Page 65 of A Kingdom of Pleasure and Torment

My stomach drops. I’d thought myself willing to do it, but when faced with it as a fated certainty it carried a much heavier weight. “Kill the king?”

“I vow to you; it will not be your head on the block. That, I’ve already assured.”

I believe him. Though I don’t think he loves me, I do trust the bargain we made. He promised I will be safe.

“In the meantime, I want you to turn your attention only to the king. You will not lie with anyone else unless he requests it. He must believe you are taken with him and him alone.” Luthian puts his hands on my shoulders. “I cannot stress how important this is.”

“I think I know how to manipulate Arcus.” I giggle a little. “In fact, that is what I call him. He loves to hear me say his name.”

There is a flash of jealousy that Luthian is not quick enough to repress. I revel in it.

“Good,” he says stiffly. “Even his last queen was not afforded that privilege. He must be truly infatuated with you.”

At least, I think, someone is.

* * * *

I go to Arcus the next morning, as promised. The sylphs allow me to enter his chambers freely, and I wonder if Luthian’s plan won’t simply be for me to stroll in with a knife. No one would stop me.

What does stop me is the sight of Kathras at his father’s dining table. His boots are propped on the tabletop, and he gives me a look of contempt when I enter.

“Your Highness,” I say, sinking into a curtsey.

He makes a disgusted noise. “No need to be so formal, mother.”

So, Arcus has informed his sons. I wonder how Cassan took the news, considering his bet with Luthian. In stride, I assume.

“Please, don’t call me that,” I say, lifting my chin. “Especially since—”

“Especially since I fucked you?” He sneers at me. “Don’t worry, it won’t happen again.”

“I know it won’t. I’ll be queen. And your father’s mate.”

Kathras sniffs. “Interesting order in that sentence, Your Majesty.”

The title is a mockery.

I refuse to endure it. “You shouldn’t address me so. It’s disrespectful to the crown.”

“And what does a human know of the crown?” he demands. “What do you know of a faery court? You’ve only just arrived. Oh, I’ve heard all about your prowess, your exhibitionism. It’s the talk of every salon and card game. But do you know, really, what it will mean for you to be my father’s queen?”

“King Arcus is a wise man. I trust that he will teach me everything I must know.”

Kathras laughs. “Good luck with your trust.”

I’m about to retort when a door beyond the archway opens and Arcus emerges. “My sweet! You’re earlier than I expected.”

I go to him with a skip in my step. “I apologize, Your Majesty. I simply couldn’t wait any longer to see you.”

Kathras scoffs.

Arcus’s attention shifts to his son, then back to me. “This will take but a moment, Cenere, my love. Why don’t you sit on the bed and wait for me.”

I do as he asks and wonder if I should disrobe. I’m certain he means to have me.

Kathras rises and bows to his father. “You summoned me?”

“Yes,” Arcus says. “After you left last night, I thought of the things you said. Your attempts to dissuade me from making Cenere my queen.”

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