Page 70 of Kiss the Filthiest King

That makes my number of enemies four again, though now, none of them have power over me.

I drag my eyes away from the crowd and back to the window, looking above them.

I'm the first to be surprised when I see a shadow cross the stained glass, but I wait, until padded paws enter the throne room.She came back. She felt my need for support and she came back for me. I don't know what called her; my temporary distress at the interruption that could have gone a very different way, or the simple fact that she felt she ought to be here, but my nixie now stands by my side, pressing her head against my leg.

I'm glad to have her as I call again.

I can almost feel the crowd take a cautious step back, reminded that the familiar that chose me is more brutal than any of them. My nixie is an extension of my soul; and she’s redoubtable.

I lift my chin, and call, my voice filling the hall. "I, Darina Harthorn, heir of Morrigan, stand here to call you to fulfill your oath to the high crown."

The wording is purposeful. I am not asking for anything.

"Kneel and repeat your oath."

It takes some time. People glance at each other, as if trying to get out of this. But they have made their oath. To take power in the lower court, all of them have to announce that they will rule, and will obey the high crown.

Of course, that's an easy oath when the high queen is dead. Not so much now.

Valdred is the first to go to his knee, Ryther, the last, right after Rena.

But at long last, everyone's on their knees, and they call, "We bow to the high queen."

It's reluctant. It's hypocritical. Most of them will spend their entire lives attempting to get out of it.

But I am now truly the high queen of Ilvaris.

I smile and take the wine Loch offers to me, holding it high.

"And I will protect this world with my life," I vow to them.

That’s the very reason there is a high queen at all; a concentration of powers, meant to deter and bar all attacks. Of course, that was to ensure the All and the Undoing were never released, but the vow still stands.

At the first sip of my toast, I know something is very wrong.

My eyes go to my brother, who handed it to me. Without tasting it first.

No.

No him.

He couldn't have, and he hasn't betrayed me.

But someone did, before making vows.

That's my last thought as darkness takes me.

PARTIII

MISERY

31

THE QUEEN’S FAVOR

Ryther

I'm immobile for seconds, horror freezing me into place. Then I run, catching her before she falls.

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