Page 81 of Blood Queen

Marcy nods again. We sit in silence for a minute, the weight of the past hanging over us.

She looks at me thoughtfully.

“Do you think Antonio would be proud of the life you’ve made for yourself now?”

I glance down at Kenzie again, sleeping peacefully. Would my papa be proud of the vengeance I had rained down on the families on his behalf? He certainly didn’t want me in that world. Would he be proud that I chose love and family over violence in the end?

“I think…” I begin slowly, “that in the end, Papa just wanted me to be happy. As long as I’m taking care of myself and the people I love, then yes - I believe he’d be proud.”

Marcy gives me a small smile. “You’ve come a long way, Kid.”

I let out a little laugh.

The late afternoon sun filters through the blinds.

“Do you think you’ll ever tell Kenzie?” Marcy asks after a while. “About…everything?”

I glance down at my daughter again and brush a strand of hair from her face. Her features are so peaceful, so innocent. The thought of burdening her with the darkness of my past makes my heart ache.

“No,” I say softly. “Some parts of my history died with the four families. And that’s for the best. Truman wouldn’t want that for her anyway.”

Marcy nods in understanding. “The past is the past. All that matters now is the life you’re living.”

I nod. “Exactly. Speaking of, Truman would kill me if he knew I was spending time reminiscing with a reporter instead of making dinner.” I smile at her, but my words are not affectionate.

Marcy laughs and stands abruptly. “Alright, alright. I’ll get out of your hair. It was good catching up, Evany—I mean—”

“Meghan,” I say firmly. “If anyone found out my real name, it’d be….”

She smiles softly at that, and the years melt away as I slide out from under a napping Kenzie to stand and hug.

“Stay safe, Meghan. Best of luck to you,” she says.

“Ditto,” I answer.