She narrows her eyes. “It’s been a while since your father shared any information with us.”
Oh, that doesn’t bode well.
“I brought Sophie per your request,” Derek interjects. “Are you going to invite us in, or did we come here just to hang out with your pets?”
The wolves snarl, peeling their lips back to reveal huge and sharp teeth.
Derek, what are you doing, man?
Enya’s nostrils flare. “Watch your tone, Blackwater. I’m not your friend.”
“Didn’t think for a second you were.”
They glower at each other for a moment, making me fidget on the spot. It’s Enya who breaks the staring contest first to look at me. “And who is this?”
“I’m—”
“He’s of no consequence,” Derek interrupts.
“He’s my friend,” Sophie grits out.
Enya’s spine goes rigid right before she looks over her shoulder at a window on the second floor. I follow her line of sight and see the shape of a woman staring at us. Rivulets of dread run down my back. I bet that’s Tatiana.
Without a word, Enya turns on her heels and opens the front door wide for us. “You may enter.”
Her invitation sounds ominous, and too much like the last words someone might hear before their demise. But Sophie’s going in, and I’ll be damned if I let her go alone.
Twenty-Six
SOPHIE
Enya lets us through the front door, but we wait for her in the grand foyer. My body is shaking like a tree in a storm. I’ve always felt uneasy whenever I was in Queen Tatiana’s presence, but knowing now that she’s my mother, my tension level is going through the roof. My stomach is coiled so tightly, it’s painful.
“I’ll escort Sophie to see the queen,” Enya tells us. “You and the lowborn vampire will wait here.”
“Lowborn vampire? That’s harsh, lady,” Vaughn complains.
“My instructions were to stay with Sophie the entire time,” Derek argues.
“Whose instructions?” I ask.
Enya watches Derek in open contempt. “I care not for your instructions.”
They glare at each other again, and who knows how long they’ll stay engaged in their stupid animosity battle. My nerves are fried, and I have no patience for it.
“I’m not your subject, and I don’t need a security detail. She ismyqueen,” I reply through clenched teeth. “Please, Enya. Take me to see her.”
“It’s not wise…,” Derek presses.
“I’ll be there to protect Sophie if the situation requires,” Enya cuts in.
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Protect me from what?”
“Come, child. We don’t have much time.” She turns toward the grand staircase, but I hesitate and glance at Vaughn. I wish he could come with me, but I don’t want to be a damsel in distress who needs a knight in shining armor to protect her. I have to see this through alone.
“You got this.” He smiles.
I nod, then follow Enya up the stairs. With each step, my heart seems to beat faster, and by the time I reach the landing, it’s galloping at breakneck speed. I feel sick.
