Page 93 of The Nightmare Queen

“Leave her. Let her king be the one to clean up the mess.” I order, spinning back around on my heel to figure out what’s going on outside of the castle.

Mousy catches up to me his voice brimming with anger. “He won’t forgive you for this.”

I take a deep breath, picking up my pace. “That isn’t my problem. It’s his.”

“You feel so little for him?” His question is quiet - as if he is unsure of wanting to know that answer.

My feet slow, stopping me in my tracks. “I feeleverythingfor him.”

Those beady blue eyes search my face, looking for a fault - a lie - in my words. He comes away disappointed, letting his anger resurface to cover it up. “That doesn’t make any sense.” He snarls, walking the rest of the way ahead of me.

Neither does my army laying siege without my command and yet here we are.

Rorin

She’s been avoiding me. Today was the first day it truly felt like it was just for sure. For both of us. And the feeling I had because of it left me sick. We both left the tournament as soon as we were able. Surprisingly enough no sign of Baelor or Pruella there, at least not before we left.

I went directly to my room and she took off with Axel. His hand placed tightly around her waist as they disappeared around the corner of the hallway. When Millie came into my room this morning she retrieved the clothing Eveera would be wearing. I wanted to ask but I didn’t need to. She’s been in Axel’s room since last night. Millie’s look towards me was apologetic as she shut the door.

Jealousy burns in my chest knowing Eveera probably slept in his bed. Maybe even in his clothes. I feel childish, like a prepubescent boy just learning about girls. Logically I know this isn’t the first time they have been alone together. They’re practically family. But still, the need I have for her to be with me is overwhelming.

Armond and Felix have been checking in since our discussion last night. He still hasn’t met with Eveera - Millie keeping him away fromher, saying that now wasn’t a good time. He tried arguing with her, but Armond talked him down, convincing him to just get through the second day of the celebration before riling her up.

So he’s stayed in my quarters completely without her knowledge. There have been a few odd moves around the city that have kept Felix and Armond busy, but so far nothing really of note.

Finally as the night starts to come to a close I sent Millie off to get Eveera. With the closing ceremonies of today’s events we will need to make an appearance and at that point we need to make a plan.

Tick. Tick.She should have been back by now.Surely she isn’t choosing to refuse my request to see her?I wonder.Maybe I overestimate her fascination with me.

I reach for the doorknob of my room when—BOOM!

Felix and I rush out onto the balcony where we see people fleeing into the streets, screams erupting from everywhere, while more explosions are going off near the slums -near Murph- and at the horizon there a banner flies.

No, not just a banner…her banner. I tilt my head to look at Felix. “What. The. Fuck.” I breathe out, anger boiling over as my Wield leaks from my palms. Felix’s eyes are wide as he sputters for an explanation.

I grip him by the back of his next and drag him into the Glass Hall where I find Bennett, Armond, and Will all staring out at the city. “Latimer.” I growl, his focus breaking to see the hold I have on her head councilman.

He draws his sword on me, and Felix tries to raise his hands to stop him. Bennett and Will jump back from him, drawing their own swords out.

“Where is Eveera?” I snarl.

“Let go of Felix, Rorin.” He warns, cracking his neck.

I cup my Wield in my hand and slap it over Felix’s nostrils. “I think that I have the upper hand here, wouldn’t you say? Where is Eveera.” I ask again, I pull the Wield back in but keep my hand in place.

“I don’t know.” Armond says again.

I drop Felix’s almost limp body and point outside, where her banner is being held above city walls. “Explain that.” The three of their heads turn and I watch as Armond’s face morphs. Horror creeping into it. Commotion sounds from the hall and I see Orem, Max, and Axel walking up to us. “Oh good! Almost the whole group of Obsidian scum is here.” I snarl. “Anybody have an explanation for why in the bleeding damn Helys your troops are laying siege on my city?!” I roar. Their faces all go slack as they look at the iridescent windows. No one offering an explanation.

I look over to Will. “Find her.” I command and at first he doesn’t move, “find her dammit!” I shout. He sheathes his sword quickly and shoves through her men, running down the steps.

Orem looks around the hall, “where are Millie and Ezra?” He asks quietly.

Armond is crouched next to Felix helping him sit up while he regains his breath. “I haven’t seen him since…” His voice trails off.

Much to my dismay the jealousy in my stomach flares up again.Has she been truly playing me this whole time, have they been planning something the two of them?“Since what?”

“Ah, since the queen and him spoke yesterday before the start of the Celebration.” I nod, biting my lip, and pacing back and forth.

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