Page 4 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

To watch me arrive.

There was a chill in the late fall air, but that’s not why a tremor wracked my body as I passed through the obsidian doors into the palace. I was in the home of vampires.

TheCourtof vampires.

TheCityof vampires.

The home of the vampire who had a hand in shattering my heart. The vampire who—I shook my head, banishing the thought.

A little while longer. I had to hold myself together a little while longer.

“Your Majesty!” The males voice boomed across the grand foyer, my guards drew in closer, as the male made his way toward me with a broad smile on his face. “Welcome to Cel Nox. What a pleasure it is to be hosting you.” He bowed deeply.

I smiled tightly. “Thank you for having me. And you are?” The male’s onyx hair fell past his shoulders, making his pale face appear even more elongated. His downturned eyes matched theshade of his hair.

“My apologies, Your Majesty. I’m Warren, I’m the head of the palace; King Arlo has sent me to welcome you.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Warren.”

My eyes scanned over the faces of the vampires lining the grand hall. The foyer was larger than the one in my own home, it extended far wider with large archways made of a deep black stone on either side that matched the dark color of the walls. The room looked out into a courtyard of sorts, through several rectangular windows trimmed in black.

I hoped in a sea of unfamiliar faces, there might be at least one familiar face, but there wasn’t.

Why would he be here anyway? I had been so terrible to him the last time I saw him. I hadorderedhim to leave. Why would he be here to greet me? I was technically his betrothed, I figured he’d be here to welcome me for appearance’s sake at least.

“Please follow me,” Warren directed as he walked. “I’m sure you’re itching to freshen up after your travel, I can show you to your rooms after I take you to meet King Arlo.”

My feet stilled, refusing to move. “Is everything alright, Your Majesty?” A line formed between Warren’s brows.The King, the king wanted to meet me now?

“I would like to freshen up before seeing King Arlo.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible, Your Majesty. King Arlo hasrequested you be brought to him immediately upon your arrival.” A knot formed in my stomach. I was already apprehensive about meeting the infamous Blood King, but I didn’t expect this—him insisting on seeing me immediately after I arrived. I needed time to prepare.

I needed a moment alone.

I steeled my shoulders. We might be in the Blood Court, but I hadn’t forgotten who I was even if they had.

“You can tell the king I am thankful for the warm reception, but I am the High Queen, if I would like to have a hot bath before seeing him, I will have a hot bath before seeing him. If he has a problem with my wishes you should remind him where he falls in the order of things.”

Warren scratched behind his ear. “Of course, Your Majesty. Let me show you to your room. I will let King Arlo know you will see him when you are ready.”

“Thank you. Please tell him I appreciate his patience.”

Warren smiled tightly. “Of course, Your Majesty.”

He turned and I continued following him through the throng of vampires, keeping my back straight and shoulders back as I ignored the stares of the vampires, my boots clacking on the deep mahogany floors.

Once we were out of the view I let myself relax slightly, letting out the breath I had been holding as we ascended the staircase carved into the side of the building.

Warren led me to my room, stopping outside the door to rattle off instructions I tuned out, my eyes fixed on the black doorknob.

So close. I was so close.

Finally, he left me.

The minute the door to my bedchamber closed I let out a sigh of relief.

Alone.

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