Page 44 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

“I’ll go,” I offered. “There’s no reason for all of us to venture down there.”

“Oh, no you don’t,” Cora insisted. “I have no interest in becoming queen.”

“What does your future husband think of that sentiment?” Laera asked.

“Not the time,” I snapped.

“I never asked to be queen of Drakous,” Cora retorted.

“You’re marrying the Dragon King?” Daphne asked, not bothering to hide the surprise inher expression.

“Yes. Yes. Gawk at the woman who has to bed that beast,” Cora said sarcastically.

“I heard he’s very handsome,” Daphne quickly added.

“He is,” Sophia said sweetly. “And I think he’s kind. He’ll be a good husband. And if he’s not, I’ll tear his throat out.”

All of us turned to stare at Sophia. She smiled sweetly, as if she’d simply offered a compliment.

“We’re wasting time,” Laera said, breaking everyone’s silent surprise. “I’m going down there. I need someone with magic to accompany me and I need someone to stay up here just in case.”

“I’ll go,” Sophia volunteered.

“No, you’ll stay with your sister. I’ll go. If you hear us scream, come down and kill whatever it was that made us yell, got it?” Laera asked.

Sophia’s shoulders dropped and I couldn’t tell if it was relief or resignation. “Alright.”

“We don’t have any weapons, in case you missed that detail,” Cora pointed out.

“I’ll be right back.” Daphne darted away.

“They keep weapons at the temple to Athena?” Cora asked.

I shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

The priestess returned, breathless, with a few torches tucked under her arm and a satchel over her shoulder. “These might help.”

I took the torches from her and passed one to Laerawhile the priestess set the satchel down on the floor. I caught the glint of metal inside the bag. She rifled through it, producing several daggers of various sizes and construction. Most of them were adorned with jewels and glittered with a shine that told of ceremonial display rather than battle.

“Are any of them sharp?” Laera asked.

“Yes. We do use them,” Daphne said as she stood. “Take whatever you need.”

I knelt and selected the simplest looking dagger. It had a short blade and a longer handle, making it easier to grip. It reminded me of the ones I’d used in the past.

“I’ve got my own weapons, thanks,” Laera said.

The priestess looked at Cora and Sophia expectantly.

“I don’t know how to use those,” Sophia admitted.

Cora picked up a long dagger with an amethyst studded hilt. It looked heavy. “I suppose you just shove it in the offending party.”

“Something like that,” Laera mumbled.

Sophia picked up a blade that was inlaid with gold. “Hopefully nothing comes out of that hole that we have to use these on.”

“Only one way to find out.” Laera was tugging on the small bronze handle. She grunted as she tried to lift it. “I could use a hand.”

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