Page 56 of Maddie

“Bloody hell,” Maddie hissed, her fangs dropping. She’d missed the heart.

Imogen ripped the blade out and tossed it back, this time striking Maddie’s other shoulder. She clenched her teeth at the deep ache.

“Thank you for giving it back.” Maddie grinned, staring at the door. If she played this game a little longer, she could eventually draw closer to the exit.

“I’ve had enough! Guards!” Imogen yelled.

Oh no. This will not do.

“Just wait until you watch what I do with your sister,” Imogen purred, her lips pulling into a cruel smile.

Anger coursed through Maddie, and she launched the knife forward, driving it into the queen’s heart. Imogen’s eyes rolled back, and she lurched to the side. Maddie felt fulfilled as she watched the evil shrew try in vain to suck in a breath. This was for Mouse. The queen swayed and crumpled to the floor.

Maddie stared at the door—this was her chance, her escape. Only Rine had seen Maddie thus far. A thought spun in her head, something dark, yet a necessity that would make this a bit easier for everyone. She didn’t know if she could be quick enough before the guards got there, but she had to try. Maddie jolted forward to Imogen’s still body and thrust her hand into the queen’s chest, shattering her rib cage. She clenched Imogen’s bastard heart and yanked it out, crimson splattering the floor.

Maddie’s hand shook as she held the bloody organ, squeezing it. She liked the feel of the wet heart, one that had brought so much torment to her and her sister, in her hand.

The distant clomp of boots reminded her of where she was, what she’d justdone. Now that she’d killed the queen, she knew she’d truly made a mess of things. A servant dead was one thing, but Rav and Chess were still alive. Rav might not know Maddie was responsible for her death, but Chess would.

Imogen being dead wouldn’t make things easier—it would make themworse.

Footsteps drew closer, and she looked at the door, which was directly across from the hallway.Hide. Her gaze fell to the large statue of the queen from a chess board in the corner. She collected both her switchblades from the two bodies, along with the hat and box she’d brought, then rushed to the statue with light steps and ducked behind it.

“What are you yelling about now, Mother?” Chess said, his tone bored. He lazily strolled in with his vest unbuttoned while rolling his eyes at the ceiling. His gaze dropped to his mother’s body, and he came to an abrupt stop. Maddie’s heart slammed so much she feared it would burst, and her hands trembled as the prince studied Imogen’s torn-open chest, her empty gaze. Chess’s arms dropped to his sides, tears streaming down his face, as he stared at Imogen for what seemed an eternity, as if he was waiting for her to stir.

“Mother!” he finally shouted and fell to her side, scooping her dead body in his arms. Blood smeared his bare chest as he held Imogen close.

Maddie covered her mouth with her shaking, bloody hands. Did he love her? Imogen was his mother, but she didn’t think Chess was capable of love. Then again, Imogen had loved Rav and possibly Chess as well.

Glancing toward the door, Maddie didn’t know if she would get the chance to escape. Just as Chess lifted his mother’s bloody heart with his free hand, boots pounded down the hallway.

“Imogen, Mouse escaped!” Rav screamed. He stopped in his tracks as he rounded the corner of the hallway in front of the stairs.Damn it, they’re both here. His breathing hitched as he studied Chess holding Imogen. “What the fuck have you done?”

Chess’s face paled and he opened his mouth, but no words escaped.

“You killed her!” Rav roared.

Maddie sucked in a sharp breath.

“No, I didn’t,” Chess stuttered. She’d never heard him sound so weak, so small. But she couldn’t feel sorry for him, not after he’d tried to kill Ever. Not when he’d threatened to hurt Mouse. Yet still…

Three guards rushed in from the hallway and halted.

“Seize him,” Rav growled. “He killed the queen.”

The guards glanced at each other for a moment, then two came forward and grabbed Chess by his arms while the other gently returned Imogen’s body to the floor.

Chess didn’t fight back, only whispered, “I didn’t do it.”

“Then, who did?” Rav took a step forward, his fangs down, eyes wild.

Chess licked his lips, his eyes narrowing as he seemed to piece something together. “I don’t know. But you have no purpose here now. Go back to Ivory, and I’ll handle my mother’s death.”

“The murder of the queen does not make you king, regardless if you’re the heir. You’re now a traitor. I will come to you in the dungeon soon enough.”

Chess didn’t say another word as the guards hauled him out of the room and down the hall.

Why was Chess protecting Maddie? Then she realized hewasn’tprotecting her. He was making sure he was the only one who knew she was a traitor. If Chess ever found her, he would kill her.

---