Page 45 of The Blood Queen

Alyth peels away, lower lip caught between her teeth in a tempting smile I want to kiss right off.

We slip out of the ballroom. The hall’s empty, everyone either at the party or—no, probably at the party. I even saw the uptight brownie in there stuffing his face with cream cakes.

The throne room’s only a few halls over, the music fading the farther we walk. That fogged giddiness lifts too, like shaking off a fit, and I settle a bit more, am able to focus.

Still want to drag Alyth up to our room though.

Later.

After I figure out a way to barricade the bloody door this time.

Alyth stops in front of the throne room. The scene carved into the double doors is truly impressive; the images move within themselves, horse legs in a gallop, ribbons fluttering around dancers. At the top, three little spiders hunker down, a tangle of web in the corner like they’re tucked up for sleep.

I swallow and reach out to take Alyth’s hand.

“Should we have some bits of protection before we do this?” I whisper. The hall’s still empty, but I suddenly feel like ears are listening.

Alyth nods. “Walk just behind me. I’ll—”

“No.”

She frowns at me. “Samson.”

“I’m not letting you go in first.”

“I can keep a barrier up around us. But it’ll be easier to do that if you’re behind me, within the protection I create. We can walk the room, see if we spot anything that might be the High Blade’s weapon.”

My jaw kicks to the side. I don’t like her being ahead, like she’s some kind of shield.

The little spiders at the top of the door are inexplicably gone.

Where the hell did they go?

I try to run a hand through my hair, but it’s still half-done in those intricate braids. “Fine. Fine, yes. Let’s do it quick, then.” I cling hard to Alyth’s hand as she starts to turn away. “But if anything goes sideways, you get out. Promise me. You run.”

She tips her head, a small smile on her lips. “I’ll run if you will.”

My glare deadens. “Stubborn girl.”

“Your stubborn girl.”

That makes me grin. Damn her, knowing exactly how to play me.

She eases out of my grip to approach the door. A tug on the handle. It’s locked, of course.

But she huffs a laugh. “Anywhere else, magic would keep this door sealed shut. But here, where everyone has magic? A regular lock is more effective.”

I step up next to her, digging at my hair. It’s pinned back with small metal rods. Not iron, but they’ll work. “Let me.”

On my knees, I make quick work of the lock. When it clicks, I look up at Alyth, who’s got her hands moving in front of her, a swirl of glowing silver magic already working up.

I shove to my feet and crowd behind her, as close as I can without impeding her.

“Ready?” she whispers back at me.

I run my hand across the small of her back. “I’m with you.”

She pushes one of the doors.