Page 38 of Of Vows and War: Special Edition
“No, we were…” I allowed my words to trail off, my eyes to flick up to hers and then over to a now-healed Sterling as he sat up. “We got a bit too excited.”
For a moment, I feared she would not believe me. Her jaw seemed to clench as she looked between the two of us. I did not dare check that Sterling was playing his part. No, my attention remained fixed on the queen.
Believe me. Take this victory. Accept that the future you desire is coming to fruition.
I did not dare use my magic. Not when it was so determined to work against me. Instead, I waited for Mia’s ego to be her downfall.
She stared, her shoulders back and her lips pursed.
Sterling seemed to catch on to the tense showdown, because he quickly wrapped his arms around me.
“Sorry for the scare, love.” His heart was beating rapidly against my chin, a sign of the nerves he so clearly had.
Burrowing further into his chest, I returned the hug. “It was my fault, really.”
Just as we went to release one another, Nicola’s singsong voice rang out.
“Ash? Are you okay?” I jerked back, my eyes scanning my chambers for her. She was dashing from the doorway, making quick work of closing the distance between us. Glee filled me to the brink as she shoved past Tish and lowered herself to Mia’s side. “What happened?”
A smirk lifted the corner of my mouth as I answered, “Fun happened.”
“Okay, okay. Nicola, I think it is about time Sterling goes back tohis ownchambers. Will you take him? Asher needs her rest.” Mia’s voice was commanding. The tone of a queen who had been wronged too many times.
“Actually, Your Majesty, I had an idea,” Nicola nearly whispered. Face docile and tone sweet, Nicola was the picture of a subservient fae. She smiled, ever the doting subject. “I was thinking that it might benefit Asher to see the realm. With her and Sterling wed, they could go together on a sort of royal tour. After all, they will one day rule the Fae Realm. Traveling throughout it might even get Asher’s spirit up once more.”
My shoulders straightened at the idea, though I had a feeling Mia would just say no. Her attention remained on me, scrutinizing the way I became eager at the idea. What she could not see was how different this eagerness was than how it used to be. I no longer cared about adventure. Now I wanted nothing but her blood and my freedom.
“Nicola, you understand more than anyone why that is unwise. Your own husband was attacked by demons late last year.” There was a harshness to her normally lovely voice, Mia’s mask falling.
Nicola was undeterred, her eyes glazing over for a split second before brightening up again. “But would it not be wise to have her see the reality of what is out there? To remind her of how important her role is? How special The Capital is?”
“Do I have any say in this?” I asked, my irritation getting the best of me. Mia scrutinized Nicola for another moment before turning my way again.
“It seems you are about to get your wish, my flower. We will leave for Isle Shifter tomorrow morning.” At that, she gracefully stood. “Tish, see to it that handmaidens come to pack for Asher and Sterling.”
“What about me?” Nicola asked, her voice holding the barest hint of panic. Mia flashed her a dazzling smile, shedding the face of the demure queen.
“You will return home to your husband, of course.”
Chapter Eighteen
Henry
She was there, right in front of me.
Genevieve looked as stunning as ever. Her hair flared out in gold-spun curls and her cheeks were a vibrant pink. She wore tight-fitting, Maliha-green trousers and a loose black tunic that exposed the swell of her breasts as she heaved deep breaths.
“This came for me—you,” she panted out. “It is from the Fae Realm.”
Lian gasped, moving to take the missive. Genevieve was faster, already slipping it into my still lifted hand. Not willingto waste another moment, I untied and unrolled the message, finding not one, but two.
Dear Genevieve Windsor,
My name is Nicola Salvatore. I am writing to you with a proposition. Your brother is currently walking free in The Capital. However, I am quite sure that will not be true for long. Take these instructions to Henry Nash and I promise your brother’s safety.
Sincerely,
Nicola Salvatore
