Page 101 of The Hive Queen

Lord Marius watches me eat for a moment, pride in his gaze, before he places a slice of quiche on his plate.

We eat in silence for a bit, and while it’s awkward, it’s not uncomfortable. I need to ask about the Hive Queen, but I don’t know how to lead into it without ruining the moment.

Setting my fork down, I reach for the cup ofcapunis, take a sip of the flaming liquid, and close my eyes in appreciation. Coffee from the Black Mountain really is the best on any plane of existence.

Warmth spreads over my chest, and I take another sip, allowing the fire to burn my mouth before swallowing.

I open my eyes to find Lord Marius watching and smile at him. “I appreciate this treat.”

“If you’d like, I can arrange a shipment for you,” he offers. “Or would that put Ga’Vine in an awkward position?”

Food from the demon plane isn’t legal yet on our side of the veil, since so much of it will kill humans. That doesn’t stop the black market from selling it, of course, but flaunting illegal contraband right under Sharpe’s nose probably isn’t the best.

I take another sip, the warmth in my chest growing, before I set the mug down. “Perhaps we should keep it as something I indulge in when we visit you.”

Tears shimmer in his eyes, and he blinks quickly. “That is more than agreeable.” His gaze drops to my chest. “May I ask about that?”

Confused, I glance down to see a red glow shining from beneath the thermal shirt I pulled on. “Oh, it’s Marc’s. I forgot to give it back.” I hook a finger around the chain and pull it out to show Lord Marius the hideous amulet. “Darius got it for him before he—”

I break off as I realize Lord Marius probably doesn’t know what happened. I destroyed the bodyguard he’d sent to protect me before we reached the Fox god, and since Marc is still walking around just fine, there’s no reason anyone would know of Darius’s demise.

Grief fills me, and I look down at my plate as I speak the words. “Darius is no longer with us. He was killed a month ago in battle.”

His large hand hesitantly covers mine. “This makes you sad.”

“It does. And regretful.” I clear my throat before I look back up at my sire. “His loss made me realize that holding onto grudges only hurts me.”

His eyes, so much like my own, search my face. “You would have him back, if it were possible?”

“In an instant. There was anger and resentment between us for so long, but I didn’t hate him when he died, and I regret not telling him that.” I touch the amulet. “Marc and I both miss him.”

Lord Marius’s lips part, but I push forward before he can offer his condolences. “We’re actually working on a case right now that Darius would have helped with.”

He pulls his hand back. “Oh?”

I take another sip ofcapunis, the flames burning away the lump of sadness in my throat. “The Hive Queen has resurfaced. Do you remember her?”

Lord Marius’s thick brows sweep together. “Yes, of course. It’s one of the monsters who was released from the Forgetting when it was destroyed. It’s on a list of several creatures we need to recapture.”

“Well, she’s in Clearhelm. We fought her last night and failed, despite having the Shard of Destiny.” My hand curls into a fist of frustration. “We don’t know why the Shard didn’t work, and Darius was the last one who successfully defeated this monster. He was contracted under Lord Talkis at the time. Do you think he would know why the Shard failed?”

Lord Marius shakes his head. “No, Lord Talkis enjoyed the prestige of having the best of the hunters without dirtying his own hands in the fights.”

My shoulders slump. “Is there anyone else who might know? One of the other court knights who were around back then?”

“Before you, Darius always hunted alone.” A troubled expression crosses his face. “This Hive Queen puts Flanagan and Marceau in danger.”

“Along with every other witchblood in the world.” I shake myself and force a smile. “My apologies for bringing up work. How are the flowers in the Wasteland? Are they continuing to flourish?”

“I have not visited them since the last email I sent.” His troubled gaze shifts to the spread of food on the table. “My time was occupied with preparing for today.”

Guilt cuts into me at the obvious care he took with our first get-together since the war and how I had practically been using him for information. “Perhaps, next time, you can come to the cabin, and I can make you a meal.”

“I would enjoy that greatly.” He lifts his fork, then sets it down and turns to me. “I would help you.”

I frown in confusion. “With making dinner? I’ve learned to cook since our summers together.”

He shakes his head and takes a deep breath. “I want you to know I did not keep this from you lightly.”

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