Page 53 of Kings and Monsters

Nimue didn't hide her tears as she stared her dead in the eye. "Aeronwen, you have gone too far. It doesn't matter how much magic you steal, no matter how far you run, you won't survive what will come for you."

The queen backhanded her, knocking her down. Pretending to be stunned and bleeding on the floor, Nimue focused on the bloody scene beneath her.

Merlin…don't wait any longer.

"Remove this wretched girl from my sight," the queen demanded.

Nimue was hoisted up roughly and tossed over Fintan's armored shoulder.

"She has them all so terrified. They are too scared to move against her," Fintan whispered by her ear as they left the arena. "At least for now."

"How can you serve her like that? There was no way a dagger would harm Balthasar, even before he was made into that…thing."

"Do you think I would serve her if I had a choice? I would've left months ago, only Eirianwen asked me to stay. Don't worry; they are starting to move against the queen, and it won't be long now. Once the Unseelie arrive, I know most of the Seelie will help fight to bring the queen down," Fintan lowered her to her feet. "Be ready for a fight in a few days."

"I'm always ready for a fight," Nimue said. "You think I haven't tried to escape because I enjoy your company so much?"

Fintan's smile was bright and brief. "When the time comes, I'll get you out. I promise."

"When the time comes, Merlin will tear this place apart, and you won't have to." Nimue took the rope, making a loop around her thighs as a harness. "Stay out of his way if you value your life. He's not going to be in the right mind to recognize friend from foe, especially if it's a Seelie."

"How will I know it's him?"

Despite her heavy heart, Nimue couldn't hold in her small, mad laugh. "Sweet boy, you know a lightning storm when you see it, don't you? Trust me, you won't need an introduction."

Fintan gave her extra candles, and slowly she was lowered back into darkness.

Nimue lit a candle, wrapped herself in the woolen blanket, and placed her hand into the hole in the floor. She knew it was next to hopeless, but she reached out for Merlin, wanting to hear his voice just once. A long time passed before the faintest whisper returned to her.Safe. Love you.

Nimue laughed with relief before curling up on the floor and trying to sleep. Whatever magic had deformed Balthasar, Bleddyn and his brothers would be able to unravel it…and Merlin was coming.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Bleddyn knew Gwyn wanted to talk to him by the wave of powerful fear and dread that consumed him. It was a call to violence, of the destruction of his enemies, a hunting horn and sharp blade between the ribs.

Bleddyn found Gwyn in the throne room, lounging across his father's black and silver chair.

"It has been an age since I have seen this room," Gwyn said by way of greeting. His silver eyes stared appreciatively at Rosa's standard hanging from the beams. "I approve of the new décor."

"My daughter is a worthy addition to the Seren Du bloodline," Bleddyn replied. He wasn't offended that Gwyn was sitting on his throne, but he wasn't going to let him forget who Rosa belonged to.

"Only recently your daughter, it would seem. When I made my first agreement with her, she was a Wylt."

"The Wylts are my wife's family, and therefore I've always considered them my own."

"A charming sentiment, but we both know it's the blood that matters," Gwyn said.

"Making an agreement with a seven-year-old seems out of character, Gwyn. What did she ask for? Lollies?"

"To ride with me when we next met?—"

"She would've been thrilled to fulfill that agreement with you in the past few days. She always did love to hunt," Bleddyn interrupted. "That means there is only one agreement to be completed, despite its many caveats."

"I don't know why the terms would bother you. They are up to Rosa to fulfill…if she can."

Bleddyn laughed loudly. "You underestimate Rosa's love for Balthasar if you think those challenges will stop her from getting what she wants."

Gwyn's smile didn't falter. "She seems very adamant that he lives, but we both know Aeronwen won't leave him unbroken. It's not in her nature to be merciful. Even if he is alive, Balthasar won't be the man Rosa fell in love with. She doesn't deserve to have a weak, broken consort."

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