of me in a reflection of the queen’s pose. “He once told me that I looked like his best friend who died a long time ago, perhaps it’s that?”
Her stare bores into me, and my body freezes. For a moment, I think she’s using magic on me, but I extend my senses and can’t feel any being used. My body is just locked in fear. Her pretty dresses and beauty may make her look harmless, but there is no doubt that she’s a ruthless predator.
“He travelled across the continent to find you.”
Clearing my throat, I shake my head slightly. “He’s here as an ambassador for his people.” Truth. Taking a deep breath, I smile slightly, trying to relax some of the tension in my shoulders. “That is all, Your Majesty.”
The queen had turned back to her flowers, but as I speak, her head whips around, her narrowed eyes focusing on me once again. “Hmm, you don’t believe that.” She hums, her expression changing as she ponders over what that could mean.
I need to get off that topic before I inadvertently say something that will get Tor into trouble. Steeling my nerves, I walk up to the flowerbed she’s standing by, examining the beautiful roses, her gaze on me the whole time. “I’m surprised you’re okay with Vaeril and I being bonded.” It’s a risky subject, but also one I want to know the answer to.
Making a noise in the back of her throat, she looks away from me and returns her attention to the flowers, the leaves and vines growing towards her as she runs her hand over them. “Oh, I’m not,” she assures me, voice light. “But for now, he’s the only thing keeping me from killing you where you stand.” My blood runs cold as she casually talks about slaying me, and for the first time, I thank the Great Mother that Vaeril is bonded to me.
“The gods are cruel, pairing you, a half-breed, with someone like him,” the queen continues, her calm voice cracking a little on ‘half-breed,’ but after a second, she regains control. The two of us stand side by side, not really paying any attention to the gardens, but keeping up the façade for anyone watching. “You know what this means?” she asks, her voice bright as she glances at me. I shake my head slightly, not bothering to voice my reply.
Turning to face me once more, her eyes glow with cruel glee. “I am your queen.” Her blood-red lips curl into a smirk as she takes a step to close the gap between us. The urge to step back, to get away from the threat before me is strong, and I have to fight against my instincts. “Before, you were just an unwelcome guest, but the bond between you and Vaeril confirms it. You are one of my subjects, whether you like it or not.”
I blink as I realise she’s right, and I’m not quite sure why I hadn’t thought of this before. A guest. She’s right, that’s what it felt like, but now that she’s accepted my claim that I am at least part elf, she is my queen.
Is this a good thing? My thoughts spin, trying to work through this new revelation. On one hand, she’s accepted that I’m part elf, so I do belong here, no matter how much I feel like I’m an outsider. I could make a place for myself here. On the other hand, she’s my sovereign, so whatever she says goes. She could order me to stay away from Vaeril and I’d have to obey. I need to speak to Vaeril and the others to find out what this means and if it changes anything.
Oblivious to my internal struggle, the queen continues, “I can make your life miserable, so I suggest you make yourself useful to me.”
My throat is dry, and my voice croaks as I try to reply, gripping my hands tightly to stop myself from fidgeting. “How would I do that, Your Majesty?”
“For now, you visit the wood elves,” she instructs, and my eyebrows rise in surprise. Is that it? I’d expected some awful task from her. Sensing my astonishment, she smiles again, and my stomach sinks as I get a bad feeling. “That is not all, Clarissa. If anyone says you were sent by the gods, deny it. You reassure them that I am the rightful queen, and let me know of anyone who believes otherwise on your return.”
She wants me to spy,