Page 48 of My Demon Desire
"Bring her father," she shouts and the guards on either side of her throne jump to attention.
A minute later, my father is dragged in. He's bloody and one eye is swollen shut. His clothes hang on him and the guards throw him at my feet.
"Dad," I cry, rushing to his side, and kneeling beside him. With a sob, I touch his shoulder. "It's me. We're going to get you home," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Annalise?" he asks, hoarsely, and my heart twists. "Y-You can't be here. You must run."
My gaze shifts up to the queen's that gleams with malice.
"Leave now with your father and no harm will come to either of you."
I glance at Kaden, whose face is set in a hard line. I know he's ready for a fight, but I'm not sure if we can win against a group of trained guards.
"Do you accept my merciful offer?" Queen Morrigan asks, her voice low and dangerous.
I hesitate for a moment. "What will happen to Kaden, Reis, and Thorne?"
The guards close in on us, their swords at the ready.
She huffs out a long-suffering sigh. "They will be punished for their treachery."
"No," Kaden clenches his fists. "She'll kill us."
I grip the iron knife at my belt, feeling the weight of it in my hand. I know this will be a fight for our lives, but I won't let my father and the others suffer any longer.
With a deep breath, I step forward, ready for battle.
"Last chance, human girl," she says the last two words like an insult.
But how can I abandon them? My dark fae... Mine. I feel the connection to them deep in my heart, my soul, the very marrow of my bones. How I feel complete with each of them. Missing puzzles that fit so perfectly.
"Let my father go," I say. "He has nothing to do with this or with you. Neither of us wants your throne or your kingdom. Please, just let—"
Her laugh grates on my nerves and echoes through the chamber. "You think your father is of royal blood?"
"Well?" I glance at Kaden, but he doesn't look at me, he's focused on the queen. Was the birthmark wrong then? That I'm not royalty at all? Reis said they couldn't tell. And I might have nothing to negotiate with then.
All this time, I thought me being royal wasn't what I wanted. That I wanted my dad, and to get the fuck out of this strange world.
But now, I look at Kaden's profile. His broken horn and the tightness in his shoulders and I know it's all because of this queen, this imposter.
"Kaden," I hiss.
He slips the magic orb from his pocket and thrusts it at the queen. But before it can hit its mark, a guard leaps in front of it.
Smoke billows around us and Kaden grabs my hand.
"Let's go," he shouts.
"My father," I plead, trying to pull him up myself. My heart lurches and tears sting my eyes. "I won't leave without him."
Kaden glances at me, his face unreadable.
"It's no use," the queen's voice is low and menacing. "Do you think I haven't prepared for a magical attack? I have."
Kaden curses, but he doesn't let go of my hand. He pulls me forward and the guards follow, their swords raised.
Just as I'm about to give up, Kaden's free hand starts to glow with another orb. A bright light radiates from it and disintegrates the guards in an instant.
