Page 113 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“If anyone has issues it’s me.” She squeezed my hand. “But at least we’ve got each other.” I laughed. Stars above, I loved her.

I met her gaze as both of our heads rested against the couch, “Until the stars turn to dust, Lennox Adair.”

“Until the stars turn to dust, Luka Rossi.”

44

LENNOX

Two days later, Luce transported Luka, Declan, and I to the small town outside the Southernmost border of the Blood Court. After much debate it was decided Nico and Kara would stay back—we figured the smaller number of unannounced strangers arriving to the family’s home the better. Only Luka and I would try to talk to the family, while Luce and Declan would stay out and stand guard outside.

We headed through the dense woods the map Astria had given us deposited us at, finally coming to a cottage with smoke rising from the chimney.

“Someone’s home,” Declan noted. “Luce and I will stay hidden out here. Let us know if you need us.” I grasped the purple stone around my neck; we had no idea what we were walking into, the stone’s connection to Luce could save us if we needed. I released the stone and turned toward the cottage.

Our boots crunched on the snow as we approached the dwelling. Snow hadn’t reached the North yet, but winter was in full swing in the Southern part of the continent. The cottage reminded me vaguely of Hecate’s, if her’s has been upkept. It was larger, but not by much, and had no front porch, instead, there were two wide wooden stairs leading to the door.

Both of us hesitated at the threshold—there was no going back after we knocked on the door.

“Ready?”

“As ready as I can be.” I was trying to muster as much confidence as possible. I knew we were likely not going to like what we found out today. Or what we might have to do. The thoughts had hung heavy over the both of us for the last two days. I rested my hand on the handles of the daggers at my side as Luka knocked on the door.

There was shuffling on the other side before it finally opened.

A young male opened the door. His dark hair curled around his face in loose waves as he stood with his hand on the door frame. “Can I help you?”

“We’re looking for the Galtain family,” Luka said. “Is this the correct residence?

The male paled slightly. “Yes, this is the Galtain residence.” He moved so his body covered the majority of the door frame. “What business do you have?”

“We were hoping to speak to the head of the household,” I interjected. Keeping my voice as level as possible to not frighten him any more.

“Son, who is it?” Another male approached the door. This male’s dark skin creased around his eyes and he had the same dark curly hair as the younger male, father and son I assumed. The male held a pot in his hand, a towel in the other as he dried the dish.

“This is my father,” the younger male confirmed, stepping back to let his father into the door frame.

“Silas Galtain. And you two are?” His dark brows furrowed as he looked between me and Luka.

“We’re travelers passing through, we heard you might have a story to tell us.” The lie we had practiced slipped easily off my tongue.

“We’re not interested. Sorry folks.” Silas moved to shut the door, but Luka was quicker, blocking the door with his boot.

“You’re going to want to let us in,” Luka insisted.

Silas crossed his arms. “And why’s that?”

Luka and I shared a look. He rose a brow and I dipped my chin in confirmation. We had anticipated this, not expecting we would be let in without revealing our true identities, but it was worth a shot to see if we could remain anonymous.

I turned my attention back to the males and removed my hood, tucking my hair behind my ears, revealing their delicate points. “You’re not going to leave the High Queen out in the cold now are you?”

Both of the male’s eyes widened.

“Or your prince?” Luka removed his hood.

“You’re—” Silas looked between the two of us.

“Holy stars,” the son mumbled.

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