Page 45 of Scarred

He doesn’t, and my grin drops, my insides seething. “Do you no longer bow before me, Edward?”

His eyes lock on mine as he drops to his knees.

Unease trickles through me at his hesitancy.

“Friends.” My fingers grip the edge of my throne as I lean forward and look out into the crowd. “It would appear we have a new comrade in our midst. And from thecastle, no less.”

Grumbles spread through the crowd.

“Tell me, are you here to join our cause?” My fingers scratch against my jaw.

Sheina doesn’t respond, her shoulders trembling as she stares at the ground.

Her disobedience makes my blood crackle, aching to string her up and make her scream; use her as an example to show what happens when you displease me.

“Or maybe you were only here to get fucked by the king’s commander,” I spit.

She gasps, her head snapping to mine, her cheeks growing ruddy.

Edward moves forward. “Stop.”

That word.

That simple,sillyword is the knife that severs my control, and I surge from my seat, flying down the platform until I’m in front of him, the back of my hand striking out across his face. His head whips to the side, blood splattering on the ground from where my rings cut into his flesh, and he stumbles, catching himself before he falls.

I wait until he rises before snatching his arm and twisting until the ligaments pop beneath my fingers. He drops to his knees, a small groan escaping from his gritted teeth.

“You do not tell me tostop,” I hiss.

He winces. “I... I brought her here for you.”

My brows jump, surprise filtering through me. I hadn’t expected him to say this.

“Oh?” I ask, my eyes glancing at her, wondering if he’s simply trying to save her from death. “So, youarea gift.”

I release Edward and move toward her instead.

“Tell everyone your name,” I command.

“Sheina,” she whispers, tears streaking down her face.

“Sheina.” I let the syllables roll off my tongue, debating whether to announce that I know exactly who she is. But at the last moment, I decide against it. “And who are you to the king?”

“No one.”

My nostrils flare as I stare down at her. “Speak louder so everyone can hear.”

She sits up straighter, her chest heaving with heavy breaths. “I said… I’m no one.”

“And his new queen?” I quirk a brow.

Her breathing falters, and evenIcan feel the eyes of the people as their stares burn through her back.

“No answer for that one, is there?” I murmur, crouching down and lifting her chin. “And who are you tome?”

Her tongue swipes across her lips and she swallows, glancing at Edward. He nods at her, his hand rubbing up and down his arm.

She turns back, her dull gaze locking on mine. “I’m whoever you need me to be.”