The Glass Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil #2) - Gena Showalter Page 0,53

to be a victory celebration at the campgrounds. I have much to consider, and even more to do.”

I would get to attend my first party? My heart raced with excitement. Then I noticed the sardonic curve of his mouth, and foreboding prickled the back of my neck.

I wasn’t going to like this celebration, was I?

9

Oh, be bright. Oh, be merry.

Do what you must and never tarry.

SAXON

I kept Ashleigh in the air longer than necessary, my mind trapped between the present and the past. I’d called her “Asha.” Just as I’d once called Leonora “Nora,” when I’d begun falling in love with her.

I swallowed a roar, the memory overshadowing the world around me...

* * *

The witch was nothing like I’d been led to believe. She wasn’t sweet, and she wasn’t biddable. Not most of the time, anyway. There were moments, though... Moments when she was somehow sad but also joyful, when she looked at me with kind eyes that were a slightly darker shade of blue than usual, and I didn’t feel like a monster who needed to gain more for his people, but a man at rest. I lived for those moments. At all other times, Leonora was the most stubborn, combative being ever to live.

I’d commanded her to clean, making her my personal servant. She’d refused, adding to the mess instead.

I’d ordered her to sleep in my chamber. She’d agreed—and barred me from the room.

I’d demanded she kneel before me like a proper war prize. She’d laughed in my face and purred, “Make me.”

I did admire her spirit. But I missed those moments.

Today, she’d decided to reverse her decision to play servant. She served my men their evening meal—a chore I hadn’t assigned her—wearing a sheer scarf dress, her ample curves on display for all to see. Her long red hair hung in mile-long waves, her pale skin flushed. Every step she took, every move she made was designed to attract attention.

Lust blazed in every onlooker’s eyes, and a desire to commit mass murder unfurled within me. When I could stand it no longer, I banged my fist on the table with enough force to shatter glass. Every gaze shot to me, and all voices went quiet.

I said nothing, but my message was clear. Within seconds, everyone was staring down at their food.

Only somewhat mollified, I looked to Leonora. She grinned the smuggest little grin—this was not one of those restful moments.

The little minx had liked my volatile reaction? Had hoped to rouse my fury? Mission accomplished.

“Leave us,” I snapped.

She bristled, snapping back, “I will not.”

“I wasn’t speaking to you,” I informed her in a gentler tone.

My men jumped up, chairs skidding behind them. No one argued. In a hurry, they fled as fast as their booted feet would carry them.

Leonora remained in place, not the least bit afraid to be alone with me. A first. Most people would have begged for my forgiveness by now.

I crooked my finger at her, curious about her response.

For once, she obeyed without delay. Only, she did it her own way, sauntering over slowly. The second she stood within reach, I grabbed her by the waist and set her atop the table.

“You were jealous, warrior,” she purred. “Admit it.”

I shook my head. “I have no need of jealousy. As a king, I have everything I’ve ever wanted.” So why am I unsatisfied, nearly every minute of every day? “But I am drawn to you more intensely than anyone I’ve ever met.” It was as if she had been made just for me, but that couldn’t be right. My wings hadn’t produced the amour, the special dust reserved for my fated one. “Why? Why am I drawn to you?”

Was something wrong with me? Or with her?

She traced a fingertip around my lips, as if she had every right to put her hands on me without first receiving permission. “You ask the wrong question, Your Majesty.”

I could not look away from her—I didn’t want to. She’d snared me completely. “And what is the right one, sweet Nora?”

Her pupils exploded over her irises, black consuming blue. “Nora...” She rewarded me with a soft smile. “I like it.”

As did I. “The right question,” I prompted. “What is it?”

Leaning closer, she whispered, “Why haven’t we done anything about your obsession with me?”

Every muscle in my body hardened to stone. “Is the obsession mutual?”

A new grin lifted the corners of her lips. “Why don’t you kiss me and find out?”

* * *

“Are we flying circles around the campground for