Page 26 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

What the fuck could this woman do?

I took my time easing into the throne, arranging my deep blue peplos around me, smoothing the fabric, keeping my gaze down. Finally, when I was settled, I looked up and took in my guest.

She wore an indulgent smirk, as if she knew the game I was playing. With graceful movements, she swept into a deep bow. “Your highness, it is an honor to meet you.”

When she rose, I inclined my head in greeting. “Queen Aspasia, to what do I owe this great honor?”

She dropped the fabric she was holding in her hands, letting the dress drag along the floor as she moved closer to me. My guards marched forward, drawing swords. She lifted her hands in submission. “Fine. I’ll speak from here.”

I waited, keeping my expression impassive, working to maintain neutrality the entire time she moved despite the fear twisting in my gut. I knew she didn’t need to be closer to me to end me. Whatever gifts she had, they were powerful. If I was still alive, it was because she truly wanted to speak with me. At least for now.

“Stand down,” I commanded my guards.

Slowly, they lowered their weapons.

“Argus, you stay. The rest of you can wait outside. I’ll summon you if needed.” I waved my hand at the bewildered guards, but they obeyed, filing out of the room with confused backward glances.

Once the door was closed, I stood, then descended the stairs of the dais, moving closer to the queen. She regarded me with curiosity, as if I were something new she’d never seen before. Perhaps I was the first human she’d interacted with.

“You can speak freely in front of him,” I lifted my chin toward Argus. “Tell me why you’re actually here.”

“You’re smarter than they give you credit for. Especially for your age. The King of Konos seems to think you’ll bend like a reed in a storm. Snapping with ease.” She drew out the s, adding a hissing quality to her speech.

“I’m young, but I’m not stupid. We both know how often women are underestimated,” I replied.

“That we do,” she agreed.

I waited, giving her time to reveal the nature of her visit. Several heartbeats passed before she took another step closer. Argus’s hand tightened on the hilt of his sword, but he didn’t remove the weapon.

“The King of Konos has taken Drakous,” she said.

“I already know that.”

“He will come for you next.” She made an amused sound. “But it’s not his time to shine. It’s mine.”

I lifted a brow. “Are you threatening me?”

“Oh, no, I’m here to offer an alliance. An actual alliance. Between the humans and the fae. Because when he falls, I will reclaim what I’ve lost. The Court of Vipers will be the most powerful fae court, and I’ve been patiently waiting to watch Konos burn.”

“I’m listening…” I gestured toward the door. “Would you like some tea? We can continue this conversation in my study.”

Aspasia nodded once, then followed me out of the throne room.

The guards silently followed us, doing better at hiding their expressions this time.

When we reached the study, I sent for tea before settling into one of the chairs in the sitting area. The enemy queen sat across from me, looking completely at ease on the couch. She was a stunning, composed woman. Every move she made was precise and graceful. My mother would have loved her.

“I’d love to hear more about your thoughts for this alliance between our kingdoms,” I started.

“It’s simple, really. You and I are not at war. I have no concern about how humans choose to live their lives, and honestly, you’re no danger to us. Unless the magic you liberated begins to show in humans, though even if it does, I imagine we have a long while before it would be a threat.” She leaned back against the cushion and crossed her legs.

“I have no quarrel with you or your people. I will not allow more sacrifices or other signs of fealty. You are offering a true peace? Not subjection?”

“I have no desire to waste my time on human politics,” she waved her hand dismissively.

I frowned, not missing her derisive tone. We were nothing to the fae. “If you’ll be taking over the Court of Vipers, what will happen to Konos?”

“I don’t care what happens to them. I have sat by, taking the false title of queen from a man who used me to forge alliances and gain my people’s power. After what he did to his mate, I had no choice. The only power I had was to resist the marriage vows. Which means once he is dead, I am no longer bound to Konos, and neither is my daughter.”

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