Page 120 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts
He suppressed a growl. The reptilians had access to a serum that could speed up regeneration, yet they were smearing marigolds – damnedflowers– on Diana’s wounds!
He tapped his fingers on the armrest, eager for the moment they would be alone.
He had to figure out how to extricate them from this cursed realm.
Constantine observed the helpless guards from the cornerof his eye. He could break their necks before they even realised what was happening, but he had no idea how he would reaccess the portals. Running a hand across the rough stubble of his jawline, he resigned himself to waiting for the Queen’s next move. Besides, until Diana fully recovered, he wouldn’t risk doing anything reckless.
The last time he’d been in a tight spot, it had worked in his favour. Now… His eyes traced Diana’s exposed curves, yet all he could see were the crimson welts left by the whip.Everything is different.
The attendants were finishing their work when the Queen re-entered the room. Her brown gloves hugged her hands like a darker second skin. While she checked Diana’s healing wounds, Constantine suppressed another surge of rising anger.
“Let’s talk, necromancer,” the Queen said. “The vampire will be waiting for you.”
Every muscle in his body tensed, but he forced himself to appear composed as he uncrossed his legs and rose from his seat. As much as he enjoyed testing the patience of this woman, he was no longer in a position to provoke her.
He and the Queen crossed the vast atrium decorated with her narcissistic statue and climbed the stairs to one of the terraces overlooking the palace foyer. She stopped at the balustrade, gazing down at the main entrance.
“A certain item has disappeared from my personal library,” she said. “I want you to find out who took it.”
Constantine smirked. His suspicions that he would become a regular tool after his initial breakdown were proving true, and sooner than he’d expected. “I’m no detective, darling.”
“No, but you have methods of uncovering things others can’t. Spirits watch, and spirits talk.”
“Spirits are vile bastards who would rather die again than aid the living.”
The Queen’s gaze was hot on his profile. “Vile bastards, you say? It seems you’d have much in common.”
He rested his elbows on the balustrade and observed the activity in the central foyer. Before his scrutiny could arouse suspicion, he shifted his focus to the Queen. “What sort of item?”
“A journal.”
His interest was immediately piqued. Even before hearing the details, he could have bet it wasthatjournal – C.’s journal, the one Alex had found at The Seven Horses.
“Two days ago, someone took advantage of my absence and entered my chambers. When I returned, the journal was missing.”
That sparked Constantine’s curiosity further. The journal had been in their possession for months, unless what they had was a copy, as they had suspected. “Are you referring to C.’s journal?”
He expected her to react to the revelation that he knew about the journal, but her expression remained unreadable. “Precisely. The original.”
“I see.”
“Let me tell you something, Constantine.” The Queen’s emerald eyes swept over him. “I’m well aware of what you’re contemplating as you watch my guards below.”
“Oh, reading minds now, are we?”
“There’s no need. I’m certain that at the first opportunity, you’ll attempt to escape.”
He placed a hand over his heart in mock offence. “You wound me.”
The Queen smiled, though her face remained as cold and unyielding as stone. “You’re experienced, clever, and have your powers back. Few obstacles could hinder you.” He resisted the urge to raise an eyebrow at the unexpected compliments, sensing the intriguing part was yet to come. “Which is why Ipresume you have a chance – a slim one – to flee Antambazi again. However, I advise against it.”
“Because you’ll kill me?”
The Queen turned towards him, as if to ensure she commanded his undivided attention. “Because in a week, the only safe place in the world will be by my side. Quite literally.”
When he didn’t reply, her lips curled into a bitter smile. “Yes, you don’t care about your safety. But what abouthersafety?”
He faced her with a quick motion, faster than the crack of her whip. There was no doubt who she was talking about. “She’s not my girl,” he growled before he could stop himself. Damn it. The mere mention of Diana by this serpent was enough to make him lose control of his voice.
