Queen of Myth and Monsters by Clair Scarlett St

Author:Clair, Scarlett St. [Clair, Scarlett St.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Romance, Vampires, Paranormal, Adult
ISBN: 9781728259666
Goodreads: 56652074
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2022-12-20T08:00:00+00:00

Fifteen

Isolde

Adrian removed his cloak and gathered Ivka’s remains. We did not speak on our return to the Red Palace, and anxiety tumbled around in my chest. I felt guilty that I was so afraid of carrying an owl home even though she was one of our own, but it was like bringing death to our kingdom, and I agonized over the consequences.

I had not considered asking Adrian what kind of shifter he had sent to scout my homeland, but if I had known, I would have refused to send her, too afraid of what might become of her—or even my people—on the mission.

I hung my head, heavy with guilt. No matter what kind of animal, Ivka was still one of Adrian’s soldiers. She was one of our people, and I knew that not even my fear of owls explained why she had died.

Adrian was quiet when we arrived, and he waited for me to dismount before he spoke.

“I must take Ivka to her brother,” he said.

I swallowed hard, nodding. “Of course. When will you return?”

“Sundown, likely,” he said. “Before the festivities begin.”

We stared at one another for a moment.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I did not mean for this to happen.”

“I know,” he replied quietly. “I do not blame you. It was my choice to send her.”

But it was my insistence that had pushed him.

Adrian mounted his horse again, and as he took up his reins, he said, “This is not a night to venture beyond the gates. Stay within the castle walls.”

Then he left, spurring Shadow down the hillside, disappearing from view, and I closed my eyes and spoke words into the air that I hoped were more of a spell than a prayer that he would be safe.

***

I found myself wandering into the kitchens, a place I had never been. Like many rooms in the castle, this one was cavernous. The doors, windows, and ceiling were all rounded, and a large iron chandelier hung over two long tables positioned before a great hearth that raged with fire. A man stood at one table, kneading loaves of bread. Violeta and Vesna sat at the other, along with Killian, who was the first to notice I had arrived.

He stood quickly.

“Isol—my queen,” he stammered.

My ladies-in-waiting also stood and bowed, and the cook, who was a large, older man, whirled, face glistening with sweat as he clumsily bowed.

“My queen!” he said and began wringing hands. “I hope you have been pleased with your meals. Is everything to your liking?”

“Yes, thank you,” I said and smiled. “What is your name?”

This time, he offered an exaggerated bow. “I am called Cyril.”

I smiled at him, and then my gaze shifted to the table where Killian, Violeta, and Vesna sat, noticing a variety of strange supplies spread out before them—sticks, paper, twine, and berries.

“What are you making?” I asked.

“Lanterns,” said Violeta. “To scare away the demons!”

Her tone changed, and I could tell she was joking. I admired the fact that she did not seem to fear Winter’s Eve the way I had for so many years.

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