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

I opened the heavy oak door that led out into the hallway, the guest room was located on the top floor of the castle with everyone else's bedrooms, but it was also the furthest from Sam's room. I shut the door as quietly as I could; the spiderlings would sleep through a thunderstorm, but I didn't want to wake any of the guild if I could help it.

They've all been very gracious to accept me into their home. I know Sam's the leader, but everyone's been very welcoming. I made my way through the hall as quiet as I could, though the thick red rug that lined the entire hallway made it very easy. My bare feet enjoyed the plush carpet under them.

I reached the door to the room and was just about to go inside when footsteps rose from the stairwell. They were light and padded, muffled by the stone walls. Almost as soon as I heard the steps, I wrinkled my nose. The rough stench of water, moss, and fungus tinged my nostrils. It was the smell of Lake Gloom. Strange, who'd be at the lake at this hour?

A second later, a thin man with long shaggy brown hair walked up the stairs. His hair was so thick and unruly that I couldn't even see his eyes, though he could see me. He smiled when he noticed me, waving.

"Ah, good morning, Eris. I hope fortune finds you well, and may your skies never darken."

"Good morning to you too, Markos. How are you today?" I asked. I didn't really understand his words, but they were meant with sincerity, and that was good enough for me.

"The Fates have found me in fine health this morning, is Duran up yet? Miguel and his crew just finished unloading our profits and picked up their shipment of mushrooms. Duran told me to tell him when the Delilah arrived.”

Ah, that explains the smell. I shook my head. "I’m not sure if he’s up yet, I was just going to see him and get a bath. Would you like me to get him for you?"

Markos shook his head, "Oh, no, it’s not that important. He can deal with the coin at his leisure today or tomorrow, though I’m sure Wilson would insist it being today.”

I pressed down the brass handle and kept my voice low. "I’ll let him know, I promise.”

"Thank you. May the light always find you smiling."

"The same to you." Markos was a strange man, but he was an easy person to like. I nodded my goodbye to him and stepped inside.

Sam wasn't in bed. His bed was unmade, and the pillows were strewn all over it. His fluffy crimson blanket was halfway off the bed.

I chuckled at the sight. Sam never makes his bed. I'll have to try and break that bad habit. A bed should always be made properly each morning. Well, I could at least make the bed for him in the meantime. It wouldn't take long. I busied myself with the task. The sheets are dirty and will need to be washed before we leave for the Silvanus Darkwoods.

My heart swelled at the prospect. There are still some Hive left. I couldn’t fight the wide smile that tore at the corners of my mouth, and I hummed while I worked.

I’m not alone anymore! I tried to keep up a brave face for Sam, but some nights I could still hear the call of the void, and I knew it would never truly leave me.

Sam was the only reason I hadn’t succumbed to my misery, but the fact that there were others of the Hive sent my head spinning. I went to head into the bathroom when I noticed the door to his balcony was open. Is he outside?

I walked onto the balcony to find it empty. There was nothing out here but a large crystal bottle, half-filled with amber liquid. I picked it up and took a sniff. The sharp medicinal scent burned my nose and made me want to sneeze. Why would Sam leave his liquor lying on the floor? He's lucky it didn't break. I didn't know what to make of it. Sam was usually a neat person; he wouldn't just leave something lying around to get damaged or lost.

Well, he's not in bed, and he's not on the balcony, maybe he's bathing? That thought brought a smile to my face. We hadn't shared much intimacy with the children around, and while I had to take care of them first. I missed Sam's touch. I crept to the door and opened it as slowly as I could, wanting to surprise him.

As I opened the door, I was met with silence. The clear absence of the room told me Sam wasn't here either. I couldn't stop the smile from falling from my face. I wanted to spend some alone time with him. I don't know why, but I'm starting to feel uneasy. But I was being ridiculous; Sam was just downstairs getting breakfast.

I could've used our bond to check on him, but Sam valued his privacy. He wouldn't say it, but I know he didn't like it when I abused our connection.

Even if I can't share it with him, I still need to bathe. We could always take one together later, after all. I stepped over to the edge of the bath and stripped out of my shirt. I sat down on the lip and stuck my feet in the water. The heat was wondrous. Sam had increased the temperature of the water, and steam rose off it to swirl about in the air. It floated towards me and was blown away when I breathed out.

I stayed there for a few more minutes, staring off into space and daydreaming, the shimmer of