Page 54 of Hunt Me

“Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!” Ezra pleaded, holding his hands out to put as much space between himself and the tortured king as possible. “I don’t know Queen Matilda as intimately as you do; however, I do not believe she ran away. She’s most likely scared, anxious, and confused and needs a little time to herself. Two nights ago, she was a fugitive with a bounty worth a sizeable fortune on her head, and now she’ll be Queen of Night Falls once she’s officially coronated and she is carrying your heir. That is a lot for one to wrap their head around. Not to mention, she’s injured, feverish, and, dare I say it, but it seems she enjoys your company.

Luka’s shoulders slackened. “You think she enjoys my company?”

“Personally, I find it abhorrent, but she does.”

“Is it abhorrent because she is human?”

Ezra shook his head. “No, it’s not because she’s human. It’s because I know your love for her will surpass Queen Anastasia one day.”

Luka felt like a cold bucket of water had been dumped on his head. “That’s not true. I could never—”

“You have a choice. You can continue to lie to yourself and me or accept it as I have.” Luka exhaled sharply through his nose. His huntress was troublesome in more ways than one. He had been beside himself once he returned to his bedroom and was met by an empty bed, and he felt like the walls were caving in when their search proved fruitless. “It’s comical. A few weeks ago, you were ready to dismember your advisors for suggesting you take a new queen, and now you can’t get enough of this woman.”

Luka snorted derisively. “She’s infuriating.”

“All women are. That’s why I stick to men.”

Luka gave his trusted advisor a pointed glare. “You’re the most infuriating man I know. That’s why you’ve been unattached for so long.”

“Hm. If it’s not the pot calling the kettle black.”

“Find her. And I don’t want to see your face until she’s returned to me. This wouldn’t have happened if you had stayed with her as I instructed.”

“As you wish,” he replied before sweeping out of the room.

Luka closed his eyes and steepled his fingers.

“Where did you go? Where did you go?” His eyes fluttered open when it finally came to him. “The stables.”

***

Matilda hummed to herself as she brushed Obsidian’s coat. “You are the most beautiful stallion in Night Falls.” She chuckled when he snorted his disapproval, blowing hot air into her face. “My apologies. You’re the most beautiful stallion in all the lands,” she proclaimed before handing him a sugar cube. She poked his snout when he nudged her for another. “I’m all out. You are lucky to be in the land of the living. I thought for sure the heinous vampires would’ve drained you after my capture. But they took care of you.”

“Despite what you believe, we are not monsters,” she heard from behind her.

“I beg to differ,” she replied, attention still focused on her beloved horse.

“You should be resting.”

“I am resting,” she retorted, leaning against the pitch-black horse. “See? Resting.”

“You’re difficult,” Luka said accusingly.

“And you’re easy.”

“Why are you hiding? I had everyone scouring the castle looking for you. The nurse was put to death.”

“What?” she gasped, whipping around to face him.

“I was convinced she had something to do with your disappearance.” Her mouth gaped in disbelief. She couldn’t help but wonder how one could be so cruel. “I’m jesting.”

“Y-you are? She’s still alive?”

“She’s still alive.” Matilda’s shoulders sagged with relief. “Tell me why you’re hiding.”

“I’m not hiding. I needed time to process. You are aware I’m with child, right?”

“Yes, I am.”