Page 86 of Hunt Me

He closed his eyes with a sigh and gathered his queen in his arms.

“What did she say?” Ezra asked.

“Boar stew,” Luka drawled.

“She cheated!” Lawrence Marquis yelled as he approached the two men. “I demand she be put to death!”

Luka passed Matilda to Ezra and faced the ill-tempered father. “Explain your position.”

“That-that witch poisoned my daughter!” Lawrence bellowed, pointing at Matilda.

“Last I was aware, poison is a weapon. Is it not?” Lawrence’s mouth opened and closed as he attempted to find the words. “Take what is left of your daughter, return to House Marquis, and give her a proper burial. I expect your attendance at the coronation and wedding with your customary gift.”

“I refuse! A curse to you, Disgraced King Alesi! This will not be the last of us!” Lawrence Marquis yelled before spitting on Luka’s boots and storming away.

“What shall we do?” Ezra asked, waiting for instructions.

“Send a team—gather the riches, burn their residences, and slaughter them all.”

“I already had a team dispatched at the off chance the challenge went awry. I will send the signal,” Ezra confirmed.

Luka smiled. “You, my friend, have earned yourself a raise. Let’s go to this tavern that Matilda loves so much. She has certainly earned her coveted boar stew.”

31

Broken Ties

Matilda’s eyes fluttered open, and she grimaced at the pale sight before her.

“Have I gone to the underworld?”

“Not quite. How are you feeling?”

“Like I was stabbed in the shoulder by a wretched bloodsucker,” she groaned, massaging her shoulder. The wound was healed but still ached. “Where is Luka? I hope he is not off in a corner mourning his deceased secret lover.”

Ezra snorted. “I could barely get him to leave your side.”

“Why would you want him to leave my side?” she asked hesitantly.

“He hadn’t fed in days. I caught him sucking your blood off his fingers.”

“A depraved one he is.”

“Indeed, he is.”

“I feel him,” Matilda commented, pulling herself up against the splintered and chipped headboard. “He is near.”

“Yes. He’s downstairs making a mockery of himself.”

“How so?” she asked, rolling her neck, working out the kinks.

“Partaking in a childish drinking game with your ex-orc lover.”

“I shan’t entertain your foolish ribbing. It is simply not worth my time.”

“What shall I entertain you with instead?” he asked.

“What happened after Alaria Marquis fell?”