Page 149 of Bloodguard

“He had you bring me bread,” I say, gesturing to the basket.

They smile at having pleased me.

“Kindly tell our most revered and distinguished king to shove these rolls up his ass and not forget to butter.”

They stop smiling.

Terror makes their round faces slack. They think I’ll actually make them do it. I groan. “Hmm. I guess you’re not up to poisoning him, either?”

Oh, and there’s that terror again.

“Sorry. I’m joking.” I’m not, but why upset them? Besides, if I intentionally kill Soro, directlyorindirectly, I die with him. It’s one of the many conditions he placed in our blood oath.

It’s a last resort, and it’s one I’ll take if there’s no other option.

But…there must be another option. My people need me as their queen.

“I’m not hungry,” I say. “Please enjoy the meal yourselves.”

They blink back at me, no doubt thinking I’m baiting them. They must be bound to the castle and know of me solely through court gossip. I can only imagine what the likes of Aisling have told them about me. Aisling—oh, yes, she’s at the top of my kill list as well.

I ease toward the women, hating how they cower.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” I promise. My words are cut short when I note exactly how thin they are. “Please. Eat.”

“We can’t,” Brynne says. “It’s not allowed.”

“I’m allowing it,” I say. “I’m also requesting extra portions so that everyone stuck serving these dipshits can eat.” I don’t mean to raise my voice and scare them, yet it’s what I end up doing. “I’m sorry,” I add quickly. “It’s an…order?”

Lita looks hopefully at Brynne. “If it’s an order, then we must obey.”

“Yes,” I say. “Yes, please obey.”

They bow, leaving me standing here wishing I could do more.

As the doors close, my ears twitch at a chittering sound.

But when I turn, the sound stops. I make my way slowly back to the side of the bed, sinking to my knees. Tibeta, one of the tiniest estrellas, pokes her head around the leg of the bed. She’s alive!

I sweep her up in my hands, covering her tiny, furry face with my kisses.

“Tibeta,” I say. “My sweet little darling. My baby. I’m so happy to see you.”

She presses her face against my nose, clutching me to her, tears running down her whiskers as she weeps.

Poor thing. She must have stowed away in the wagon and hidden until she could find me.

The outermost door to the apartment opens, and I hear the rumble of Soro’s voice, along with Tut the ogre’s.

Tibeta leaps onto my shoulder as I push a dresser against the double doors to my chamber. I open my palm, and once she’s hopped onto it, I head to the one window in the apartment.

There’s nothing but jagged rocks below it. I make a hooting sound, hoping she’ll mimic me. Tibeta cocks her head and repeats the noise. Good. This is good. Estrellas have symbiotic relationships with avian creatures, and the nearest bird should answer her call.

I look around and focus on the large bottle of belladom. “Tibeta, nightshade,” I say. When she lifts her large ears, I think she might understand me. “Nightshade,” I say again, hoping she comprehends enough to return with it.

She chitters in panic, then quiets. She knows I’m sending her away, and I’m worried she’s too scared to leave me.

A large black owl swoops in, landing on the sill. She looks at Tibeta once, then at me, as if curious why an estrella would summon her.

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