Page 34 of Queens Will Play

“Your Majesty, we need to talk. We have heard rumors of changes you’re planning to make and we feel you should discuss this with us first,” Tanbi said.

Narrowing my eyes, I met his gaze, holding it till he looked away. “Make an appointment with my assistant⁠—”

“Your Majesty,” Esten said, “I really think you should speak with us. It’s imperative.”

I didn’t like the attitude I sensed brewing behind those cool, unblinking eyes, but it seemed the only way to get them off my back was to actually listen to what they had to say.

“Fine. Come.” I led them to my office and took my place behind my desk. My assistant followed us in. “I need a triple shot caramel latte,” I said. Without offering them anything, I pointed to the chairs near my desk. “Sit. What do you want?”

“Your Majesty,” Esten said, “We’ve heard rumors that you’re planning on instituting a judicial system with justices other than yourself.”

“You heard right. It’s ridiculous to waste my time attending to simple cases that could easily be handled by a judge. I take it you disagree?” I leaned forward, elbows on the table, as I rested my chin on my hands and stared at them.

“It’s never been done that way. The people want to know the Queen takes every case seriously⁠—”

“But every case isn’t that serious, and if I waste my time on simple cases, I’m sacrificing my time for the bigger issues—and we are facing a big issue, or will be soon.” I debated whether it was time to tell them about Desanguas, then decided to leave them hanging.

“Your Majesty…what do you mean?” Tanbi asked.

“I’ll tell you when it’s time. But save your breath. This is happening, and you will have my back, or you will be out of a job.” Tired of arguing, I stood. “Now, leave me. I have appointments this afternoon.”

Reluctantly, they filed out of the office, much like schoolboys who had just been scolded. And that’s what it felt like—I was constantly dealing with children in this position. Adult children who wanted their egos stroked and who insisted on being pacified.

After they left, I walked over to Smoky and sat on his lap. He pulled me close and kissed me, his hands gently caressing my waist. Wrapping my arms around him, I rested my head on his shoulder.

“Rough day, my love?” he asked.

“In too many ways,” I said. “Sometimes, I wish you could sweep us away to a dreyerie at the top of the world, where nobody expects anything out of us.”

“I could. Just say the word.” One tendril of his ankle-length hair rose up to gently stroke my face. I closed my eyes as he began to kiss my neck. “Whatever you wish, my love. You have only to command it.”

His lips were soft against my throat, and once again, a shudder ran through me. Each of my men could make me melt with their touch, and each one had a different way of reminding me that I was theirs—that I belonged to them, and they belonged to me.

“I wish we had time before dinner,” I whispered.

“Me too,” he said, pulling me closer. “But, we don’t…”

Reluctantly, I pulled away and straightened my clothes. “Honestly? I’m so tired, that it’s fine. I’m not even sure I have the energy to eat. We were up most of the night and only got a few hours of sleep this morning.”

“Eat dinner, then I’ll give you a massage—a relaxing one,” he added with a grin.

“I’m holding you to that promise,” I said. Sighing, I retreated to my bedroom to wash up before dinner. The rest of the evening, we chilled and, after a long massage by the three most gorgeous men in the world, I fell asleep, cradled by the feeling of safety.

Friday morning started with another call from Marion.

“It’s getting so bad I can’t stay another night in the house,” she said.

“We’ll be over today. Can you meet us there around one PM?” I asked.

“I’ll wait outside. I’m afraid to go in during the day now. I’ll tell you all about it when I see you,” she added.

I had no more showered and dressed for breakfast when my phone sounded again. I checked my texts. Delilah had sent me a message.

roz just showed up, she texted. remember dinner tonight, here?

I glanced at Smoky. “Do we have dinner plans? Rozurial arrived, and Delilah’s invited us for dinner. Oh, by the way, we’re scheduled to be at Marion’s at one.”

“No plans that I know of.” Smoky stood, stretching. He was fully six-four, and most every day that I’d known him, he wore the same thing: white jeans, a white duster, and a white shirt. He never got dirty—his clothes stayed spotless regardless of what we were facing. His long silver-white hair flowed down to his heels, and he had pale skin the color of skim milk, and eyes as frosty as snow.