“And his new queen?” I quirk a brow.
Her breathing falters, and even I can feel the eyes of the people as their stares burn through her back.
“No answer for that one, is there?” I murmur, crouching down and lifting her chin. “And who are you to me?”
Her tongue swipes across her lips and she swallows, glancing at Edward. He nods at her, his hand rubbing up and down his arm.
She turns back, her dull gaze locking on mine. “I’m whoever you need me to be.”
I huff out a small breath, pinching her jaw before dropping my hand and standing upright. She’s not loyal to the cause, and even if she was, it doesn’t change the fact that Edward brought an outsider—a dangerous outsider—into our home base, and into our operation without telling me. But she’s a new tool in my arsenal, one that I can find use for.
Crossing my arms, I stare down at her. “You may rise.”
She puts her hands in front of her, pushing off the dirty wood floor as she stands, brushing her fingers down the front of her dress. Stepping in close, I palm the back of her head, leaning in so no one can hear. “You will be loyal to me, or I will make you watch as I disembowel everyone you love.”
Her body shakes beneath my touch.
“And then I’ll chain you up like a broodmare and let the hyenas stick their cocks wherever they please until you’re gaping and broken. I will keep you alive solely for their savage pleasures.” I pull back to look into her glossy, terrified eyes, and my free hand cups her cheek. “I’ll continue even when you’re begging for death. Do you understand?”
She nods and then hiccups, her cheeks wet with tears.
I step back, smiling as I face the rest of the room with my arms out wide.
“Everyone, welcome our newest warrior. She’s here to join the fight.”
CHAPTER 19
Sara B.
“I’m not an idiot, Marisol, I know how to dance.”
She purses her lips—her favorite thing to do these days—and places a hand on her hip. “This will be your first dance with His Majesty.”
Walking to the edge of the ballroom, I grab a glass of water and sip from it, wishing this dreadful “class” would be over with. I’ve been taking dancing lessons since I was a small child. I know what to do.
“It’s just awkward when your partner is another woman, that’s all.” I lift my shoulders.
She huffs. “Milady, I’m just trying to keep you from embarrassing yourself and the king.”
My eyes narrow, her thinly veiled insult sliding across my skin like needles. “No, of course we wouldn’t want to do that.”
She steps over to the cylinder phonogram, its large bell end sticking out like a brass instrument and moves the narrow edge down until music plays. Breathing in deep, I crack my neck just as the door to the ballroom on the far side of the eastern wall opens.
“Did I miss anything fun?” Sheina’s voice flows across the room, and I spin, a smile breaking across my face.
“Sheina! Where have you been? I’ve missed you.” I throw out my arms and drag her into a hug, my chest warming as I do.
“I’m dreadful for disappearing, aren’t I?” She tightens her hold on me. “I have so much to tell you,” she whispers in my ear.
Nodding, I break our hug, my hands trailing down her arms until I can squeeze her fingers with mine. Curiosity prods at the corners of my mind, wondering what it is she has to say, and where it is she’s been.
“Anything I can help with?” she asks, glancing around.
“Not unless you can find me a better dancer.” I turn to Marisol, scrunching my nose. “No offense.”
Marisol sighs, her blonde brows furrowing. “This is pointless.”
A laugh escapes me. “Oh, come on, Marisol. Lighten up!” I walk toward her, reaching out and gripping her shoulder. “Everything will be just fine. You’re doing an incredible job managing everything, and I’m sorry I’m making things difficult for you. But I do know how to dance, I promise.”
Her eyes soften, the corner of her lips tilting up and she nods, exhaling a heavy breath. “I’m sorry for being so… well, you know.” She shrugs. “Planning a ball is a lot of pressure.”
I smile. “Which is why I tasked you with the responsibility. I know you can handle it better than anyone else.”
Her features lighten as she nods.
“Why don’t you go take a break and allow Sheina and I to catch up.” I squeeze her shoulder, hoping that she won’t argue with me. I know she doesn’t wish to be here anymore than I do.