Page 51

The server returned and poured wine into two deeply etched glasses that matched the utensils. “It is interesting that he’s chosen you. It is not an appropriate political decision, but for some reason,” she trailed her tongue along her lips, “he has picked you.”

Her gaze went blank, and it took me a moment to realize she was thinking. “Perhaps he sees you as something he needed to take under his wing? Very interesting how he hasn’t fucked you yet. He has never been this reluctant with his urges.”

I could feel her waiting for me to react. “I seem to be doing okay. I was before and I am, now. If he has urges, I’m sure he would let me know.”

She gripped the long stem of her wineglass in her fist and moved her hand up and down slowly. “I will have to check the roster in the harem.”

My stomach sank right before a steaming platter of hot food was deposited in front of me. A dish of berries was placed in front of the Queen.

She plucked a large raspberry from the gilded bowl and sucked it between her full, cherry-red painted lips. Slowly, she chewed, and then lightly licked her lips.

The scent of roasted meat drew my attention, and I glanced down, tearing my eyes from the lascivious way berries were being consumed right in front of me. The fragrance of rosemary and other spices filled my nostrils. A succulent hunk of meat sat on my plate, perfectly seared. I couldn’t tell if it was pork or chicken.

The Queen gave me an enigmatic smile. “Eat, dear. Before it gets cold.”

My stomach twisted. I couldn’t figure out what it was, but every cell of my body screamed at me not to eat the meat. Tentatively, I stabbed my fork into a glazed baby carrot. The vegetable didn’t appear to have been comprised by the juices on the plate.

I bit into it and the flavors of honey and cinnamon danced on my tongue. It was delicious.

When I glanced up, Annalise’s beautiful mouth bore the slightest of smirks. She watched me chew and then clapped her hands together. “I’ve decided I might like you. You entertain me.”

“I do?” My fork fell with a loud clatter against the plate, and I winced, retrieving it.

“Thank you?” I had no idea what to say. The server took my fork and handed me a new one.

“That fork was fine?” I said, not expecting an answer. When I peered down at my plate, the meat juices had joined the carrots.

Annalise stood. “Grab your glass,” she directed me.

Following her motion, we moved across the veranda, stopping by a low wall that separated it from a lower level. Lush gardens full of flowers and hanging plants were below us, spread so far I couldn’t see the end. She set her glass on the ledge.

“I miss Wyvon,” she said wistfully. “I have plenty of other men to entertain me, but he ruled with an iron fist. He earned his title King of Steel. We didn’t have nearly as many issues while he sat on his throne.”

Out of politeness, I said, “I’m sure you do, he is your husband.” I cleared my throat. “I know I haven’t been here long, Your Majesty, but I have been very impressed by your kingdom. It's beautiful, and from what I’ve seen, very orderly and well-running. I’m obviously no vampire expert but you’re doing a great job.”

Annalise stared at me like I’d grown three heads during our brief interlude. Then she looked pissed.

Then she smiled.

Then she laughed so loudly that she clutched her belly. The laughter rang out musically, a sound I could only wish I made when I cracked up over something. It was so feminine and melodious that all I could do was watch her in jealous fascination.

She wiped a delicate hand over her mouth and took another sip of her wine. I hadn’t touched mine but decided the hell with it and took a small sip. I half expected to feel high, or to drop dead—there was no telling in these parts what would happen.

Still breathing, I asked, “Forgive me please, if this is inappropriate, but is there like a wake-up date or something? How does that all work for you guys?”

“There’s no alarm clock, not as you little humans would understand. He’ll either wake up when he’s ready, or someone will have to wake him up. Sometimes, time is set. Lukas was the first to do that in a long time.”

Carefully, I took another small sip. “Oh yeah, I think he mentioned that. Actually, I may have overheard? I’m not sure. Sounds familiar though.”

The atmosphere shifted and I took a step back. The longer I stayed in this Realm, the more I was picking up on the subtleties in the air. Being able to see the magic around Kiam was new, too. I’d never seen it around my door until recently, though it wasn’t even close to as obvious as to whatever Kiam had going on with him.

“You do realize, little girl, that you are not claimed.” She stepped toward me. “That means you are fair game.” Another step. “You are not safe.”

My hips were against the stone wall. “Lukas is not yours—he is my Lord. If Wyvon wakes up, whether you’ve been claimed or not, nothing can save you.”

“Your Majesty,” Kiam’s voice rang out.

Annalise moved away from me and the deep breath I took almost folded me in half. “Kiam, my love,” she crooned, kissing both of his cheeks.