Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 63709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
Rogue teases the ends of my curls. I return Bestian’s note and watch it float gently through the air.
“The king has informed me that I’m to join him for dinner,” I tell the friendly whisp as I climb out of bed.
Rogue flurries past me, straightening the comforter and smoothing it over the corners of the bed.
“Don’t worry, I’m planning to go. But I need your help.”
The little wind weaves around my ankles like a cat.
Bestian wants a truce? He wants to come to an accord? I’ll bargain with him until I hold all the cards. And then we’ll see who truly rules.
I roll back my shoulders and give my first royal command. “Make me look like a queen.”
Bestian
This morning, I left Rose sleeping. I curse my royal duties, but the councilors who rule in Medea City in my stead are clamoring for my attention. They want advice about how to handle the Red Death.
I want nothing more than to remain with my Omega, but every time I think of her, the words she spoke to me in the beginning echo in my ear:
If you're the king, you should do something. Your people are dying.
I issue curt messages telling my advisors the Red Death is already being handled—that I distributed a potion that will reverse most symptoms. It’s not a cure, but it is the culmination of the research I started when the curse first came upon the land. I send the bulk of my findings to my royal magicians, ordering them to continue to study the curse, track its spread, and appoint a committee to look after the afflicted.
“One more matter,” another advisor says through a private channel. “I’ve heard rumors that you initiated the Queen Covenant and found an Omega.”
I wave a hand, and my communication orbs go dark. I send the whisps with a final edict saying I am not to be disturbed.
My councilors know I initiated the Queen Covenant since they were the ones who received the royal decree the morning after Rose first appeared at my door. I was so desperate to find her that I had no choice but to go public with my search. However, they do not know what transpired after that, and I want to keep my Omega a secret—at least for now. It won’t be possible forever, especially since Aurus now knows, but as selfish as it may seem, I want to keep her all to myself for as long as possible. I’m hoping news will take time to spread to Medela.
I tried to spy on Rose earlier, but the whisp informed me that she asked for privacy. I believe she was in the bathroom at the time. This is the first time she has not tried to leave immediately after waking up, and I can’t describe how much that warms my heart.
She’s plotting something. I can’t wait to find out what it is. But there are hours between now and dinner time. I pray it is something good. She intrigues me, but she is troubled. No matter how close I get to her physically, I always sense some kind of invisible barrier between us. I can think of no other way to describe it.
I wonder if it has anything to do with the bad dreams she sometimes has.
I wander through the palace, checking the preparations being made by the whisps. Tonight must be perfect. I want to show my new mate all the pleasures of her new life.
When I reach the main ballroom where Rose first confronted me, my steps slow.
Perhaps I should issue an edict to offer aid to the afflicted. And a new committee to oversee research into the Red Death and any similar curses.
I look up. My pacing has brought me to the gallery, in front of my parents’ portrait. My father looks wise and stern, my mother, loving and gentle.
“You would have loved her,” I tell them. “Her wit, her beauty. Already, she has changed me.”
A smile hovers over my mother’s mouth. I would give anything to hear her voice again.
“Rose will make a great queen.” She deserves a coronation. Then again, I never had one, deeming them unnecessary.
“Ruling is a burden and a privilege,” my father told me as I lay on my sick bed. “When I am gone, you must take your place as king. Work every day to prove yourself worthy.”
But I haven’t done that. The only thing I’ve done is found an Omega. And I didn’t even find her—she found me.
A wave of shame fills my chest. The scars on my face itch and sting—a permanent reminder. Perhaps it is good my parents are long gone. It is a boon from Ulf, a relief, that they will never see the failure their son has become.
I turn away from my parents’ portrait and force my thoughts in another direction. The day is waning and there is much to be done. Rose is making ready, and so will I. Tonight must be perfect. I will woo my Omega, and win her love.