Page 30 of Hunger & Harmony

Standing in an entryway that puts my measly bed and side table to shame, I gawk at the homage to gothic design and rock music. Not an expense was spared for this “room” that’s bigger than my boarding back in Sunveil.

So far, no Niko. Maybe he’s deeper in this maze of doors and turns. Or somewhere else entirely. I hope for the latter as I begin my search.

The obvious places are quickly checked and dismissed. Even swiping my hands under his pillows or peeking into his closet doesn’t bring me any closer to the truth, though.

I’m not sure why I’m so insistent on knowing. Maybe because I already suspect what’s going on. Maybe I want to be proven wrong. Because there’s no benefit to being right.

“ . . .when you know there’s willing donors.”

My heart leaps into my throat when I hear Selene’s voice from the entrance. I’m standing in his shadowed bedroom when I hear the shuffle of footsteps and the main door slamming in the near distance. In a panic, I fly into the walk-in closet, accidentally leaving the door cracked open as I disappear behind long coats and multiple black shirts. I try, and fail, not to lean in, subtly inhaling the addictive scent on his clothes. Spiced vanilla and bourbon, wow.

“Not now.”

“Then, when?” Selene snaps back at Niko. “There’s no excuse for this. Even a pureblood can only go so far without sustenance.”

My teeth hook into my lip. I can hear them moving around and talking so clearly. There’s no hope they won’t discover me, right?

“You already stepped down your blood intake. If you’re refusing the meager alternative, how do you expect to survive? We’re touring.”

“I’m fine. A couple of hours of performing won’t end me,” he says, even with exhaustion dragging his tone down.

“A couple of hours of singing, plus many more traveling, wading through fans, and having the Court at our throats.”

She lets out a long, frustrated sigh. I’ve never witnessed cracks in her meticulous calm before.

“I know you’re putting on a brave face for everyone. You’re king and have earned your title. But do you think denying yourself will grant you the control you seek?”

Silence follows her loaded question. I will my thundering heart to quit before they sense me.

“I fear it is doing the opposite,” she murmurs.

“You don’t understand,” he says, voice low and bitter.

“I do,” she retorts. “I know what haunts you. Similar ghosts lurk in the chambers of my own heart.”

“It’s different,” he says. Footsteps draw closer to the bedroom. “This time, she⁠—”

I hold my breath. While I can’t be certain, it seems like he’s lingering in the bedroom door. Selene is silent, too, and I fear they’re onto me.

“She . . .” Niko echoes, quieter this time.

“Your Majesty.”

That’s Ryel.

“What?” Selene snaps.

“The Archduchess called. Said she would be stopping in New Lure tomorrow.”

“Of course,” Selene says. “How convenient.”

It’s getting harder to hold my breath. I exhale slowly, hoping and praying they’ll wrap up.

“Let her come,” Niko says after a beat of charged silence. “I’d rather face the Court with her on my side than without.”

“I agree,” Ryel says. “Let’s set a time. That flunky of hers is on hold.”

It’s not until I hear the front door closing and I count up to sixty seconds that I make a move. Tiptoeing my way back, I pause right before freedom when I spot it. A crumpled box on the lounge coffee table.