Page 52

He gave me a cursory look. “It turns out I am available to assist you after all.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful! I knew you would, you’re such a dear.” Her skin practically glowed with happiness. “Come, Cassia, we’ll go inside.”

What the fuck was happening? Kiam curled his fingers, motioning for me to join them. Trailing behind them, I listened as they made small talk, laughing about something Kalix had done, but I didn’t quite catch what they said.

We settled in the Queen’s personal chambers, where her favorite slave napped in her bed, a corner of the ebony fur blanket thankfully covering his bare ass.

I settled in an armchair, still clutching the wine glass but using it more as a prop than anything else at this point.

Kiam strode over to the sidebar and switched out Annalise’s for a glass of blood before pouring one for himself. “More wine, Cassia?” He asked me. I shook my head.

It was on the tip of my tongue to apologize for Lukas’s earlier behavior, but I held myself back, not wanting Annalise to hear about it. It wasn’t that I thought she would disapprove; it just seemed wise not to give her more information than she needed.

“It is as you assumed, the boy is in the Third,” Kiam said.

Annalise nodded. “You will go and fetch him for me.”

“I will. It seems he has been associating with demons, working for them.” His lips turned down before he added, “I don’t have all of my resources here, but I can address any lingering concerns when I arrive home.”

Annalise hissed, the sound belying to her beauty. “Demons. What the hell is any son of mine doing around demons.”

Kiam lifted his brow and scratched his cheek as he leaned back on the couch. He set his arm on the rest, his fingers clutching his drink while he stared at it. “It appears he is working for them. Drug running, I believe. He’s with a high level named Alexander.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, so he is rich?”

He smothered a smile. “I don’t know his finances, but I think it is safe to assume he doesn’t want for much.”

“So, my Zaynan is smart. What a good boy.” Annalise smiled and tucked her legs under her, getting comfortable.

She glanced at me, “My son, Cassia. He is coming home.”

“Oh, that’s great. I’m happy for you,” I replied, returning her smile. “How long has he been gone?”

The Queen flapped a hand in the air. “Since birth?”

“Birth?”

“Of course. Why would I want to raise a child?”

My ears rang. “It's fantastic you’ll be reunited. How old is he now?”

She scanned the room, thinking. She moved her fingers as if she were counting. “A few hundred years, maybe?” She shook her head. “I’m really not sure.”

“Better late than never, I suppose.” Kiam gave me a quick warning glance, so I added, “May I suggest throwing a party when Kiam brings him back? I bet everyone would love to meet the beautiful Queen’s son.” Kiam gave me the barest of nods and I felt the tension in my chest loosen slightly.

“That is a fabulous idea, Cassia. I’m so glad I didn’t poison your wine,” she purred and I blanched. She blew me a kiss and turned to Kiam. “When are you leaving?”

“Soon, my Queen. I have one very brief thing to attend to, and I will take my leave. With your blessing, of course.”

Annalise stood, brushing her chest against Kiam’s face as she hugged him. “Yes, my love.”

There was simply no way she and Kiam hadn’t banged. Once again, I fought illicit images. It was hard, when everything about the woman was so sexual. I shot him a look and he grinned at me, standing up.

The three of us trailed out of her quarters and into the throne room. “Thank you so much for the lovely lunch, Your Majesty,” I said, bowing my head.

“You are welcome, little girl,” she replied with a glimmer in her eyes.

I didn’t miss the careful moniker from earlier and gave her a confident smile.