Page 6 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“And you’ve been sending her letters back?” He dipped his chin in confirmation. “What do you talk about?”

“That is between me and your sister.”

“You told me she said we weren’t speaking much!” I argued.

“I only told you because she askedme to look out for you while you’re here.” Declan stopped, turning to face me. “She’s worried about you, Lennox.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. “Well, you can write back and tell her I’m fine, and she needs to worry about herself.” My chest tightened. Had I cut my sister off so much she was seeking guidance about me elsewhere? She was sending letters to Declan instead of talking to her sister who lived under the same roof…

“Lennox—” I cut him off, raising a hand to stop him.

“No, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. If you want to talk with my sister fine, but leave me out of it.”

Declan let out a deep sigh. “Fine, we’re here anyways.” I turned toward the black metal doors looming in front of us. I set my shoulders as he reached for the door handle. It was time to meet the Blood King.

“King Arlo, I present to you, High Queen, Lennox Adair.” The king stood from behind his dark obsidian desk as Declan introduced me, but my gaze went to the male standing next to him.

I bit back a snarl at the sight of Lorenzo next to the king.

The Blood Court was full of all kinds of surprises today.

“Lennox Adair, it is a pleasure to finally meet our esteemed High Queen.” He gestured to his son at his side. “You’ve met Lorenzo.”

I smiled tightly at Luka’s uncle. “Of course, good to see you again, Lorenzo,” I lied.

Please have a seat.” Arlo gestured to one of the large chairs in front of his desk. “Thank you for escorting her, Captain Hale, you are excused.” He looked at his son, “As are you, Lorenzo.” The male tensed.

“You said I was allowed to be present while you met the Queen,” Lorenzo protested.

Arlo’s jaw clenched, “You were. Now, I would like a moment alone with the High Queen.”

“But–”

“Captian Hale, escort Lorenzo out.” Declan grabbed Lorenzo’s arm and led him toward the door.

“I can let myself out,” Lorenzo grumbled as he tugged out of Declan’s hold. The harpy bowed and looked at me once more. I gave him a slight nod before he turned toward the door.

The door clicked shut behind him as I turned my attention back to the Blood King.

“I apologize for my son’s behavior.” He let out a long breath through his nose. “I’m assuming your travels went well?”

“Yes, we didn’t encounter any roadblocks, which made for quick travel.”

I could tell King Arlo was edging close to his first century of life, his chin length hair was still the dark rich color of Luka’s, but wrinkles were forming around his eyes—the first sign of aging for most Fae. “Good, good, we wouldn’t want anything to happen to our revered queen.”

His words were light, but there was a vicious undercurrent to them. Along with the gleam in his dark eyes, even I had the nerve to be cautious sitting across from him. “Would you like a drink to relax after your journey?” He motioned toward the drink car in the corner.

“Sure.”

He poured several knuckles worth of amber liquid into two black crystal glasses. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked you to meet with me without my grandson present.”

I remained quiet, taking the drink as he handed it to me across the desk.

“I’m sure you’re tired after your travel so I will make this quick and get right to the point.” I dipped my chin as I brought my glass to my lips.

“I wanted you alone so I could ask you how you truly felt about this arranged marriage.” I jolted back slightly, takenaback by his bluntness, but it reminded me of Luka, the way he spoke his mind without caring if they might make someone uncomfortable. “I’m well aware of Luka’s feelings, but I wanted to know how you feel, Your Majesty.”

“And how does Luka feel about our arrangement?” I took a sip of my drink, focusing on the burn as it slid down instead of what Luka might have said about me.

---