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I nodded, satisfied with his answer.

“So, when can we expect to see her?”

“I’m hoping to have her here very soon.”

“Perfect.” He took another bite of food. “Would you like to move your seat down here and join me?” The uptick in his voice sounded hopeful.

I dragged my hand out, feigning sadness. “I would, my King, but I’ve just finished and I have to check in to see if we’re closer to bringing Snow in.” I hesitated one second. “Should we perform her execution in the town center as a symbol to the people?”

He nodded. “A fair and impartial Kingdom.”

I rubbed my hand down his cheek. “Good…” Boy.

I walked out of the room, leaving him sitting at the table.

I would have to look into his lapse with Snow later. I didn’t need anything impeding my final plans. I needed to know I could trust him to do the things I required.

I walked into my bedroom and locked the door, pressing my back against it.

These last several weeks had been exhausting, and the shifting was taking so much out of me, but it was fine now. I just needed to get her heart and liver and I would be good as new. Should be soon now…

I sauntered into the bathroom and slipped out of my dress. I ran my fingers along the edge of the bathtub to the handles. I wanted it piping hot tonight to soothe my achy muscles.I tossed in a bit of lemongrass and fresh lavender sprigs and watched them float around carelessly before dipping my toe in. It burned, but only for a second so I sank the rest of my body in so the water hit just under my chin.

I leaned back, resting my head on the edge of the tub, and closed my eyes, taking in the delicious scents when I felt a pair of rough hands on my neck, gripping my collarbone tightly.

I flinched only for a second before I recognized them.

I opened my eyes and saw the bearded beauty looking down at me.

“My Queen.” He smiled.

“My Huntsman.” I closed my eyes again, letting his fingers rub my shoulders.

His hands dipped down into the water, roughly taking my breast in his palm.

“Are you going to make me a happy woman?”

“I serve to make you happy, my Queen,” his voice faltered.

I sat up, causing his hands to fall off my breasts, and spun to look at him. He was completely nude and a sight to behold.

He sighed.

“Out with it!” I demanded. I didn’t have time for excuses.

“She is alive. Snow is still alive.”

“What!” I yelled, causing the wind to stir up and the lights to flicker.

He looked down, ashamed.

“How is this possible? How does she keep surviving? What was the point of putting you in that house if you can’t do what needs to be done? She is a fucking child!”

“She’s no longer a child. Isn’t that the-”

“I know she’s not a child by age anymore, but compared to me, she is!”

He retreated.