“And someone clean up this mess,” she snapped, her dark eyes flashing with a hint of eather. “That was not kind of you, daughter. He is, after all, your brother-in-law.”
“He had it coming,” Kieran said with a smirk.
“Maybe.” Isbeth stepped to the side as a servant hastily cleaned up the shattered glass. She took a deep breath, and the faint glow faded from her eyes. The strain left her mouth. “As I was saying, there is much to be discussed. This war. The kingdoms. The True King. That is why I allowed you to enter the capital.”
Still rattled by Malik’s emotions, I said, “You want to have a discussion? That’s not going to happen until you release Casteel and my father.”
The Blood Queen’s laugh was like wind chimes. “My darling, think of what you’re asking. You want me to give up leverage—the only thing that keeps you from doing something incredibly reckless and foolish? Something you’d regret? You should thank me.”
I drew back. “Thank you? Are you out of your—？”
“You are my daughter, Penellaphe.” Her hand snapped out, curling around my chin. This time, I warned Kieran and Reaver off with a raised hand. Her hold wasn’t painful. Her touch wasn’t warm, but it wasn’t cold like an Ascended’s. “I carried you in my womb and cared for you until it was no longer safe for me to do so. That is why I tolerate from you what I would not allow from others.” Her eyes flashed once more. “That is why I will give you—only you—what you haven’t even begun to earn. But you must make a choice. You either see your King or your father. Not both.”
“I want both.”
“That’s not an option, Penellaphe.” Her eyes bored into mine. “And soon, neither will be. So, make your choice and do so quickly.”
I stiffened, hands curling into fists. “Casteel,” I forced out, and guilt churned, bordering on shame. My father was important, but I couldn’t choose differently.
Isbeth smiled. She had known who I would pick. She dropped my chin. “I will let you see your precious King, and then you and I will talk. And you will listen.”
“Your Highness.” The male in front of me bowed at the waist. He had to be the Revenant Kieran had spoken about. Callum. Everything about him was golden—his hair, skin, clothing, and the winged mask painted on his face. Everything except his eyes. They were the same milky blue as Millicent’s. She’d resurfaced when they led us out of the chamber, along with a less pale but not-so-smug Malik.
From what I could see, the Revenant was handsome, the curve of his chin and cheeks almost delicate. Oddly enough, he reminded me of one of the porcelain dolls stowed away in the wardrobe.
“It is an honor to finally meet you,” Callum said, straightening.
I doubted it was an honor, so I said nothing.
Callum smiled, nonetheless. “You wish to see your King?”
“Yes.” Opening my senses, I brushed against thick, shadowy walls.
“Then follow me.” Callum started to turn. “But only you. They cannot come.”
“We’re not leaving her,” Kieran stated.
“I said I would let you see him,” the Blood Queen spoke, surrounded by Handmaidens and silent Royal Knights, who also appeared to be a mixture of vampry and Revenant. “Not all of you. That is asking for too much, while thinking little of my intelligence. They will remain behind to ensure your behavior.”
Reaver shook his head, his chin low. “You insult our intelligence if you think we will allow her to walk off alone.”
The Blood Queen’s gaze flicked to the draken and lingered far longer than was comfortable. “If you choose not to agree, then you will not see him at all.”
Kieran stiffened, as did I. He knew what I would decide before I could even speak. “I agree,” I said, meeting Kieran’s stare. “I will be fine.”
“Of course, she will,” Callum confirmed.
I ignored him as I looked at the Blood Queen, catching and holding her gaze. The Primal essence burned in my chest, sparking. The air charged around me. “If anything happens to them, I will bring this entire castle down on your head, stone by stone.”
“Goosebumps,” Callum murmured, lifting his arms. “You’ve given me goosebumps. Remarkable.” His gaze flicked to me. “I haven’t felt such power in, well…” The edge of his teeth dragged over his lip. “In a very long time.”
Reaver’s head swiveled in Callum’s direction. “How long?”