Page 43 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“If we’re going to have this conversation I want her here.”

“Okay,” I said hesitantly. She knew something. She had information.

“Her and Luka had to attend an event tonight, but they can be here tomorrow,” Nico said.

My mother looked at me, “And you can ensure they get here?”

“Are you telling me to use Ichor Magic?”

“No—I’m simply asking if you can ensure they get here by whatever means necessary.”

“Yes. I can.”

“Fine.” She looked between the two of us. “I assume the two of you are staying here tonight?”

I looked at Nico. “Yes, we will remain here tonight and retrieve the rest in the morning.”

“Fine. Well, I have work to do. I will see you both at dinner.” She turned back to the work on her desk—dismissingus.

Nico and I stood without another word, both of us remaining silent until we reached our rooms.

“You mother—she’s intense.”

I slumped against the door with a thud. “That’s one way to put it.”

I had forgotten how much energy it took to verbally spar with my mother.

“I need a nap. I’ll find you before dinner.”

20

LENNOX

I had to go to a ball.

I had to go to a ball with Luka.

I had to go to a ball with Luka and act like we were happily in love and engaged and not like my heart shredded further every time I was around him.

And the last time we were at a ball together—those memories alone were enough to send me into a spiral.

But this wasn’t something I could avoid. This was the first of many balls and events I’d have to attend with him by my side. I needed to get used to putting on a face while I was next to him and pretending I wasn’t dying inside.

The knock on my door told me there was no more ignoring him.

I opened the door, finding him standing in the hallway, waiting for me. He was dressed in head-to-toe black, his shirt was unbuttoned on the top and his sleeves were rolled up, exposing his corded forearms. Why did he have to be so starsdamned attractive?

He looked almost nervous. Anxious even? Emotions I wasn’t used to seeing on him.

The moment his eyes took me in, any nervous energydissipated. He took his time looking me up and down, not even trying to hide his open perusal of my body.

“You look—wow.” He scrubbed his hand over his chin, over the thin layer of stubble coating his jaw.

“I mean, you did pick it out for me.” The dress had arrived this afternoon, with a note from Luka, insisting I let him help me make sure I was properly dressed for my first Blood Court ball. I was ready to toss out the dress, not willing to let him help me, but then I looked at it. It was a stunning black and gold dress with a low back and plunging neckline. I couldn’t resist a dress like that.

“Yeah—but seeing it on you is a whole different experience.” His eyes darkened. I knew exactly what thoughts were filtering through his mind. We had a similar conversation before, one that ended with us fucking against a wall. “I think?—”

“Don’t.” I stopped him before he could get the words out. “You can’t make comments like that anymore.”

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