“I simply wished to meet the notorious female whose court and kingdom I’m to spend my time getting to know. This arrangement is an extension of friendship, is it not? I’d like to extend that friendship to the monarch herself.” I flash another grin, though she seems impervious to them.

“Well, you’ve met me and have delivered your kind words of friendship. If that’s all, you’re dismissed,” she says coldly, then stands. The advisors seated several yards away in the room stand with her.

I tense, knowing this could be the last time I see her if I don’t offer her something. “Wait,” I rush out. She lifts a single brow. “I discovered interesting… information about the Sons and Daughters of Thayaria while out drinking. I thought you’d like to know what I uncovered.” The room shakes slightly with what I think is Laurel’s power. Fascinating.

Pressure on my legs reveals vines that wrap up my thighs. They squeeze tightly and pin me in place, only inches away from my favorite part of my body. I barely have time to consider what castration by plants would feel like before there’s a prickling sensation on my neck. A small dagger made of water hovers right near my jugular. She’s got me entirely at her mercy, and something tingles low in my stomach at that thought. Am I attracted to the Witch Queen? The idea is unfathomable, and yet, I can’t look away from her full hips and the curve of her waist.

The familiar zing of a weapon being unsheathed brings me out of my lust-addled haze, Fionn’s huff behind me telling me he doesn’t like Laurel’s antics one bit. The dagger at my neck only presses in harder, shockingly sharp for something made of water. It doesn’t break skin—yet—but I have no doubt it could if she wanted it to. I can’t stop my heavy breathing, my nerves reaching a breaking point even for me. Within minutes, the meeting has devolved into threats and drawn weapons. Silene appears at my side, though she has the sense not to draw a weapon or call on her magic. The tension in the air is as thick as the swirling mist the Witch Queen conjures around us.

“Easy, Fionn,” I murmur to diffuse the tension. He sheathes his weapon, and the vines release their grip slightly. The dagger disappears, though I know she could conjure it again instantly if she wished.