Page 63 of The Queen

When the song drifted to a close, Grey escorted me back to my other mates.

“I suppose it’s your turn?” I asked Shadow.

One of his rare smiles lit his face. “No, I don’t dance. I think someone else is looking for you, though.” He nudged his chin toward a bumbling Titus, who made his way toward us through the crowd.

“Your Majesty,” he called to me just as he arrived. “There you are. I’ve been trying to catch you between partners, but you’re understandably very popular. Would you do me the honor of the next dance?”

I looked around for rescue, but my mates just smiled and didn’t step in. I’d remember that. Grey bit his lip, looking like he was trying to hold back a chuckle.

“Yes, of course I’ll join you for a dance. You’ll have to excuse my clumsiness. I’m not terribly good at this, and I don’t know the steps.”

Titus patted the back of my hand. “Don’t worry, my dear. I won’t lead you astray.”

When we reached the center of the floor, he positioned my hands correctly and guided me into a formal frame. He was a much better dancer than I expected and led with an ease of long practice.

“How are you enjoying the ceremonies, my dear?” His voice was jovial and seemed sincere.

“Everything has been lovely. I’ll have to remember to thank your wife for organizing the festivities while I settled in.” I paused for a moment, considering my next words. “You mentioned your willingness to carry on with basic government functions while l take my honeymoon trip. I appreciate that offer and will be taking you up on it. We’ll leave first thing in the morning. The Royal Imperatrix ship I arrived here on has everything we’ll need to be comfortable. It’ll have to be provisioned for the extended journey, of course. Otherwise, it’s perfect.”

The plan was in motion.

“Oh, my dear, I’m so happy to hear it. That’s quite fast and unexpected. Is there a reason you’re in a rush? Perhaps you have other good news you’d like to share?” His hazel eyes twinkled in anticipation.

The heat of the packed dance floor was rising and when we rounded a corner, I was forced to step closer to the alpha to avoid another couple. Under the woody, oak-tree scent curled a thread of sweet anise. Blood drained from my face, and I cast a frantic look to the edge of the floor. My mates were watching the interaction with interest.

I did my best to keep my voice level, but the ringing in my ears wasn’t helping. “No other news, just looking forward to spending quiet time with my mates. Mate.” I corrected myself hastily, hoping he wouldn’t make anything of the slip. I didn’t need a lecture in the middle of the dance floor while panic was threatening to take over rational thought.

The anise scent grew stronger the warmer it got. Memories of bloody hands and smoke were flashing through my mind.

I pulled away, nearly bumping into another couple as they sailed past. “Please excuse me, I’m afraid the exertion has gotten the better of me.”

“Of course, my dear. You’re looking a little pale. Should I call for the medic? Here, let me help you.” He reached for my hand.

“I’m fine. I must have just overdone it.” Offering the best smile I could, I turned away only to come face to face with Shadow.

“Thanks, but I’ll take it from here.” He looped an arm around my waist and helped me back to where my mates stood. “You look terrible.”

I nearly laughed at his bluntness. “We should go. There’s still a lot to do before morning.”

We knew the vanguard would be arriving, and we had to be ready to react.

Chapter Forty-Two

Saphyra

Why would Titus smell like anise? Why did he give Aster the fake soap? He lost his wife, his home, and could have lost his son when the Imperatrix invaded. The cost seemed too high to have risked being involved. But, he did win the regency as a result. Would that have been worth the risk to him?

I wanted to ask Lex if it was possible, but how could I ask someone I loved if his father betrayed us all? Lex lost so much that day. How could I question his father’s involvement?

Frustrated with unanswered questions ringing in my mind, I shoved another set of pants into a small rucksack, tucking them around my mother’s journal. The duke’s note—the one he’d passed to me at the dance—was tucked into its pages like a bookmark until I could give it to Ghost. Another long-sleeved shirt was added to the sack, covering the precious book. I only needed enough clothes for three days, but the bag was already straining at the seams.

Violet was in my closet, directing a handful of servants to deliver fancy dresses to the Imperatrix’s ship, and stowing my coronation gown. She was probably curious why I was packing a separate backpack with plain attire when the shuttle would be full to bursting, but too polite to ask.

Maybe I should tell her what was going on, but knowing would only put her in danger. Better if she thinks I’m on that ship when it leaves.

Ghost popped his head in the door of my quarters. “Time to go, princess.”

My mates didn’t want me staying in my cabin alone anymore than I did, so I did a quick mental count of the socks and under things before buckling the bag shut.

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