Page 47 of My Demon Desire
Four guards jam the wooden end of their spears into the stone floor causing a thunk to echo through the hallway.
"Her Majesty, Queen Morrigan will see you now," one calls out in a loud voice.
Dark, mahogany doors creak open, leading to a grand throne room with a burgundy rug lined with gold stretching from the door to the black, onyx-looking throne.
There are guards the entire way down the carpet on either side decked out in armor and swords as they face straight ahead like statues.
Beside me, I feel a tremble roll through Kaden and I peek a glance at him. He offers me a crooked smile that doesn't reach his eyes.
We pause and I can't help wondering what will happen, but I can't turn back now. I press forward, Kaden's hand in mine, and he hesitates before walking in step with me.
I take in a deep breath and try to steady my nerves as we step closer to the throne.
Queen Morrigan sits atop the throne, cold and regal. Her piercing black eyes take in the room as if bored before locking onto us.
"You have come here to speak on behalf of your father, Reis, and Thorne," she states in a voice that echoes off the walls.
Even though I am intensely scared and want to shout that she took my father and the others, I offer a deep bow in respect.
"Yes, Your Highness," I answer.
"And you brought my wayward guard, Kaden."
Her words are like daggers to my chest and it makes me wonder how much I don't know about him, about this world, about any of this.
"Let's hear it then," Queen Morrigan says, her eyes never leaving mine, but her lips purse.
"Please, Your Highness, release my father, Reis, and Thorne. They've done nothing to you."
Her laugh is cutting. "I do not negotiate with traitors. You and your father came here thinking you could overthrow me with lies."
"No. Your majesty," I say, my voice wavering. The guards nearest to us, raise their swords, aiming them right at me and Kaden. "No, you misunderstand me. We came here by mistake."
Her eyes narrow and an icy hand slides down my back. "If what you say is true, then I will release your father."
The tension pressing in on me lessens and I blow out a breath. "Thank you."
"On one condition," she adds.
Beside me, Kaden's grip tightens on my hand and I clamp my mouth shut. My nerves are razor-sharp, cutting me with every inhale, every sneer from the guards, and the condescending look of the queen.
"If what you say is true, that you came here by mistake and wish me and my court no ill-will, then I will give your father over to you."
Hope flares in my chest and I blink back tears. "Thank you, your majesty."
"However, you will immediately be escorted out of my kingdom never to return."
My heart sinks. While I am relieved that my father will be safe, it's much more than that. I want to stay in this beautiful place, to explore and learn more about it. And what about my three dark fae?
"Will Reis and Thorne be released as well?" I can't leave without knowing they're safe. Though the thought of never seeing them again presses on my chest like a ten-ton elephant.
Queen Morrigan stares at us for a long moment, her face unreadable, but there's a hardness in her eyes. "No. They along with Kaden will be taught a lesson. They harbored a fugitive... you," she waves her hand at me in disgust, "and you have no right to dictate anything to me."
"Get ready," Kaden says, tensing beside me, and dropping my hand. "She has no intention of any of us getting out of here alive."
"This is my final offer human." She glowers. "Take your father and promise to never return and I will allow you both to live. Contrary to what my old guard, here, tells you."
My mind races with fear and desperation. I try to think of a way to convince her to release my father and the others without any conditions, but I know deep down it's unlikely.
