Page 89 of Hunt Me

“Very good. Ezra!” Matilda called, stealing him away from a lithe fae he was trying to appeal to in the corner. She gagged when he caressed the fae’s cheek before leaving his side. She’d never known Ezra to be affectionate, and to see him in action was nauseating.

“Let’s make this quick, shall we? There are pressing matters I must see to.”

“My safety is more important than pleasing your carnal side,” Matilda taunted.

“I beg to differ.”

“Will you be bringing him back to the castle?” she asked curiously as she tightened her cape around her.

“I would never. He is to meet me behind the stables in ten minutes.”

“Please refrain. My bedroom window faces the rear of the stables.”

“Then I advise you to keep your curtains closed.”

She rolled her eyes and followed Belzar until they walked side-by-side on the cobbled streets. She clasped her hands behind her back and waited for him to commence.

“I do not wish to see you any longer.”

“What have I done to make you ask this of me?” Matilda questioned. She had an idea, but she wanted to hear him to be a man and say it to her face.

“I have been your friend for years. I have sheltered and fed you and have offered myself to you several times, not only as a bedmate but as a husband.”

Ezra snorted in the distance.

“I have offered these things to you, yet you fall willingly into the arms of the same vampire king who eliminated most of your bloodline. The same vampire king you claim to want to usurp. I cannot make any sense of it, but I have determined you do not stand for anything, Matilda Helsing.”

The orc fell silent, and Matilda pondered her response. She was saddened but not shocked.

“Do you not hear yourself, Belzar? Yes, you’ve been a friend, sheltered, fed, and offered yourself to me; however, you and I know these things were offered as a condition. Your friendship was never altruistic in nature, but I hear your stance loud and clear. Because I never offered you my back, you no longer wish to be friends. I also do not believe your bullshit excuse for handing me over to King Alesi. You wanted me to pay for not giving in. You are not in love with me, Belzar. In fact, you despise me, and that is okay because you will not be the first, and you will certainly not be the last. I wish your selfishness only extended to me, but we both know you mistreat Belzara. You work her like a slave in the tavern while you make her job harder and drink away your modest yet livable wages. You don’t lift a finger, and she must bear all the responsibilities on her shoulders. She has dreams and aspirations besides the tavern, but I’m sure you’re aware of this. You simply do not care because it doesn’t benefit you. You stated earlier that I can’t have anything at the snap of my fingers, but I assure you I can. I am taking Belzara with me if she wishes, and nothing you can do will stop me. I stand for nothing? That is laughable when you all took my protection for granted. The residents of Night Falls were always at the forefront of my actions. I risked my life for you all, and what did I get in return? My people are still my first priority, but now, I’m protecting you all differently—through my connection with King Alesi. Those taxes you hate paying so much were lowered because of me. That means more coin for you to spend on ale and whores—you’re welcome. With all that said, I did not lose a friend in you; you lost a friend in me.”

32

Dungeon Alliances

“How do I look?” Matilda asked, observing her figure in the gilded mirror.

“You’ve always been unfortunate-looking, and despite the finery—how can I put this gently? We’re putting lipstick on a pig at this point.”

Matilda laughed until her stomach cramped and her child nudged her, reminding her of their existence. Beyond Belzara’s boar stew, Matilda had grown fond of the woman’s confidence and blunt nature. Those qualities made her an obvious choice for lady-in-waiting. She didn’t want anyone in her life or royal circle who resorted to mincing words.

“Making you presentable for your wedding day and coronation will be a feat.”

“One that you’ll be capable of overtaking, I presume?”

“Of course, Tilda. I believe I have proven myself to you over the past month. I may have the most laborious task in Night Falls, but consider it done.”

Matilda grinned in the mirror and nodded. She couldn’t blame Belzara; she had been looking a little sapped since the challenge. It felt as if everything was hitting her at once—drowsiness due to insomnia, sensitivity to light that forced her to stay indoors unless the moon had risen, and a lack of appetite. She’d been forcing herself to eat for the sake of her child, but everything tasted like sawdust.

“What is one step up from a pig with lipstick?”

“A goat with lipstick,” Belzara replied without hesitation.

“Wonderful. I aim to be a goat with lipstick on my wedding day.”

Belzara snorted and continued adding more touches to Matilda’s wedding dress.

“Aye. You’ll be the most magnificent goat in all the lands,” she teased playfully. “I never thanked you, Tilda.”