Hive Queen by Sinclair, Grayson (ereader iphone .TXT) 📗

the room amplified the echo of my footsteps on the stone. With the absence of people, the bubbling green mage lights dotted around sent chills up my spine. I ignored the urge to look at them and fled the room. I thrust open the door and almost ran headlong into Jasmine.

"Ah! Sorry, Jasmine, I wasn't expecting you."

She stepped back, her face a little flushed, but she smiled at me. "That's okay. I was sent to bring you upstairs when you were finished with your preparations down here." She brushed a lock of auburn from her face. "I take it you're done?"

I nodded to her, suddenly confused. She was furious with me this morning—why is she being so nice now?

"Yeah, I'm done here, though I still need a few things for the trip."

"Of course. Mother is preparing your supplies as we speak."

Good, I'm getting tired of this place. I went up the stairs ahead of Jasmine, but it seemed she was determined to keep up with me. I slowed my pace and let her walk side by side with me. I was fine with the silence, but she kept prodding me for conversation.

"Are you leaving today?"

"Soon as our supplies are ready."

"Are you coming back?"

"Probably."

She pouted at my terse responses and hunched her shoulders but stuck close to me as we climbed the many stone steps, our labored breathing and footsteps breaking the silence. She kept brushing up against me; her fingers lingered on the back of my hand.

I sighed, but didn't stop her for myriad reasons. I wasn't going to reciprocate her feelings, but I also didn't feel like shattering them either. Though I poured cold water on her this morning. Most girls would have gotten the hint.

I tried to get my bearings and see if I remembered the way to the throne room when Jasmine locked the door to the stairwell. The lock engaged with a loud clunk. I turned as Jasmine stowed a large brass key into the folds of her uniform, her face slightly flush from the climb.

She noticed me watching her and flashed me a wicked grin, pulling her top down in the process to give me a peek at her chest. Sweat beaded up on her rich skin, glistening in the lambent light before sliding down between the curves of her breasts.

I turned away quickly, my face beet red. Great! You didn’t say anything, and now look where you're at. Stupid, stupid, stupid. While I berated myself for feeding into her antics, Jasmine led me through the halls, practically bouncing with every step.

I tried to be upset, but it was hard when she seemed genuinely happy, but I was thankful when we reached our destination. Jasmine muttered under her breath, and her mood dropped as she unlatched herself from me and opened the door.

"After you, My Lord," she said with a wink.

"Wouldn't have it any other way."

She smiled and followed after me.

The throne room was busier than I had seen it before. Magnus was, of course, sitting on his throne with a bemused expression playing across his face as he talked in muted tones with Aliria, who laughed at something I couldn't hear. Raven was on the opposite side of the throne, looking as meek and pathetic as she had in the war room.

Magnolia was close at hand to her master, ready to answer any command he might need. She noticed how close Jasmine was to me, and even though we weren't touching at all, she just knew something was up and gave me a knowing smile and a nod.

I tried to ignore everyone and focus on getting everything ready. As I approached the throne, I inclined my head respectfully to Magnus. "Thank you for the weapon and armor. They are spectacular."

He grinned wide at me, his eyes glowing as he took me in. "Of course, friend, and might I say, they suit you. It’s good to see them used again. I've kept them locked away for far too long…is there anything else you require?"

"Just some supplies for the trip and the equipment needed to complete the job."

"Right. Magnolia, if you would be so kind."

She bowed low. "Right away, Master."

Magnolia walked past me to leave the room, and Jasmine followed after her, both of them whispering to each other as soon as they reached the door. When they disappeared from view, I returned my attention to Magnus, who looked at me strangely, conflicting emotions in his eyes.

"There is just one final thing you must do before you set out. A necessity, I'm afraid."

"And what's that?" I asked. I admit, he had me curious. Though, the tension on his face suggested I wouldn't like what was about to come.

He shifted his eyes to Raven, and an unspoken conversation went on between the two of them. It seemed Raven was as apprehensive of whatever it was, but she could not win against Magnus's wishes and nodded her head slowly.

She moved from the throne, stepping closer to me, her head low, and even though I was staring directly at her, she refused to meet my eyes.

"Raven will be important in ensuring the successful retrieval of the Heart, but her going with you presents some difficulties."

This again. I don't want her with me in the first place. "Then don't send her. I'll be fine on my own." I all but spat the words out, and Raven sniffed, looking away.

"I disagree."

I tried to keep the frustration off my face, but the sigh of annoyance was audible, and Aliria decided to push my buttons.

"What's the matter, little knight, is she not to your liking? Not pretty enough for you?"

The harsh retort of laugher that fled from my lips cracked like a whip. "I could give a damn about her appearance; nothing good ever comes from