Page 203 of Kneel Before Me

“I do not know. The third challenge is different every Ranking. But it always takes place at the lake.”

Daphne thought of the beautiful, still water that Kronos had shown her, remembering what they’d done on its shores. Nothing bad could possibly happen in such a peaceful place.

“Daphne,” Kronos whispered. “What are you thinking?”

Daphne’s chest grew tight. It was too much pressure. If she cost him the third challenge, this would all have been for nothing. “I want you to win.”

He sighed. “I want that too. But it may not be up to us.”

Daphne knew he was right. She knew there was nothing either of them could do to prepare for tomorrow—and she knew that whatever came, Kronos would keep her safe.

“We should sleep,” he murmured.

So they slept.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Daphne

Kronos was already awake when Daphne opened her eyes.

“Were you watching me sleep?” she murmured.

“Perhaps.”

“Stalker.”

He let out a soft laugh. “If that is my only sin, I gladly accept it.”

Daphne nestled deeper into his chest. There was such peace in this moment. Such beauty. She was completely relaxed against him, his body warm and hard.

“Are you ready for today?” he murmured.

It was impossible to be ready for something Daphne knew nothing about. She said as much. “Barely.”

Kronos shifted her in his arms, pulling her face up to his. “I can make you calm, if you wish.”

“What do you mean?”

“It is the same thing I did when I took your anxiety. I can give you calmness.”

That was certainly tempting. But Daphne didn’t need to be calm; she needed to be brave. Deltene’s words rang in her head: By being here, you are already brave.

“I don’t need it,” she said. “I just need you.”

Kronos pressed a long, lingering kiss to her forehead. “You have me. Always.”

They walked to the lake hand in hand. Daphne’s eyes had adjusted to the dim lighting by now, and she no longer needed to watch her step on the rough stone floor. She was even used to the oppressive heat, welcoming the way the air cradled her. She felt sensual and alive.

When they arrived at the lake, many basilisks were already there. She marveled at the sheer number of them. The surface of the lake was glassy and smooth not a single ripple to be seen. Daphne was once again struck by the energy that emanated from the water. There was something undoubtedly magical in the air.

Floating in the shallows was a line of mats. Daphne stared at them apprehensively.

Bastian’s voice rang out over the water. “Welcome to the final challenge.”

Everyone turned to face the Serpent King. Deltene was by his side.

“Now is the time for your quiver to cast their vote,” he continued. “The first challenge was for the hosts. The second for the guests. This challenge is for the people. They will lend their support only to the host who they think deserves to be king. This challenge requires your quiver to work together as a team. It is indicative of how they will behave under your rule.”