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“I cannot. My post is here, guarding you.”

“I’m not the one whose death is going to take down half a million others,” she hissed. Someone at the bar two seats away glanced in her direction. She looked away, blinking at the tears. Her hands clenched around the strap of her purse.

“I understand that,” Isao said gently. “But I also know that my lord Dominique has the power and strength to prevail. He has many times before.”

“Not after he’s been awake all day,” she ground out.

Isao stared at her, uncomprehending, and Cassidy knew she had revealed something else Dominique had chosen not to share with his latest convert. Oh well. He was in trouble and she was calling the shots now.

“It’s a gift with a terrible price,” she improvised. “As you well know, because you had to save his hide from Esteban the last time he did it.”

The samurai looked dazed. “I see. And…he did this today?”

“Yes. He did.”

“And he’s a mess when he day-walks,” Garrett confirmed.

“For how long?”

“Twenty-four hours.”

“Then…if there is still no word from him tomorrow night…and I’m still alive…I will consider your request, my lady. Garrett, may I contact you later for an update?”

“Sure thing. Here.” He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a card. “The business name is a fake, but the mobile is correct.”

“Thank you.” Isao handed him a card of his own.

Cassidy wanted to scream. “Really? We’re just going to exchange cards tonight and hang out?”

“He has survived against impossible odds before,” Isao said.

“This is diff—”

“He survives because of you, my lady.” The samurai’s quiet tone gained an edge as sharp as his weapons. He would suffer no more of her arguments. Not that she had any. She knew the truth. Dominique had told her so.Without you, there is no me—and no kingdom.She was his weakest link.

A tear broke free from her unblinking eye and slid down her cheek.

Isao softened. “Please understand. While I have great faith in his ability to triumph, I have no faith in my ability to survive him should anything happen to you—all of you,” he cast a meaningful glance at her middle, “while you’re under my protection.”

When she said nothing, Isao turned to Garrett and asked about their plans and whereabouts for the rest of the night so he and his younglings could coordinate. With every word, Cassidy felt the lid on her box close tighter. The box for precious, guarded things—and pregnant mortal queens of immortal kingdoms.

God help her. If this is what it was like now, how would she ever survive this pregnancy?

35

Adilla Khan

TherewasvomitinDominique’s mouth, and his belly rippled as it tried to expel the last of the food he had eaten today. He was cold, his clothes damp. Behind his back, his wrists stung as though fettered in nettles. When he moved them, he realized they were shackled. There was also a hazy memory of being put in chains by humans.

During the day.

More memories came. Jackson exhorting him to break the chains, telling him what he was, a truth too impossible to believe, too terrifying to remember.

I will have the truth from you.

Dominique’s thoughts snapped into focus. Esteban de Santiago had pushed into his mind. That was how he had woken up, remembered himself, and, like before, lost consciousness.

Esteban de Santiago was still there. In fact, he was cursing.