Page 103 of Conspirators' Kingdom

Taisiya felt a sudden weight between them, one that sunk deep into her bones. Strange, that there was no taste on her tongue, just a simple, undeniable knowing. The deal had been struck.

“Though, once again, you’ve made fools of yourselves. I don’t favour any of my children.”

Nefertnesu’s smile was as cold and beautiful as fresh snow.

Mereruka waited until they were walking down a deserted hallway before whispering to Taisiya.

“Why did you ask for a child of hers?”

“Several reasons,” she answered cryptically.

“Such as?”

Taisiya surreptitiously glanced around before she replied in a hushed tone.

“A hostage for good behaviour. Though she may not favour them, I suspect if harm came to one at another’s hand, it would make her lose face. In future, if we decide to expand, it would be good to have an ally ready-made to govern Keftu. Lastly, compassion. I can’t imagine being raised by that creature.”

Neither could he. Not after he’d been raised by the true Nefertnesu.

“All that ran through your head in the moments before she was going to agree?”

Taisiya nodded, refusing to meet his incredulous stare.

Mereruka bit back a grin. Sometimes she could be unexpectedly adorable. He’d purposely asked after the queen’s children, hoping to demonstrate exactly what he meant by heartless fae. The change in her posture from merely formal to tense had been almost imperceptible, save that he knew her well enough to notice and he’d been watching. Taisiya had wanted to save those children from their fate the moment she knew what would become of them. Though he might have enjoyed teasing her for it, he settled for kissing her palm.

“My wife is so quick-witted.”

He might have swept her up in a proper kiss when she blushed at his knowing tone, but a flash of yellow caught his eye. They were no longer alone, and he hadn’t heard the interloper sneaking about.

“Who goes there?” Mereruka demanded.

Hemetre shyly tip-toed her way around a brightly coloured column, the look on her face tremulous.

“Your Tranquility, Your Harmoniousness.” She bowed.

He could see her trembling as they approached, the peach blossoms of her hair rustling in a non-existent breeze.

“What are you doing, sneaking about, Your Most Treasured?” Mereruka asked.

“I… I’m trying to keep away from the heartless fae delegation roaming the halls. They… scare me. You never know when they’ll be violent. His Eternal Serenity doesn’t understand…”

Mereruka pinched the bridge of his nose. Hemetre, though having won the position of royal concubine and in possession of her own independent fortune, was not always the brightest in other matters. In the short time he’d known Hemetre, she’d mentioned her fear of the heartless fae. He supposed since she’d grown up in Keftu, she would know better than most what cruelties they were capable of. It was no wonder then why she’d come to Maat, where there were no fae so afflicted. Her green eyes pleaded for permission to escape. A single pang of pity lanced his heart. She’d made a good bargain with him and paid up without a fuss. He supposed he owed her some small token of aid.

“If you want to avoid them, then stay away from this group of buildings. Queen Nefertnesu herself is staying just down the way.”

Hemetre squeaked in terror.

“I-if you’ll please excuse me…”

“Go.” Mereruka nodded.

She took off at a sprint, her flowing gown snapping to and fro as she disappeared around the corner.

“What in the hells does anyone see in that silly creature?” Taisiya asked.

She was pretty to be sure, but vapid and jealous, interested only in the acclaim her current position afforded her. No doubt she would soon rue the day she’d coveted Khety’s attentions.

“I really couldn’t tell you. Now, shall we retire to the barge and celebrate our success? I’m eager to be out of this pit of vipers.”

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