Page 199 of The Throne Seeker

“I’m coming,” she repeated, refusing to be left behind. “Besides, I don’t want you withering away without me.”

He looked like he wanted to disagree, but instead he sighed, looking down at her with a defeated expression. He squeezed her hand, leaning down to gently kiss her forehead. She could feel his desire for her grow as he breathed in her scent. But he contained himself. “Then we leave as soon as possible. Send for Onyx… If we ride him, we can be there before nightfall.”

PART IV

THE RECKONING

CHAPTER 72

Onyx made a short trip of it, galloping so fast, he practically hovered just above the dirt road. Even with Roman’s added weight, his mighty hooves drove them forward in haste. The storm still loomed overhead, the winds powerful gusts creating rolling waves across the cornstalks, the dark dulling their golden husks.

It was dusk by the time they approached the castle.

Rose masked her face, pulling up a cloth and resting it on the bridge of her nose, leaving only her eyes visible.Thank you, Onyx.She stroked his neck.You can go down to the stables to drink and rest. You’ll like it there. Hugh is known to spoil the horses.

Call for me if you need me,Onyx replied with a hint of unease.I don’t get a good feeling about this place.

His words only added to her nerves.

Rose followed close behind Roman, wishing to hold his hand, but she fought the temptation, keeping her arms pinned against her sides. If someone saw them, she didn’t want to escalate the situation.

Today was about Roman’s mother.

Their queen.

Roman’s quick strides led them to the royal bedchambers. The corridors were oddly deserted at this hour, hinting that news of the queen’s condition had already spread.

Roman knocked on the door.

After a moment, the king answered, sorrow oozing out of the room like a dark mist. His usually refined posture had diminished into a sluggish stance. “Roman.” His tired eyes shone with pure relief. “How did you get here so quickly?”

“It’s a long story for another time,” Roman replied. “Is Tristan here?”

“Not right now. He and Satin stepped out for a moment. It’s just us.” King Henrik’s eyes shifted to her behind Roman curiously, peering under her hood.

Her hands shook as she lifted her hood and bowed. “Your Majesty.”

The king’s puffy eyes widened as he stilled. He stared, taking in the evolved version of her.

His lengthy silence allowed doubt to creep in. She’d been stewing over this moment the entire ride, terrified she’d lose his favor, recognize her for the monster she was.

But instead, he stepped forward, embracing her.

She had always known he had a soft spot for her. But now, with his arms around her, she could feel his pure love for her burst out of him, hitting her hard and fast. It was enough to bring her to tears as she clung to him.

The king pulled back. “Come in,” he urged after he’d recovered. “We have much to discuss.”

Queen Lenna’s chamber was dark, lit by a few flickering candles and a roaring fire. The décor brought back memories of Highland Haven. Dark cabinets and books lined the walls, bordering the fireplace. Next to the window sat a simple hand-carved vanity. A brass mirror carved with the sun emblem hungjust above it. Rose caught a glimpse of her reflection and nearly jumped—it would take some getting used to.

The queen rested in the center of a large canopy bed. Her usually neatly styled hair lay matted against the pillows, her sharp eyes now weak and frail. She’d lost weight, causing her pale cheekbones to protrude more harshly. Each small breath that escaped her chapped lips was accompanied by a wheeze.

Roman’s shock coursed through her, a helplessness that he tried to bury as he took in the state of his mother withering away.

She slipped her hand into his.

He didn’t hesitate to grip it back. His guilt amplified at the touch, washing over her like a tidal wave.

Rose blamed herself for keeping him from his responsibilities. He should’ve been here. He’d missed what little precious time he could have had with his mother because of her.