Page 13 of The Nightmare Queen

“Yes, thank you. Quite the display, your court. And a dragon! Incredible you managed to fit it indoors.” Will supplies.Well that was subtle, I think. I shoot him a quick glare for being so obvious.

Felix offers us a guarded smile as he sets down his paperwork. “Yes, well, our queen and her familiar prefer to be in close quarters.”

“Of course.” I interject before Will can blunder the conversation any further. “We only meant to imply that we weren’t aware any dragons were still around. Let alone docile. Most of our scholars thought them to be extinct.” Will gives me an apologetic look as he picks at his food in front of him.

“Vada is anything but docile I assure you.” Felix states. His hands are placed in his lap and he makes no move to eat the food in front of him. “Now, the queen will be meeting you promptly at daybreak. I’ll have clothes delivered to each of your rooms this evening for you to wear tomorrow. I trust that will be met with your approval?” He blinks at me, waiting for my reply.

“Clothes? I don’t understand. It’s a negotiation…what would be inappropriate about our regular clothing?” Will asks. Felix looks him up, down, and tilts his head, clearly contemplating whether he wants to answer that.

“The queen…likes to multitask. I thought it would be prudent for you both to wear comfortable attire. She prefers to keep things a little informal.” He replies curtly.

“Informal?” Will’s tone pitches up an octave.

Her head of council’s shoulders sag. “Sir Will, I understand you come from a long line of noblemen in your family. Am I correct?” Felix’s head cocks in the same predatory manner as Eveera.

“Yes, you’re correct.” He answers.

“And yet, you were chosen for military duty. To act as Prince Rorin’s personal guard, quite out of standard procedures.” I see Will’s eyes flash.

“I was second in line. I’m proud to hold this position.” I smile, for as much grief as I give him, he’s never failed his role.

Felix wipes at the corners of his mouth with a napkin. “Mm. Oh I have no doubt you take pride in your work.” He challenges again. I can see the gears working in Will’s head as he quietly agrees, pleasing Felix with the answer. “You see, no matter how averse to formalities our queen may be. She is still our queen, making us quite proud to serve underneath her.” His tone is even and steady as he lays that truth before us.

I use the moment to switch the inquisition back to Felix. “Speaking of Queen Eveera, is she not joining us tonight?” I catch he slightest crack in Felix’s cool and professional demeanor.

“No. She has other…court matters to deal with presently. She’ll be along later, I’m sure.” He motions for the staff to come over and clear our plates. Will and I exchange glances. “Would either of you want a nightcap? I would very much like to hear more about your request for the use of our armies, if you don’t mind?”Here’s your opening, I think. If I can get Felix as head of her council to side with us on the matter he can usher her into the same direction.

“Yes, of course I…” Movement slipping out of the wall panels cuts off my line of thought -do they just move through walls around here?My gaze snags on the queen, clad only in an excruciatingly tight, short-sleeved nightgown and calf high military grade boots. She has on her hips a lowslung belt filled with weapons - most notably throwing stars.Interesting choice.And despite having met her only a few hours ago somehow I am not even surprised to see she has more blood spattered all across her neck and face. The black snake tattoos coiled from wrist to shoulder ending at her sternum however, is a surprise.

She walks briskly past the table, not sparing any of us a single glance. Instead, she reaches for one of the exiting servants trays, grabs a few rolls and stomps out of the room.

Felix’s brow twitches in concern. “Ezra.” The name an order, and a built guard with blonde hair tied back moves off the wall. He nods at Felix, following quickly on the heels of the queen, ending the bizarre interruption. “Now, I believe you were just about to tell me your hypothetical plans for our military.”

I straighten my jacket, sitting up taller in my seat. “Before we move on to that…is she always covered in blood?” I ask looking at Felix directly.

A collective “Yes” from every person in the room sounds. My stomach dips, the realization that being around her is most likely going to end up with my blood on her skin and clothes.

What have I done?

Eveera

Felix has ordered Ezra to follow me. I just don’t have the energy to acknowledge him yet but I don’t bother closing my doors.

The shower turns on for the second time tonight.

I prefer not to sleep with someone’s blood on me.

My skin twitches at the presence of someone at my back. The shower becomes a lot more claustrophobic than it was a few seconds ago.

“E…” he starts, his chin resting on top of my head.

“No thoughts.” I say, turning around to face him.

His sandy blonde hair is already damp, falling around his face as he looks down at me. It’s not hard to imagine how we ended up here. We got close after he was placed as my head guard. He took his job very seriously and I…did not. It’s difficult to take someone meant to protect you seriously when you received the level of weapons and Wielding training that I did.

So, instead of respecting his role, I chose to charm and flirt with him until he either quit or fell into my bed. Clearly, based on his very naked presence in my shower, the latter won.

“I missed you.” He whispers.

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