Page 78 of Their Blood Queen

The Duchess gives her husband a frightened look while he takes a deep breath. “I need to buy one from another family for us to reach our quota this year,” he admits. His wife makes a strangled sound.

Shadows grow against the walls as irritation crawls up my spine. “I approve the sale of breeders and resources between villages. Not selections,” I warn him. Even if I know the underhanded practice happens, I often pretend to not notice.

I let the Elites manage themselves, and it doesn’t hurt to have a little blackmail over them now and again.

“I know,” he says, bowing his head. “But it is how we’ve survived this long, King Cain. And I promise you, once we get through this rut, we will serve you well.”

Bernard enters the room, pausing by the doorway as he taps his boots on the ground. He could be silent if he wanted to be, but he’s trying not to startle my guests.

I wave him in.

“I sent my Raven to Monster City to pick up a gift for you,” I inform Duke and Duchess Amesbury. They both glance up at me with wide eyes. “The fault lies with me. I am responsible for the magic tonics that are permitted within your sector, and their use should be properly divided. Therefore, I will officially pardon Lady Eleanor. She will remain here until I have found the monsters who fed on her, for her recovery, and in the meantime, I give you this.”

I hold out my hand and wait for Bernard to retrieve the blood diamond. He drops it into my palm.

Presenting it to the Duchess and Duke, I place it on the table.

I lean back while they stare at the gem that sucks in the light around it. “If anyone refuses your trade, pray to me. I will hear you, and I will come.”

“Th-thank you, King Cain,” Duke Amesbury says as he picks up the treasure and examines it. Bernard had done well. The quality is impeccable.

The Duchess bites her lip, then looks down.

Darkness swirls around her, tormenting her, because I’m not entertaining the rumors she knows are lies.

I know they are lies, too. But it doesn’t mean I can do anything about it.

This, though. This is what I can do for them.

This is how I clean up Earl Rinhold’s mess.

After closing pleasantries and slightly lifted spirits, I send Duchess and Duke Amesbury on their way. I consider the matter closed after providing the servants with orders of Lady Eleanor’s care, and I turn my attention back to Bernard.

“The other one?” I ask.

He nods and produces the second blood diamond. It’s even more perfect than the first.

“Helia sends her regards with the finest blood diamond ever created, as well as her vote of confidence,” he says as he hands it to me. “If there are monsters compatible with you out there, my king, you will find them.”

I hold up the gem to the moonlight and examine its symmetrical facets.

“I hope you’re right,” I murmur.

Because if I fail, it won’t matter what kind of man Earl Rinhold really is.

Scarlett would still be safer with him than with me.

Eight days, I promise myself.

Then the nightmare really begins.

CHAPTER 20

SCARLETT

It’s been three days since the fête, but it feels like three years.

My betrothed has been doting on me, but today he’s been out of the house, leaving me far too much time to think about things.

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