Page 67 of Of Monsters Of Kings

I burst into tears, overwhelmed by the sensations of my body and lust-filled mind. I cried flat on the stone floor and didn’t attempt to cover my face or self.

King See was right. I was undone.

“What is it?” he growled at last.

If he didn’t know, then how would I? I’d had an idea that an immortal king would know what to do with everything he’d created with mere silence.

I covered my face with shaking hands and willed the sobs to stop shaking me. Eventually, they did enough to allow speech, though pitiful hiccups distorted my words. “I think you have forgotten I’m a new monster tonight.”

No answer.

“Is our bargain done, King See?”

A ragged inhale. A weary sigh. “Our bargain is done. Go now.”

Chapter Fifteen

How many people knew the truth of what happened in that tower?

If they could explain it, I’d be much obliged.

“But will you not come tomorrow night, Lady Perantiqua?” Is asked mournfully.

Bring’s princes had left the hotel with the approach of dawn, and See’s princes were about to leave also. I hoped.

“No,” I snapped, shoving my messy bun out of my face.

Valetise had offered oversized clothing all week since the bodysuit affair, and I’d snatched up each outfit in a bid to hide and shrink away inside them.

“Our liege doesn’t understand why you won’t see him,” Has Been said. “If you would but tell us, we could pass on a message. Or you could tell him yourself?”

“No,” I repeated.

They’d been at this all week.

I stormed across the courtyard and up to my room, then froze at the press of power from the level above. I shrank into the shadows of my room. I didn’t want to see him ever again.

Never.

“Perantiqua, I would speak with you.” King See’s voice curled around me in a cloying kind of way, like being wrapped in a heavy blanket when your body was overheated.

I didn’t answer. I didn’t want to see him. How long had he watched me and the princes?

“She’s worn those outfits all week,” Has Been informed his liege. “What did you do to her?”

His words were almost admonishing. I’d never heard him speak to King See in such a manner.

The king snarled, “What I did is between me and the lady. Leave now.”

“Don’t leave,” I called to the princes. “I don’t wish to see him.”

Why did my voice have to hitch so pathetically? I’d wanted to sound confident and assertive.

“Tell me why you don’t wish to see me, mistress.” See didn’t sound irritated. He didn’t sound anything, and that served to upset me more.

I dashed away a tear. “Because…”

Because I felt very small at the thought of being in his company after what happened a week ago. “Go away, King See. I will not see you.”

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