Page 187 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

The throne was a simple structure made of ice. Not nearly as magnificent as the female residing in it.

Her sleek black hair swished around her chin as she looked up as the door opened.

The female’s deep red lips curved into a vicious smile as she took us in. “I see you got my note,” she crooned. Her voice wasas smooth as velvet, but she didn’t move from the throne as the guards continued to usher us toward her.

“I’m so glad you made it.” We halted as we approached the base of the throne, forced to look up at the female atop it.

Luka’s hand bunched into a fist next to mine.

“We didn’t have much choice did we?” I said through gritted teeth.

The female clicked her tongue. “You did, I had heard rumors you cared deeply for your sister, but you never know if a rumor is true or not. Turns out this one was.”

“Where is she?” I hissed, my voice low.

Her hands gripped the ice throne, her blood-red nails digging into the ice. “Seems the rumors about your less than pleasant temperament were true as well.”

“Sorry if I’m not in the best mood, life has been a little hectic the past few days.”

Her blood-red lips curved into a smile. “So I hear. A wedding, several murders, a kidnapping. Such fun.”

“Where is my sister?” I ground out. I could feel my magic rising, pushing against my fingertips.

“She is here. She’s fine. Once we’re done talking, I’ll have one of my guards fetch her.”

“Get her now.” I met the guards’ gazes. “I am your High Queen, or did you forget that?” I seethed. The males had the nerve to look nervous, but instead of getting my sister, they looked behind me, at their mistress on the throne behind. I swallowed a growl.

“Do you have the journal?”

I reached inside my leathers, pulling out the leather-bound book. “So, you can listen.” She clapped her hands together enthusiastically.

I tossed her the journal and she caught it swiftly. “I still want to talk—we have much to discuss,Your Majesty.”

“If you bring my sister out now, I promise to stay and talk.”

“Fine.” She gestured for one of the guards. “Go fetch the girl.” He nodded before leaving for the door behind the throne.

The female flipped through the book, my heart beating fast as she did.

“Aren’t you curious as to what my name is?” She set the journal on the arm of the throne.

“Asking the name of our enemy isn’t something we’re fond of,” Luka remarked.

“Enemy?” The gold ring in her nose crinkled as she spoke. “Whoever said I was your enemy?”

“You kidnapped the princess,” Declan stated.

“You’re being dramatic.” She waved a hand dismissively. “I only borrowed her to get your attention. I want to work together.”

I scoffed. “I find that hard to believe given the circumstances.”

Her golden eyes glimmered. “Did you catch a glimpse of my pets on your way here?”

“You claim those abominations?” The disdain was clear in Luka’s voice.

“No, I don’t claim them. But I do take responsibility for them.” Her dark eyes glimmered. “I created them.”

“Why?” My magic pushed against my fingertips. “Why create such vicious beasts and release them into the world?

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