Page 37 of The War Queen's Daughter

They’re gathered there at the far end, though they don’t seem to notice me until I’m upon them. And they’re not alone, Altar looking up from where he sits among them, his eyes flying wide as he takes me in.

I couldn’t care less if the whole court sees me this way. “Which one of you dared,” I snarl. But no, it can’t be them. They’re not strong enough. Whoever attacked me was a warrior, not some flimsy excuse for a princess.

“Clothe yourself,” Vae snaps at me. Is she really trying to cover Altar’s eyes?

That only makes me stand prouder, thrusting my breasts out in front of me. “I will,” I say, “once the Overprince has had his fill.”

Altar blushes, but he doesn’t look away.

I leave, searching for the footprints. But there’s grass here in the garden, and the droplets have dried. I check every exit and finally look up.

They fled over the rooftops. The way I exited last night.

And now I’m gut-punched and shaking. There were two things I needed to process as the hands loosened around my neck. The first allowed me to escape.

The second is now surfacing and hits me hard. I knew the hands that tried to drown me.

Did Zenthris just try to kill me?

No, it can’t be. Then Kell? Or one of their group?

Altar approaches me, his expression now neutral. “What happened?”

“Someone tried to drown me,” I growl back. His eyes fly wide again. “Someonefailed.”

“So it would seem.” He’s now anxious, drawing near, looking down at me with real concern. “I’ll call the guard.”

“And they’ll do what?” I brush off his worry. Perhaps I could use this moment, take advantage of his concern, but I’m too angry. “Excuse me,” I say, ignoring the muttering princesses and their lingering stares.

“Has she no shame?”

No shame about nakedness, I think, my mind clear despite the shock.There is shame about murder.

“Remalla,” he says, his voice low. “Please, let me help. There must be something I can do.”

“Marry me,” I tell him. “Or one of them.” I sweep my arm in a wide gesture at the princesses who gasp at my boldness. “Just make a fucking decision, Altar.”

I don’t mean to blame him for this. I’m honestly more furious with myself than with him. I was caught unawares, and that is on me. Completely and utterly on me. I’m ashamed of my slip and, even more so, now afraid.

That the rogue I’m craving is the one I’ll need to kill for my revenge.

Altar takes my hand, his grip surprisingly firm. “I assure you, I will look into this personally.” Has he even heard me? “This attack will not stand. I’ll have patrols increased around the wing.” As if that will matter. I just stand there, still dripping, and wait for his anxious reaction to run its course. “From this moment, Princess Remalla, you will have personal protection assigned to you. A full complement of guards, at your door, at all times.”

What is he on about? “Altar,” I say. “Enough.” I sound like Zenthris.

The Overprince is shaking, though, and has the bit in his teeth. “But this is not a battlefield. This is my home. And I will not have my guests assaulted under my roof.” His eyes are wide and genuine, and there’s a quiet strength there I hadn’t seen before.

I catch a glimpse of Vae. She stands with the other princesses, but her eyes are slitted, watching me with a cold, terrifying intensity. Her beautiful face has contorted, her lips pressed into a thin, white line. She is clearly furious, jealous. I can only hope she is behind the assassination attempt.

Her vicious threats, her hatred for Heald, her ambition… it fits. If I’m honest, it fits all of them.

Why then do I fear the hands that gripped my neck are ones I already know?

The weight of Altar’s attention is a strange mix of protection and constraint. Like it or not, I have him where I want him.

And this game is far from over.

Chapter 20

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