Page 64 of Tell Them That I’m Coming

She gestures with her hand right beside me, and I don’t know what hits me harder: that she knows exactly what I am… or that Thane is her nephew.

CHAPTER 19

PROPHECY FULFILLED

One look, that’s all it takes. One look at Thane and I know that she’s not finding a way to twist the truth.

Oh, Thane. No…

Like, really? He didn’t think to mention that little tidbit when he was vowing to be honest and prove I can trust him? No, ‘Hey, Alana, I forgot to mention… the queen is my kin’! And, godsdamn it, essence exchange? You had no problem showing me the pretty, pretty fae that’s his betrothed, but you never thought I should know something this problematic?

With Thane staring at Queen Celeste, I take the opportunity to jerk my arm out his grip. A second later, I realize that that means I’m free to go over to Rafe—until a guard materializes at my side, using a sword to block my path before I can take more than a few steps.

I stop short, glaring at the guard, glaring at the queen, and then glaring at Thane for good measure.

That seems to knock him out of his stunned stupor. His hand goes to his waist, lifting his sword by the hilt a scant few inches before Queen Celeste tuts, and he yanks his away. That doesn’t erase his sudden furious glare as he stares her down from over the cage.

“You say that I’m your nephew, Celeste,” he snaps. “The whole Court knows I was your ward. Sold to you by my noble parents, and left with a debt that has taken me decades to even make a dent into.” He slaps at his belt, but even I don’t think he’s reaching for his sword again—and neither does she. She pats her lush lips, faking a yawn, as he grabs his pouch of gold, chucking it at her feet. “There. How much more do I owe you now?”

Rather than answer him, she turns her soulless gaze on me.

“This is the sort of gratitude I deserve?” she asks before turning with a sniff on Thane. “You should be thanking me on bended knee, boy.”

If looks could kill, she’d incinerate on the spot based on the force of his stare. “Thank you?” His hollow echoes around the cavernous, gaudy hall. “And only land myself deeper in your debt? Never.”

Now it’s my turn again as the queen… the same fae female who has my best friend in a cage… gives me a simpering look. “Do you believe how he treats me? After all I’ve done for him.”

Honestly? “Yeah.”

She purses her lips. “What if I told you that none of it is true? That he’s lured you here as an offering, same as my demon pet?” Her gaze lowers, directed right at Binx. “And you’ve brought one of your own, I see. Maybe I shall take the creature, too.”

That will never happen.

The only way I can keep Binx from attacking Queen Celeste is by promising through our bond that I’ve got this. That, even if I didn’t, I would never let someone try to take him from me. And, you know what? I feel the same way about Thane.

“Fae can’t lie,” I tell her coldly, “and my mate certainly doesn’t lie to me.”

For a moment, she loses the simpering look. The flash of surprise is the only thing that seems truly honest about Queen Celeste, though that fades just as quickly as it appeared.

“Mate, is it? One would think that such a high-ranking noble would tell his queen that he was taking a mate.” Lifting her hand, he taps her pouted lower lip with a longer, gold fingernail. “Especially when he has a betrothed to consider.”

She gestures, and as though one of the females along the side was waiting for such a signal, she glides gracefully across the floor.

Fiona.

Oh, gods, no. Sorry. Maybe it’s the Sombran demon in me, or just the fact that my mom is Shannon, but I am way too possessive of anything that I consider mine. From the books I borrowed from the EL and hid in my room to when I first bonded with Binx and Rafe tried to sneak him to his house, I won’t let anyone get between what’s mine.

And that includes Thane Aurex.

I tighten my fist, remembering the way that Queen Celeste gathered the shadows around her fingers. If she can do it, and we have the same sort of shadow magic… why can’t I?

The shadows at my feet stay where they are, hidden away as though they sense it would be dangerous to call the queen’s attention toward them. That’s fine. There are more than enough shadows in this throne hall, and before I know it, I’ve coated my fist in the inky black tendrils.

“Not now, Fiona,” I mutter through grit teeth.

It’s not as strong as Queen Celeste’s gauntlet. Not as impressive. Still, when I fling my hand out, sending the shadows flying at the flawless beauty moving toward Thane, it works. The dark shadows slam into the bodice of her gown, sending her stumbling back until she’s swallowed up by the other nobles again.

Queen Celeste doesn’t like that. She doesn’t like that one bit.