loosen the draw strings.

The screams outside were fading, but there was still enough noise to mask my footsteps. I crept closer to the bed; afraid my heartbeat was too loud. I could see the gentle rise and fall of the king’s breathing. I was incredibly lucky that he was a sound sleeper.

I took another step closer, then paused, trying to figure out the best way to move forward. What was I supposed todo with the item in the bag? Did I just release it or throw it at him? Was there a trick to using it?

“I’m disappointed by how easy you were to fool. I thought for sure you’d realize it was an illusion,” a deep male voice said.

I spun, reaching for the pouch and tearing it from the cord. The king moved with preternatural speed. He had me on the ground, his knee on my chest, my wrists pinned. I closed my fingers around the pouch, hoping he didn’t notice I was holding something.

“I wondered if you’d come to take me up on my offer,” he said, his voice gravelly and low.

I shuddered, turning away from his warm breath on my face. Then I made myself look at him with defiance. I would not allow him to see how he got to me. “You know why I’m here.”

“Your reputation as a martyr is well known at this point, princess,” the king said, leaning down so his face was directly over mine. “I wonder, could I get my son back if I have you in chains? What do you think he’d do if I hold your life in my hands?”

“He knows better than to fall for that. He’d rather see me dead than work for you again,” I said.

The king grinned, showing straight white, slightly pointed teeth. “I doubt that very much. I know what he did for you in Athos. Imagine what he’ll do this time.”

I moved under his weight, struggling to free myself. It only seemed to make him smile wider. Holding me here was effortless for him.

“You don’t know him as well as I do.”

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