Page 191 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“Please,” Lennox pleaded. “Don’t hurt her. She did nothing. Let her go. Take me.”

The female’s eyes flashed.

“Lennox,” I warned.

“Take me in her place.”

“And why would you think I’d want you instead?”

“I’m the queen. You could use me as a bargaining chip. I’m a skilled warrior. Use me to kill your enemies. I don’t care. I’ll do anything if you let my sister go.” Panic constricted my chest as she continued to plead. She couldn’t do this.

The gleam in Adreona’s eyes made my stomach churn. “I did find something interesting while your sister was here. She possesses witch magic. Do you possess this same magic?”

Lennox swallowed. “I do. Mine is stronger.”

“Perhaps you could be of use to me. I require a willing witch to help with my experiments, my current one is of little use these days.”

“Lennox, no,” I pleaded. “Don’t do this, we will find a way.”

She took a deep breath. “Release my sister and we can talk.”

“Lennox, don’t do this.”

Adreona nodded to the guard. Kara sagged as he removed the dagger and Lennox let out a shuddering breath.

I took Lennox’s hand in mine. “Lennox,” I warned. “Please.” She looked over at me. Her eyes were lined with tears as her face contorted with pain. She squeezed my hand.

“Trust me, Luka, please trust me.”

71

LENNOX

My heart felt like it was ripping in two as I looked between my sister and Luka.

But I knew what I needed to do.

Trust me.I told Luka.

I didn’t look at him as I slipped my hand from his and took a step toward the throne. I didn’t dare look back at him or I might give in. Choose him. Choose myself.

“Bring her to me,” Adreonas’ voice echoed through the room.

“Release my friends first and I will come to you willingly.” I approached the base of the throne.

Adreona narrowed her eyes. “Fine.”

“Bring the sister to the other witch. Release them, but keep an eye on the vampire.”

I kept my back to my friends as I approached the throne. Kara’s eyes searched mine as we passed on the stairs, but I kept my gaze forward. I couldn’t look at her or I might not be able to do this.

“You sacrificing yourself for your sister, for your friends, is not something I anticipated.” Adreona ran an icy finger downmy cheek, I forced myself not to wince. “I look forward to working with you, Lennox.”

Her calling me Lennox was a slap to the face. While I was here, I was no longer the High Queen. I was nothing but a pawn in her game.

“Get the shackles.” A cruel smile curved up her lips. “I don’t want to, but you must understand Lennox, I cannot trust you yet.” The sounds of the chains clamoring as the guards climbed the stairs sent a shiver down my spine.

“Lennox!” Luka’s voice broke through the roaring in my head. I closed my eyes as the guard fastened the shackles around my wrists.

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