Page 48 of Kiss the Filthiest King

I'm happy to say I need to do neither.

As I start to get to my knees,my hand dig inside my pocket, finding the vial. Not the dark brownish liquid Ryther assured me would deafen me, unfortunately.

Something else, meant for a very different purpose.

"Carry this for your protection,"Relva had whispered as she stuffed it into my hand before I entered the revel. "The boys will never think of it, but most women ought to, just in case. I gave one to your sister, too. If anyone tries anything, you chuck it at their face and run. Yes?"

I joked it was the fairy equivalent of pepper spray and took it gratefully, squeezing her hand for her kindness.

At first, I consider dosing him. Maybe it'll give me a few seconds, enough time to run. But as fast as I can, I bring it to my mouth and swallow its contents in one gulp.

“What is it? What did you just drink? Is it poison? Spit it out, you fool!”

I have to obey, to do my best to spit out.

Luckily, it’s too late.

His mouth is moving, dishing out order after order, but it's too late.

I drank the entire flask of liquid iron. And I can't help it, as it burns down my throat.

I scream.

I scream like my life depends on it.

And as thick blood drips down my lips, gold now, rather than black, I smile up at the monster.

"Oops. Sorry, master. I guess you'll have to think of a way to punish me. If you can manage to in the next fifteen seconds, that is."

22

THE LIAR

Darina

It doesn't even take that long.

Junis splutters commands, clearly panicked. "Follow me. No, stay here. You will never hurt me, understood? You useless whore,what have you?—?"

Then Caenan's here, my sister in tow.

I protectively lift my hand, preventing her from getting any closer, all my instincts telling me to put as much distance between her and the monster who hurt me.

"Ha. How good of you to join us, Lord Junis."

"What…I…" His eyes shift to me. "Tell him to leave me alone. Tell him togo!"

I quickly oblige. "Please leave him alone and go, Caenan."

I always noticed he was broader than most fae, with those large shoulders and all the muscles. The fact that he's more or less always wearing armor, even his dress jackets being covered in metal plates, only further that impression of colossal physical power.

It never occurred to me that Caenan could be just as terrifying as Loch or Ryther, when he wishes. He's just toonice. Helpful. Young, maybe—though everyone looks somewhere between mid-twenties and early thirties here. The worst I thought he was capable of was demanding I do an extra ten pushups.But when he steps toward Junis and chuckles in delight, I understand he can be just like the rest of them.

Junis has the sense to start to run, but Caenan's faster, grabbing hold of his wrist and twisting it behind his back in one smooth move. Junis tries to free himself, but Caenan's already kicking the backs of his knees. With a scream, the monster falls to the floor, on all fours like he wanted me moments ago.

Caenan casually steps over him and bends to press his knee to his back. Junis falls flat on ground from the pressure.

"That would have worked tomorrow," Caenan says cheerfully. "After we all vow to obey her. But see, she's not quite high queen yet, is she? So I guess I can do whatever I'd like to you."

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