Page 332 of The Spider Queen
“Eight.”
“Eight,” I agreed with a nod.
I wondered how I’d managed to—yet again—get myself into a situation where I didn’t own myself or my time. I wanted to sit and stew over the deal I’d made with King Aloysius, but he was intent on charming me with good conversation, heady wine, and dessert.
I still couldn’t detect anything from him except happiness and exuberance. I didn’t get a sense that he was concealing his deeper emotions. Maybe he really was at peace, and the only source of any unhappiness came from his people’s burdens.
A few times during dinner, my thoughts wandered to Lucifer. He’d found a way to hotwire my body and hijack my mind. He consumed me. My heart swam with feelings I preferred to examine in private.
I dabbed my mouth and set my napkin on the table.
“Have you had enough?” King Aloysius asked.
“Yes, I’m finished,” I said, rising. I wobbled and braced myself on the edge of the table.
“The wine,” King Aloysius said with a smile.
I placed a hand to my feverish forehead. “I don’t get drunk. I can hold my liquor.”
“In the mortal realm, I’m sure. But this is Purgatory wine.”
The room began to spin. “Purgatory? Did you say Purgatory?”
“Yes. Stella, what’s—”
“Do you know the Guardians?” I asked as I looked him in the eyes.
They were clouded with confusion as he peered back at me. “Yes. I know them.”
Hysteria welled inside of me. “When was the last time you saw them?”
“A few weeks ago, I believe.” He frowned. “Why? Why are you—”
I collapsed against the table. King Aloysius urged me to sit and brought a goblet of water to my lips. He held it to my mouth as I drank.
“Stella,” he began, setting the goblet aside. “Look at me.”
I glanced up at him. He stood tall and proud. Noble. “You’re pale.” His hand touched my cheek, and I instantly shied away as pain seared me.
“Please,” I gasped. “Don’t touch me unless I invite it. It physically hurts me.”
His hand dropped to his side. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s why I’m telling you.”
“What else is wrong?”
“I—” Shaking my head, I bit my tongue.
“Stella?” he pressed.
“You’ll use the knowledge against me.”
“I won’t.”
I looked up at him and glared. “You found out I was an empath and bartered for my help.”
“For my people,” he stressed. “Not for myself.”
