Page 14 of Red Queen

“Perhaps,” I say.

“But remember, Eleanna,” he says in warning against my ear, sending tremors over my skin. “In this alliance, you will also accept my rule at your side once we’ve vanquished our enemy.”

The concept grates against every fiber of my being, yet the thought of reclaiming my throne, of enacting vengeance, is too tantalizing to dismiss.

“Rule by your side? You are not royalty, and a queen such as I does not share her crown lightly,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Nor does a general relinquish command. We will be equals, in all things.”

His conditions sit in the silence, even as my mind races. What he wants is huge, outrageous. Not just a role as consort, but king. My equal.

When we were betrothed, he would never have been my king. But now…it’s like he’s seized the opportunity, his ambitions finally exposed to me.

Yet the threat against me and this land in the form of Catarina is very real, very dire. Like his proposal.

And I see it for what it is. This isn’t just a negotiation; it’s a seismic shift in the landscape of my future, challenging the foundation of my solitude and supremacy. It unnerves yet compels me, igniting a conflict deep within that I can’t easily quell.

It drives home what’s at stake because I am considering the unimaginable.

But what choice do I have? Who else would aid me? Has an army as vast and powerful as Alexandru?

Who else could garner more strength in the middle of a coup? Only Alexandru has the intelligence, ruthless streak and gifts in warcraft to win this from under Catarina.

“Very well,” I say, the decision coating my tongue like honey and venom. I extend my hand, the gesture one of acceptance and insolence. “To victory and vengeance.”

He clasps my hand, the contact searing. “To sex and ruling the realm together,” Alexandru says, sealing our fate.

When I withdraw my hand, I allow myself a sly, triumphant smile. The game is set, and I’m a masterful player as I plot and plan. Yes, I will agree to Alexandru’s terms. For power, for the throne, for revenge—I will pay any price. Just like I’ll search for a way out of this deal. I will have the last word in this.

And as I stand before him, the flames of ambition licking at my heart, I can’t deny the pull of attraction that binds us, fueled by hate and hunger alike.

Alexandru locks his eyes with mine, heated and unyielding. Neither of us moves. His face is pure benevolence and finally I start to turn to make my way inside to my rooms.

He moves fast, silent. I’m pinned against the door, just inside, his hand strong, warm, alive around my throat.

My heart soars up as excitement surges. He squeezes and my upper thighs slicken with juices. His tongue traces a path along my artery up and he bites hard on my lobe.

A soft sound slides free as my knees give way.

“Do not take me for a fool, Eleanna.”

“I—”

His hand tightens and he cuts off my words, my air and my body throbs.

“And do not take my bedding of you as a weakness.” He bites me again and I moan. Then he lifts his head, pressing against me, all that muscle holding me in place.

He could just stand there and dominate by his mere presence, he’s that magnetic. And a sick part of me yearns for his authority, his dominion, his disdain.

My vision pops with bursts of black as he squeezes harder still, and this time I scrabble at his hands as he slides a thigh between mine.

“Are your lungs hurting? Or is your need for cock overtaking the need to breathe?” He lifts his head to look at me but doesn’t release his hold. “I know you, and I know you think you can control me with your cunt. I know you think you can find a way to back out of our deal. You can’t. I’m no longer under your spell.”

His words hurt. He loosens his hold a little and I suck in a breath. But when I try to speak, he squeezes hard once again.

“We can make it a blood deal. Yours and mine. The bargain starts now in my bed to seal the agreement.” Alexandru’s silver eyes take me in. “You wish to speak?”

He loosens his hold once more.

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