Page 10 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“What need do you have from a witch Scribe?”

So she wasn’t the Scribe. “I’m looking for a book.”

The crease between her brows deepened. “What kind of ancient witch volume could a vampire be in need of?”

“That”—I picked up one of the crystals on the table—“is none of your concern.”

Time felt like it stretched on forever as she considered my words. I shifted from one foot to another as I tossed the cool crystal in my hands. I needed to get back to the palace before Lennox arrived.

“There is a price for the information you want,” the witch said finally.

“Name it, whatever it is, I’ll pay it.”

“Luka— you can’t be serious. This is a witch we’re talking about,” Nico argued.

The witch threw Nico a glance before breaking out into a sinister smile. “Your friend is right, you are reckless for saying you will jump into a bargain with a witch without knowing what it consists of. What if it’s your soul I ask in return?”

“I don’t care what the price is. I will pay it.”

Nico mumbled a string of incoherent curses. The female’s face softened. “You must love someone very much to go to such lengths for them.” She was right. But I couldn’t admit it out loud. The last time I had tried I found myself on the wrong side of a dagger.

I rubbed at my neck, the phantom sting of the metal sinking into my skin.

“Because you are seeking answers out of love, all I ask is a favor from you. To be redeemed at any time.”

“Deal.”

I itched at the skin on my forearm as Nico and I crossed the front yard to the palace. The spot where the witch had sliced a dagger across my arm was already healing, but I could still feel the remnants of magic from our deal lingering beneath my skin.

I knew I was reckless to tie myself to a witch, but it was worth it for the information she gave me. The witch Scribe should be arriving in a couple of weeks.

Another witch, the half witch I had tied myself to, was due to arrive in a few hours, giving me enough time to wash the stench of the Stygin market off me before she arrived.

The grand foyer was eerily quiet when we entered. I had expected everyone to be preparing for Lennox’s arrival, but no one was to be found.

“Warren!” My voice echoed in the empty space. It took a moment before the vampire’s voice rang out in response and he appeared, peeking his head around one of the dark arches, “Yes, Your Highness?”

“Where is everyone? Why are they not preparing for the High Queen’s arrival?”

Warren’s brow furrowed. “She’s already arrived, Your Highness. Her convoy arrived at the gates early this afternoon.”

“Fuck.” I had missed it, I had missed her arrival. “Where’s the high queen now?”

“I believe she finished her meeting with your grandfather and should be heading back to her room.”

“Astria’s tits,” Nico swore. “That’s a meeting I would have liked to see.”

I swallowed. This is exactly what I had wanted to avoid.

Lennox was strong, she could hold her own with my grandfather, I had no doubt, but I still would have liked to have been by her side—given her a heads up as to what to expect from him. Why did my grandfather ask to meet with her without me?

I’d think about that more later.

I had more important things to worry about.

I rushed up the stairs towards my bedchamber, taking the steps two at a time, the scent of citrus and lilacs invading my nostrils as I approached the top of the stairs.

She had been here. My stomach knotted. I had thought about this moment for weeks. What I would say to her when I saw her. What I’d do.

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