Appointed (Para-Military Recruiter Book 11) by Renee Jagger & Michael Anderle

Author:Renee Jagger & Michael Anderle [Jagger, Renee & Anderle, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2023-09-06T16:00:00+00:00

Julie’s head throbbed. She leaned over the stone basin in the bathroom at the back of the great hall, splashing cold water on her face. Its sting soothed her burning eyes.

Next time I have to do a whole day of negotiations, remind me to sleep properly for several nights beforehand. Julie grabbed a fluffy towel from a rail by the basin and dried her face.

I thought that went without saying, Hat snarked.

Julie stared into the mirror. The cold water had eased the puffiness of her eyes, but they were still red. How do you think it’s going?

You’ve met all of Queen Ainè’s resistance with solid logic, even if it does have to be drow logic, Hat told her. You’re winning them over.

I mean the other thing, Julie clarified.

Oh, pissing her off? You’re doing an excellent job. She’s livid. Hat groaned. I’m still not sure why you think that is a good idea, but it’s going according to your madcap plan.

Julie grinned. Excellent. I’ll keep it up.

She ignored Hat’s protests as she strode out of the bathroom. The area beyond was a waiting room with deep couches and tapestries on the walls, now crowded with drow debating in hushed voices. Julie looked around for Taylor and almost collided with Queen Ainè.

The drow queen bared her teeth, her white eyes as bright as lightning. “You!” she snarled.

Fire scorched Julie’s hands.

Hat gasped. Not here!

Queen Ainè’s hands were empty. The shadow knife was nowhere to be seen. Julie forced the flames down and dredged up a smile. “Apologies, Noble Shade. I was not expecting—”

“Stop it. Stop.” Queen Ainè’s nose was inches from Julie’s face. “Stop trying to sound like one of us. We both know you’re nothing but a peasant maiden from the slums of an Earth city.”

Oh, she wants the Brooklyn bitch, does she? Julie’s hands ached with heat. I’ll give her the Brooklyn bitch!

Whoa! Hat yelped. Remember the mission.

Julie inhaled and flexed her fingers, cooling her hands. “Harsh words, Noble Shade.” Are you ready? she hissed to Hat.

Recording, Hat told her.

“You cannot win,” Queen Ainè snarled. “Your light will always be devoured by shadow. I will not see my people swear allegiance to your foolish cause.”

“You might have to close your eyes, then,” Julie retorted. “We both know the chieftains are being swayed in my favor. Not to mention the judges.”

Queen Ainè’s lip curled. “May the chieftains and judges be devoured by blazing flame! Whatever it takes, there is only one way I will ever allow the drow to submit to the broken throne.”

“Oh?” Julie raised her eyebrows. “What’s that?”

Queen Ainè jabbed a long fingernail into Julie’s shoulder, forcing her back a step. “When the one true king returns.”

Julie held her gaze. “Yeah, good luck with that.”

Shadows pooled at Queen Ainè’s feet, and when her trembling hands curled into fists, Julie braced herself for shit to get real. Instead, the drow queen spun on her heel and marched away, shadows skittering around her feet.

Julie grinned and punched the air. Yes! We have the confirmation we need.

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