Page 84 of The Witch Queen

The guards glance over their shoulders at her overt display.

“Stop that,” I hiss at her, motioning for her to come inside. “You’re drawing attention.”

“My apologies,” she drawls, sauntering past me. “Nice outfit, by the way.”

I fight the wave of embarrassment that rises. I’d changed into my dressing gown, but only because it would have been impossible to remove my court attire without the servants’ assistance. That was a mistake. With my hair loose and my feet bare, I feel entirely exposed.

“Just put that there,” I say, flustered. “On the table.”

Wine sloshes over the rim of the pitcher as Jacquetta plops the tray down. I immediately pour myself a glass.

“Are you sure that’s wise?” she asks. “I may have poisoned it.”

I hesitate, then realize that’s precisely what Jacquetta intended for me to do. I drain the glass in one gulp, just to show her that I’m not threatened. She merely smirks and scans the rest of the room.

“You’ve changed things.” She strolls over to the drapes, which are stark crimson, embroidered with myA,and arches an appraising eyebrow. “It looks worse now.”

Why did Ieverrelease her from the dungeons?

“You’re not here to comment on the furnishings.”

She shrugs. “Why not? You obviously need an opinion. And—”

Jacquetta halts near Callen’s mirror. The curtains are thankfully drawn around the glass, but the slender box is open, displaying the Bloodstone crown. Its jewels sparkle in the firelight. After our first interaction in the dungeons, I’ve worn it far less. I even consideredgiving the crown to Shade for safekeeping. But then I decided that hiding it would only prove to Jacquetta that she wields power over me. She doesn’t. Still, my confidence wavers when Jacquetta brushes her fingertips over the broken pieces of the Bloodstones. It takes all my strength to keep from rushing over to her and snatching the crown away. But I will not give her the satisfaction of seeing me ruffled.

“You just leave this here?” she asks dryly. “Out in the open?”

“Why?” I cross my arms. “Are you plotting the best time to steal it?”

Jacquetta snorts. “As if I’d want that hideous thing.”

My brow furrows. Her disinterest is no doubt meant to throw me off. Still…judging from our previous conversations, Jacquetta hasn’t developed much respect for the Bloodstones.Magical rocks,Jacquetta called them. And if she is here for the crown, she’s dragging her feet about taking it.

It doesn’t matter,that voice insists.She lies.

Nettle appears from wherever she’s been hiding, spots Jacquetta, and hisses.

“You.” Jacquetta points. “I know you’re the one leaving dead rats in my bed.”

The cat meows, proud of herself. I smirk and toss her a piece of ham from the plate on the tray.

“Are you…going to eat that?” Jacquetta asks, eyeing the rest of the food.

I should tell her yes out of spite. But something in the other witch’s expression gives me pause. She looks absolutely famished. How much are they feeding her in the servants’ quarters?

She is not your concern,that voice presses.

No. But I can’t have her wasting away while she’s investigating Margaret.

“Take it,” I say, shoving the plate toward her.

Jacquetta dives in immediately, stuffing a whole wedge of cheese into her mouth.

“How are things going with Margaret?” I ask.

“Not much progress,” Jacquetta replies around a bite. “I’ve searched her rooms, but there’s nothing but invitations to parties and a staggering number of outrageous shoes.”

No surprise there. “What about the servants?”