The Queen pauses for a moment, staring me down with those enchanting eyes, then sits again. She studies me closely, and I can’t stop the shivers that wrack my body under her assessing gaze. I’m supposed to be seducing her, and yet I’m the one who can’t look away. The silence stretches as the vines around my legs fully unwind. For a moment, I think she won’t respond, that she’s waiting for me to speak again.

“Everyone out,” she finally commands. Her advisors look surprised, eyes wide and mouths open.

Admon stands. “Your Majesty,” he begins, but she cuts him off.

“I said, everyone out. I wish to speak to Prince Hawthorne alone.” This time, aether laces her voice, and I’m forced to my knees in shock along with everyone else in the room. She’s stronger than me. The realization is as exhilarating as it is terrifying.

Beside me on the ground, Silene murmurs a heated, “What the hell are you doing?”

“Wasn’t going well, had to improvise,” I whisper back as the three of us stand again. Her advisors file out of the room, trading wary glances between themselves.

“That order applies to you as well, Ambassadors Kalmeera and Solanum,” she says, though her voice is softer this time. At least her ire only seems to be directed toward me. Fionn and Silene hesitate, turning taut expressions and worried eyes to me. I give them a subtle nod that tells them I’ll be fine, and they slowly back out of the room, their training keeping them from showing their backs to the threat.

The monstrous cat by Queen Laurel’s side stretches its legs and prowls toward me while the Witch Queen and I study one another in silence. The creature slowly circles me, eyes bright and predatory.

“This one doesn’t count as everyone?” I joke, nodding to her pet. “I wouldn’t mind you ordering it away.” The cat hisses in my direction, and I can’t help but take a step back, though I try—and likely fail—to make it look natural.

Queen Laurel doesn’t acknowledge the comment or react in any way. She’s as controlled as my father. Sitting on the edge of her throne, posture mimicking the sinister feline who now sits directly in front of me, she narrows her eyes. True fear enters my gut now, regretting sending Fionn and Selene away.

“And why, Prince Hawthorne, were you in a position to uncover information about the Sons and Daughters? Did you seek them out?” she asks in a low voice, aether pulsing slightly, and it’s all I can do to remain standing. The room trembles around us. Centuries at my father’s side have taught me when I’m in real danger, and this moment might be the most at risk I’ve ever been. Vines slowly inch up my legs again, ready to shackle my wrists and ankles.