Page 39 of A Reign of Malice
“Are you threatening me?” He steps closer, our noses nearly touching as his chest heaves.
“I’m merely telling you what I see as our options. You can take that as a threat or as an opportunity to find solutions to these issues before they explode any further.”
He lifts his hand and settles it over my neck, his fingers splayed before tightening over my skin. He squeezes, nearly as hard as he did my arm. Still, I don’t flinch. I don’t even blink. I hold his stare, allowing my wolf to come forward.
If Aeson wants a challenge, I won’t back down. Hell, I just might take his kingdom from him. I haven’t thought about what happens once Julian is free, but I do know the man before me isn’t going to control me.
His fingers twitch. His jaw clenches.
He lets go.
“You might be right, Queen Sloane.” He extends his hand once more. “Let’s go enjoy our evening.”
I don’t know if this is Aeson conceding or if he’s trying to figure out a way to kill me now, but either way, I decide to keep playing the game, accepting his gesture.
As we continue toward the dining hall, my ankle strains with each step, but I don’t falter, shoving any remnants of pain down. When we get to the open doors, I remember the task I’d given Clara. One it seems she followed through on.
Easton, one of my advisors, is standing there with a wry smile on his face. He bows appropriately as we approach. “King Aeson. Queen Sloane. I’m here to step in for Clara while she takes a brief reprieve from her role as lead advisor.”
“Easton.” I offer him a nod, holding back my grin. “I didn’t realize you were staying in the castle.”
I thought he was still in Alcaris. I guess this is what happens when I allow myself to be distracted by a mate trapped in a cave.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I arrived yesterday.” There’s a glint in his hazel eyes that tells me I’ve missed something but figuring out what is going to have to wait.
“How many advisors do you have?” Aeson asks tensely. “We really don’t need more in Venaris.”
“Let’s save that conversation for later, shall we, my king?” I say with a little too much honey in my voice.
Aeson’s jaw ticks, but he doesn’t press the issue in front of witnesses.
Instead, he grips my hand tighter and guides me into the dining hall.
As we pass Easton, his presence nudges my mind.
“I spoke with Clara,”he says. “I was able to let Estee know you’d like her to arrange for a girl’s evening promptly after dinner. Clara will also be temporarily resigning from her duties, passing them onto me.”
“While I appreciate you stepping in, I don’t really think that will be necessary as of tomorrow.”I trust Easton, but Clara’s more than my advisor, and I need her at my side.
“She asked me to let you know that she won’t be far,”he replies quickly.“Stepping back will allow her to do her research. Something she said you’d understand.”
The knot that had been forming in my stomach loosens. She’s not abandoning me. She’s giving herself more time to solve our problem of getting through those damn runes. Smart.
By the time we reach the long dining table, the others are already seated.
The chandeliers above cast fractured light across the sparkling silver place settings, the deep purple banners draped along the walls adding a regal contrast. It’s elegant. Opulent.
And I hate it.
I force a pleasant expression, slipping into my role with ease. As I let Aeson lead me forward, Estee and Isla rise from their seats.
They march straight for me with wide smiles, effectively cutting Aeson off before he can pull out my chair.
“So, we were talking,” Estee starts, grabbing my hand before Aeson can object, pulling me away without a glance in his direction.
Aeson isn’t going to like this.
She leans in, lowering her voice just enough to sound conspiratorial. “Have you ever heard of a bachelorette party?”
