Page 98 of Of Shadows and Death

“Watch it,” says the vampire, one I do not recognize.

I raise my eyebrows and sense another presence behind me.

It is Raúl, says Nava.

Encouraged, I lift my chin at the vampire. “You will treat me with respect. I am your queen.”

“We’ll see,” he says. “You bear no markings. You are human. I do not choose to believe.”

“Until then, I am Queen Penny, as declared by Raúl. Show your queen respect.”

Begrudgingly, the vampire bows before me. “My queen.”

I pass by him, hearing him mutter, “For now.”

Raúl growls at him, and the vampire squeaks, running off in the opposite direction.

“I’m not concerned,” I say to Raúl. “I know I’ll have to prove myself.”

“He still doesn’t have to act like a roach,” says Raúl with a grumble, glaring behind us.

I stop walking and turn toward him. “Wait a second. Why are you here? You’re supposed to be finishing your last tasks before the wedding.”

He flows to me, wrapping his arms around my waist, drawing me close. “I wanted to see you.”

“I don’t blame you. I am quite amazing.”

“That you are,” he says in a low voice with a tender expression.

My face instantly heats. “I’m teasing. I’m not amazing.”

“Why do you believe in falsehoods? Do you not trust me?”

“Of course I trust you,” I say, the words popping out of my mouth.

“Then believe me when I say you are amazing. Everyone else thinks so, too. At least, those who matter.” He tilts my head up, gently tugging on my hair. “You are fierce, Penny.”

He crushes his lips to mine, and I savor the feel. My heart races as he runs a hand down my body, brushing the sides of my breasts. I moan softly, the taste of his lips intoxicating, threading my fingers into his hair. His tongue brushes against my lips, seeking entrance, and I part them eagerly.

Raúl draws back and stares into my eyes, the desire plain on his face. “We don’t have to spend tonight apart, if you’d rather not.”

I gently tug at his hair. “No. It’s bad luck.”

Raúl sighs. “If you say so.”

I laugh and he smiles at me, adoration in his eye. He backs away from me, holding out his arm. He escorts me to my rooms, bowing once more. “Tomorrow.”

Then he kisses me on the lips one last time and disappears.

The next night, I rush out of bed as soon as I wake. Nerves make my hands jittery, but I don’t mind. Today, as Helena put it, is my day.

I take a bath, making sure my hair is completely clean, then immediately regret it when I remember I have no magic left. My hair will take days to dry.

Silently, I let out a curse. I take out all the towels in my room, wrapping them around my coils as far as they will go. Last night, I undid all the braids as instructed by Carmen. Beth planned to do something with all of it.

A knock sounds at the door, and I drag my towels with me, opening it to reveal Carmen, Beth, and Helena. Behind them are several servants, all carrying dresses, boxes, and supplies.

I widen the door, and they all float in. The servants place everything in the room before quietly disappearing. “Why the towels?” asks Carmen, eyeing my contraption.

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