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Especially since I am once again in a dress, my pants and tunic shredded from the teeth of what Fort says is called a Worm Tongue. A shiver runs through me. Even though I tried to bury what happened yesterday in the deepest recesses of my memory, it’s still far too fresh. I can still feel the thing’s hot breath on my face as it began to eat me.
“You will bring any who wish to come back with you,” she calls out, her voice echoing on the walls. “Fort is your commander in this. The Queen will escort you—”
“The queen will not be going any-damn-where,” a masculine voice calls out, the deep baritone booming off of the walls around us. Affree pales slightly, and the elves stand even straighter, which I didn’t think was possible.
Seconds later, the crowd of dwarves who have gathered begin to part, and a man steps through. He’s short—maybe the size of an eight-year-old human, but his bright green gaze is ancient. His face is set in hard lines, his mouth flattened. A golden crown sits atop a mess of red hair that is turning grey at the temples.
“Your Highness,” I greet, offering him a bow of my head.
He glares at me then shifts that irritated look to Fort. “You will escort the elves out of these caverns, but she stays here.” He nods at me.
“Carleah will do whatever she chooses,” Fort growls back.
“And you will address me given that I am standing right here,” I add through clenched teeth.
The dwarven king turns to me. “I do not address women when it comes to battle.”
I step forward, and Fort moves with me. “Not even a queen?” I snap. “Because that is what I am.”
He regards me with irritation. “He is your protector, is he not? He was once the head of Navalis’ guard, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Then he is who I will speak to when it comes to discussing battle. Not a spoiled princess who spent more time wearing pretty dresses than she did learning what it means to be a leader.”
Fort starts forward, a growl emitting from his chest, but I hold a hand up and move in front of him. “I may look damn good in a dress, Your Highness, but I assure you that I spent every moment I could sneaking away learning to be proficient with a bow. And over the last few months, I have watched my family be slaughtered like animals, been stripped of my title and my kingdom, and had to fight for the very right to stand here just so you could insult me.” I take another step closer, glaring down at him. “You will address me with the respect I have earned, or I will show you exactly what it is I know about being a queen.”
His gaze darts around the room, obviously measuring up just how many of his people have seen this argument. Cheeks reddening, I know that it’s the embarrassment he cares more about. So, I do something that goes against my pride and drop my head in a slight bow.
“I appreciate you allowing us to be here in your presence, and I do not wish to be at odds. If you want me to stay here so we can discuss this war, I am happy to do so.”
“Fine,” he snaps.
I straighten and turn to Fort. “Will you be all right?”
“Will he?” he asks with a light chuckle. Then, he leans in. “You do realize you just handed him his balls on a silver platter after taking them from him, right?”
Grinning, I reply, “I couldn’t very well keep them if we want his help, now could I?”
Fort grips the back of my neck and brings me in, capturing my lips in a quick kiss. “I love you, Carleah Rossingol. You surprise me every damned day.”
“I feel the same,” I reply. Then step back. “You better come back to me.” My heart is heavy, watching him leave, but if anyone can handle himself out there—even without giant blood to aid him—it’s Fort.
“Always.” He turns to the soldiers. “This way.” As Fort starts down the tunnel, the soldiers turn as one and follow, their heavy footsteps thundering as they move farther and farther away.
As soon as the last soldier disappears from view, Affree crosses over to us and drops down to her knees. “Your Highness, may we have your ear now?”
“You cannot,” he snaps. “But she can. Come, Carleah Rossingol. We will see what deal can be struck.” He turns and leaves. It’s not until he can no longer see her that Affree straightens, her gaze murderous. With one final glare in my direction, she turns and walks in the opposite direction, so I follow him up a steep set of stone stairs.
We emerge into a room that is twice the size of ours, though it boasts only a fire and a desk. A large stone table resides in the center, its surface covered with maps. There’s a narrow hallway off of the back, but I cannot see far enough down to know where it leads, though I wonder if it’s not his home.
Only the king enters, his guard taking pause just outside the door. They watch me with bemused expressions as I pass, though they make sure he cannot see them. Once I’m inside, the door closes with a heavy thud, leaving just the two of us inside.
Even though I don’t think it will come down to it, my hand flexes at my side near the hilt of the blade sheathed at my hip.
“You challenged me in front of my entire kingdom,” he says as he takes a seat behind his desk. It, unlike the table, is made of white marble with threads of gold weaving through it like a spider’s web.
“You disrespected me,” I reply. “And I’ve had it with being treated like a child.”
