Page 19 of Tortured Royals

“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Prince Callan growls, and concern flashes on his face before it’s gone again.

Queen Vespera lifts her hand to silence him, her gaze not leaving me. “What say you, princess? How badly do you want to ensure Toralyn does not fall?”

It’s a little fucked up that she’s asking if I care for the angel realm more than she does, and I hesitate.

“Don’t you even think it, girl. Remember what Nate said about her parties.”

But I’ve never let the demon king down, and I refuse to let the witches end us all. My lips stretch into a dark smile to match the queen’s. “Sounds great.”

Chapter

Eight

~ Princess Blake ~

“Tell me I’m not the only one who has a bad feeling about this,”Shade says as she stands on my shoulder.

“It’s not just you,”I reply with a tight smile. Reaching up, I adjust one of the straps of my black gossamer gown. After our discussion with Queen Vespera, we’d been escorted to a bedchamber where we could freshen up and prepare for the party. Prince Callan had disappeared, saying something about having errands to attend to, and the garments had been promptly delivered to us with a message that guards would escort us to the ballroom in a few hours.

Prince Callan arrived in time to join our escort, and unlike the rest of my mates who are wearing black suits that match my dress, he’s wearing a pristine, white suit trimmed with gold. It shouldn’t bother me, but I can’t help but feel like his clothing choice is some kind of statement.

Blowing out a breath, I try not to think about it as we turn down a long corridor that’s completely bare besides the decorative golden cornices and patterned cream wallpaper.

“Well, it’s still not too late to turn back,”Shade says.“We could use Mason’s portal ring and hightail it back to Seral.”

“We need to get through to Queen Vespera. If this is what it takes to get her to agree to call for aid, then we’ll attend her party. How bad can it be?”I say the last part sarcastically, but Shade answers anyway.

“Uh, have you forgotten about the torture and death part?”

“I haven’t forgotten.”

“Well, you could have fooled me, because for someone who still hasn’t bonded with her mates, this feels a little risky.”

She’s right, but it still doesn’t change anything. I tell myself the only reason I’m going is to ensure the queen seeks help in Toralyn, but I know that’s not the full truth. I saw how Queen Vespera treated Prince Callan, and it bugs me. I want to know more about him, and more about her. More about this whole damn place where my mother came from.

Shade adjusts her perch on my shoulder, balancing on a small patch of leather that’s strapped there.

“And what if the queen is right, and the witches don’t pose as big a threat as you think?”

“Then everyone goes home again after we’ve squashed whatever resurgence this is. It’s better to be overprepared.”

Before we reach the guarded double doors at the end of the corridor, Prince Callan stops and turns to face our group. Lines of worry crease his handsome face. “Once we enter those doors, there’s no going back. The queen has different wards around specific areas of the palace, and portal magic won’t work in there. If you wish to return to Seral, this is your last chance.” There’s the faintest slice of hope in his eyes.

I hold his gaze. “Would you be coming with us?”

His brows lower. “I—No, not today.”

I shrug. “Then we’re staying. Besides, you know I can’t go. Not until the queen calls on the allied realms.”

“And you know we’re not leaving without our mate,” Mason adds. “A lesson you would do well to learn.”

Prince Callan’s gaze hardens. “Then so be it. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Yeah, like he warned us about those porn clouds? Great job, buddy. Great job,”Shade snarks.“Wait, you don’t think the queen will have them in there, do you?”

“What?”

“The porn clouds.”

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