Page 60 of The Nightmare Queen

“Yeah. See, they’re more of an experiment. On loan to me if you will, to see if we work well together.” The furrow in his brow deepens.

“On loan?” My father’s right hand councilman, Lord Birk, pipes up just as Eveera’s presence slips into my mind. Her magic grows as it slides up my body and coils around my neck. An odd sensation rolls over my skin as her fingers graze down my back, the soft touch feeling far more intimate than I am sure is intended.

“What is this?” Lord Birk speaks again, waving his hands around to gesture at me. I look down and my body looks like it’s been wrapped in macabre ribbon. “Wholoanedyou these men?” Birk pushes while my father’s eyes flash at me. I notice my mother inch closer to him and her hand curls around his bicep.

Eveera carefully steps out from behind me, her hand position mimicking that of my mother. I dip my chin down to gaze over her as her magic slinks back into her tattoos, her fingers gripping a little tighter as they do so.

A wicked smile forms on her rosy lips. “I did.”

She didn't hold that position long, her hands now folded more professionally behind her back. “That’s one way to make an introduction.” I whisper down the seal taking the opportunity to reach behind her and lock a finger with hers, showing her that in this room we are still on the same side as she did for me only moments ago.

Her voice is still and calm as she replies. “Just playing my role, as you reminded me.”

“What have you done?” Lord Birk shouts, whipping his head back and forth between our brigade and my father. “Your Highness, they’ve they-it’s TREASON!”

“Arrest us then.” Eveera says, her shoulders shrugging.

I snap my head down at her.“Want to clue me in here?”I press into her mind but she's quiet in there. I let go of her finger and move my hand up to cup her shoulder. Absentmindedly I find my thumb drawing lazy circles on the exposed skin. “You would arrest your own prince?” I dare, Birk’s eyes narrowing in on me.

My father’s hand scrubs down his clean shaven face,“it’s an intriguing thought. Might serve you right - I could’ve sworn I told younotto seek out their help. And yet, here you are joined at the hip with whom I can only assume is the elusive Queen of Obsidian.”

I huff. “It was a mistake to dismiss my suggestion. The directives Bair has received have left us wide open for attack. You gave Bennett and I practically useless formations and faulty instructions. It was no wonder Hadar’s Guards had almost infiltrated our borders and without the Obsids they would’ve succeeded only a few days ago.” My words come out in a shout.

My father taps his finger against his chin, “bold of you to assume my directives were useless. Even more bold to seek help from such a notorious royal.”

Eveera’s shoulders straighten. “I’ll take that as a thank you.” She quips.

His eyes cut sharp, “take it as you will. You’ll fit right in with my son who seems to be interpreting my words as a great many things these days.” He looks at Eveera and her guards before leveling his gaze on my two men. “You two are very lucky I am feeling merciful today.” Will sucks in a breath. “I should strip you both of your rank for going along with my son’s antics. But I won’t - this time.” Both of their heads droop and they take that as their cue to exit the council room and wait for us outside.

“We will discuss things later.” My father says, his words a command not a suggestion.

“Can’t wait.” I mutter, gripping onto her and pulling her back with me all the way back out in the hall. I was anticipating that to be more eventful than it was. “Bennett, will you take Eveera’s men to where your quarters are and find them rooms. Have one of the servants set them up accordingly.” He gives me a nod corralling her men around to follow him. I grab her by the elbow and start dragging her down the opposite way, towards my room.

She yanks at her arm trying to loosen my hold, “is there a reason you are manhandling me, princeling?” She snaps yanking at her arm again, “could you-UGH!Let go of me?” I shake my head, pulling her up the white marble stair that will spit us out into The Glass Hall. Looking over my shoulder I see she has her free hand up to shield her eyes. “Must everything be so bloody bright? Have you people never heard of curtains?”

I laugh. “Don’t ask me, ask my mother.”

She grimaces, “rather not.” The frosted glass doors of my bedroom come into view, the glass shaking as I slam them closed behind us.

“There.” I say letting go of her arm and walking into the space that looks as untouched as I left it. “Now before we talk about our next steps.Bedroom is to the left and the bathroom is through there.” I point in the direction of the two rooms as I take a seat on one of the gaudy couches.

She folds her arms across her chest, my eyes darting up to avoid staring at how little coverage she has in that position. “I don’t understand.” She says.

I stretch out across the couch, “well considering the circumstances, and my father’s…reaction, I didn’t think it would be safe for you to have your own quarters.”

“All apart of your plan to make us look romantically involved?” She gags on the phrase, while tilting her head to peek in the bedroom and back at me. “There’s only one bed.” A statement not a question.

I move my head up and down in exaggerated motion. “Mhmm.”

She scoffs, “you didn’t mention that a piece of your plan was us sharing a bedroom.” Her voice turning accusatory.

“Told you we’d need to be convincing.” Turning on her heel she marches into my room and shuts the door behind her. I pat the cushion underneath my head. The couch is comfortable enough but…I peer up at the closed doors.I’m going to have to convince her to let me stay in the room somehow.

My eyes close, resting and waiting for her to decide to come out of the room. A knock sounds outside and Bennett peeks his head in accompanied by a blonde that I actually like, “how’d she take the news of you sharing a room?” He asks.

I hop up reaching for my bourbon on the mantle. I pour each of us a glass, “she was pissed. How did you think she’d respond to the news.” Millie - the blonde - covers her mouth, smothering a laugh. “It isnotfunny.”

“A girl immune to your wiley personality? Even with your reputation you’ve had girls pawing at you since we were children.”

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