Page 96 of Queens

Rexton sighs. “Cassia. Get up.”

“Suck my taint.” I roll over, giving him my back. “I’m sleeping.”

My uncouth statement is met with silence, which I’m taking to mean I’ve won. People get uncomfortable when you tell them to suck your taint, and I’m not above using that to my advantage.

Rexton is defective, though. I should know that by now. He hooks his fingers into the back of my pants, and I release a panicked screech and arch away as he yanks my pants halfway down my ass.

I gasp, grabbing and yanking my pants back up. “What the fuck are you doing?”

“Eat your food, or I’m going to follow through.”

What the fuck kind of threat is that? There’s no way he’s being serious. No way in hell. I grind my teeth, debating how much I want to risk it, before sitting up and snatching the plate from Rexton’s hands.

He’s smirking, clearly pleased with himself. I ignore it. He doesn’t deserve to be happy.

“If we’re to be in a relationship,” I say, “you should know I don’t appreciate being woken up.”

“You don’t appreciate much of anything. Eat.”

I shovel the food into my mouth, trying and failing to eat so quickly that my taste buds don’t register the flavor. It’s not awful, but I have high standards. I was raised in a household with highly skilled chefs, an unlimited food budget, and adventurous parents. Every night was a feast, and it’s made me particular.

I won’t apologize for it.

Rexton filled my plate to the brim, and despite my annoyance with being woken, I find myself eating almost all of it. I didn’t realize how hungry I was, and I lie back with a contented sigh once finished.

I needed that.

And now I need sleep.

The quiet, repetitive sound of Rexton pattering around the tent lulls me to sleep, and I’m barely conscious when he eventually slips into the cot beside me. We may be sharing a mattress, but I’m not sharing my blanket. When Rexton reaches for it, I pointedly rip it out of his hands. It’s not large enough for two people, and I’ve claimed it. I’m not sharing.

Rexton huffs, releasing the corner he grabbed. After a minute, I loosen my grip.

The second my fists soften, the blanket is promptly ripped from my hands. I grind my teeth as Rexton forces me to share. I’m beginning to regret ever putting my teeth on his neck.

“Goodnight, Cassia,” Rexton says.

I hum, hesitating, before wiggling until my back is pressed against his side. It’s the closest I’m willing to get to asking for comfort, but Rexton provides it. He doesn’t overdo it, either,which I appreciate. He turns to the side and throws an arm over my waist, but he doesn’t attempt to suffocate me with his body.

He’s smart.

I’m only asleep for what feels like minutes.

Rexton wakes me up. He jolts upright, his upper body angled over mine as somebody bursts inside our tent.

It’s Androl. He’s out of breath, and he shoves his wet hair out of his face as his gaze lands on Rexton and me. “Prince Nolic and his men have reached the pass. They’re only a few miles away from officially crossing into Wrath’s borders.”

I push past Rexton, hurrying to clamor out of bed.

“Already?” I ask. I thought we’d have more notice—that our scouts would spot them when they were still hours away. “How did they get so close without being seen?”

Androl shrugs, already on his way out of his tent. “The fuck if I know.”

He’s gone a second later. I turn toward Rexton, panic rendering me momentarily immobile. I’m not sure I’m ready for this. In fact, I’m one-thousand percent confident I’m not. I’m inexperienced and scared.

“How’s your chest?” Rexton asks. He’s already out of bed and shoving his feet into his boots.

“It’s fine.” It hurts, but it’s manageable. I didn’t get a full night’s rest, but the few hours have been helpful.