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“This is highly irregular, Your Majesty.” Grayson sighs, sounding bored. “Cinder’s father could have lied, and they could be sisters. What if they’re both barren? I think you’re wasting our time.”

I ignore his words, knowing he’s attempting to give me time to make my move. I pretend to push his hand away from my throat, grunting when he squeezes harder. I lift my hand to my hair, withdrawing a poisoned pin, using it to stab his hand.

“What did you do, you stupid bitch?” I buck and scream, ignoring Cinder’s complaints that she needs more action to see and her vibrator. She really is insane if she thinks this will go on for any longer.

The waitstaff stand along the walls with food, waiting to be signaled. They all ignore the scene in front of them, intent on their jobs. I don’t blame them when they have my step-sister as their employer. The pin is lost in the scuffle, but I purposely made sure it would roll onto the floor. Ayden will collect it later so that there’s no evidence left behind.

Charming forces a kiss from me, and I take advantage of this by smoothly shoving the knife I held by my thigh into his throat. His eyes bulge as he lifts his head, choking on the collecting blood. I slide the knife across his throat, giving him a second smile. I’m barely able to move my head, but am still sprayed with the warmth of his blood. I expect to gag in the horror of it all, but the poison works enough that he loosens his fist around my throat and sags against me. Keeping my lips pressed together to keep the blood from slipping through, I push his body to the side. I’m more concerned with scrambling off the table than the dead man now staring up from it.

“Put the knife away and let’s eat, Drizella. It appears you’ve granted me my divorce after all,” Cinder giggles. “Ignore the body, someone will come along for him eventually. As soon as Drizella sits, please begin to serve dinner.”

Not wanting to keep her waiting, I skirt around the table to slip into my seat.

“Look at me, Kitten,” Ayden murmurs. Turning to face him, I find he has a moistened napkin in his hand. Lips twitching into a poor excuse of a smile, I patiently allow him to clean my skin. The Gods only know what kind of horror show I look like. My skin must be covered with blood, judging from the spray of arterial blood.

“You two are sickeningly sweet,” Cinder mutters, rolling her eyes. “I don’t know why you’re bothering to clean her up, Ayden. Drizella’s dress is covered in blood, and Charming’s blood came out like a fire hose. Everyone knows not to get too close to an arterial spray if they don’t plan to wear it.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Ayden murmurs, putting the napkin down. “Should I instead take her outside and use the hose on her?”

I hold back a shiver because the guards once did just that after a grueling night down in the dungeons. I turn to face the table, and see Cinder smirking at me.

“My guards did that once, I found it rather enjoyable to watch as her screams died down. Maybe I’ll still hear you all scream tonight,” she says with a shrug.

I should demand that she let us go now that she has what she wants, but I’m not done here yet. Dinner is being served to the guards and soldiers as we speak, and I need to be patient. Even if the nightmares will keep me up.

Twenty-Five

GRAYSON

Silla is covered in blood, but at least the bastard’s blood isn’t near her mouth or eyes anymore. Her hands didn’t tremble at all when she slit his neck like butter. I never thought I’d be hot and bothered by this, but my girl is a badass. Her eyes are slightly wide now, however she’s doing so damn well.

I imagine that it’s not easy to take a life. I never have, but I expect that to change tonight. We may have to fight our way out, even with the best laid plans. The food is placed on the table, but Ayden, Silla, and I refuse to touch it.

Cinder takes a bite, moaning happily as she stares at her dead husband, who still has his erection in death. His pants are down his hips, and our one saving grace is that he’s still facing down. “The food is delightful. You really should have some. I haven’t had to kill any of the kitchen staff in ages, and it’s been so nice not to have to constantly train them on my likes and dislikes,” she explains. “Charming was always very vigorous in bed, but I could never find my release. I began to stray before he ever did.”

As usual, Cinder over shares about her sex life. I’m not in the least bit hungry, but I just incline my head to her in sympathy.

“Is it terrible I’m not sad at all? Hmm, this reminds me. Lana! Darling, you can come out now,” Cinder calls out.

Great, the night is about to get even more fucked up. I’m going to need to light a candle to appease the Gods. I must have offended someone in another life.

Silla takes a deep breath before wiping all emotion from her features. I hate that she had to learn how to do this, but I have to agree it’s a good skill to have. I have a pleasant expression on my face, while Ayden has his playboy maniacal smirk. I think Cinder likes him because she thinks that he’s as crazy as she is.

There’s a part of Ayden that Cinder doesn’t have, and it’s a deep loyalty and love for the people in his circle. As Lana slinks into the room with her black hair and ruby lips, I wonder if the queen loves her, or if she’s someone as twisted as she is to pass the time with.

Lana almost stumbles in surprise as she sees how bloodstained Silla is, but recovers easily. Her lips curl into a smile at Charming’s dead body, and she smoothly slips into the chair next to Cinder.

“Hello my queen,” she murmurs. “It seems I missed all of the excitement.”

“No, you didn’t. I’m sure there will be more to be had, there always is when Drizella comes to visit.” Cinder sighs, as if Silla is the problem. “No one brought you a plate, so feel free to peck off mine, Lana.”

Her lover preens at the attention, and I force myself to gaze dispassionately at them, hiding my disgust.

“Drizella, it’s so nice of you to have dispatched Charming for your sister,” Lana gushes. Silla pales a bit under the blood but shrugs. The Fuckateers chose ricin to kill the soldiers and guards in their food, increasing the dosage so they’ll begin to feel ill sooner. There’s no symptoms outside of nausea and vomiting, so it’ll appear to be a stomach flu. They’ll all be too busy in the bathroom or in bed to be able to help their queen.

“The opportunity presented itself,” Silla says nonchalantly. We all agreed the drinks shouldn’t be touched because it’s important that we still be able to drink so Cinder doesn’t get suspicious. If Silla doesn’t eat, neither will Ayden or I, so it’s easier for the queen to ignore it.

“Charming was very focused on putting a baby inside of Drizella, as you can see by his pants, Lana,” Cinder laughs, motioning to Charming. Lana giggles, scooting her chair closer to her. The girl is so childlike, it disgusts me to imagine her doing anything sexual.