Page 56 of Hunt Me

“A promise that nothing will happen to this child. Tell me, even if it’s a lie.”

Luka drew her against his chest, gently caressing her back as her tears soaked his tunic.

“I promise. Nothing will happen to this child.”

22

Traitor

“MATILDA!” Luka roared.

She narrowed her eyes at the trembling cook in front of her. “Pay attention. I’m asking a question. How did you manage to get these rolls so delicious?” she asked, snagging a large bite from the hot, fluffy roll.

“K-King Alesi is looking for you,” he stuttered. Matilda blew a raspberry and waved her hand dismissively.

“Screw him. He can wait.”

“My gods,” he whispered as he clutched his apron to his chest.

“I detect the obvious ingredients: butter and garlic, but what else are you putting in these?” she demanded as she stuffed a few rolls into the concealed pockets of her gown.

“Queen Matilda—”

“Matilda. I am not your queen,” she corrected swiftly.

“King Alesi demanded that we refer to you as Queen Matilda lest we end up with Dr. Blackwood.”

“King Alesi is so uptight. How have you all not formed a coup and overthrown him yet?”

“Th-that would be tr-tr-treason! How could you suggest such a thing?”

“Listen, Armando. You and your companions would be doing me a huge favor if you started a minor insurrection—nothing too big or over-the-top, but great enough that it’ll get the man off my back for a little while. What say you?”

“KING ALESI, SHE’S IN THE KITCHEN!” Armando shouted. Matilda sucked her teeth and scooped more rolls into her dress and sling before making her great escape.

“You sullied a good thing, Armando. We could’ve been best friends.”

“Being on close, familiar terms with you would have me locked up in the stocks!”

“The stocks? You give that man too much credit. He’s nothing but a stubborn, soulless, spineless, blood-sucking pus—”

Matilda was cut off when she finally noticed the horrified look on the cook’s face. “He’s right behind me. Isn’t he?” She shivered when she felt a hand on her shoulder. He slowly turned her around, and she braced herself for punishment. “Roll?” she offered, holding the fluffy puff in her outstretched hand.

Luka growled and sent the pastry flying across the kitchen with a precise smack. “You are determined to undermine me at every turn,” he accused.

“My King, you should be aware that Queen Matilda suggested a coup be formed against you,” Armando tattled. Matilda gasped and placed a hand on her chest.

“I would never!”

“Thank you, Armando. Your loyalty will be handsomely rewarded.”

“It is my pleasure, King Alesi,” he replied with a slight bow.

“Come, my dearest insurrectionist. We have announcements to make to the public,” he chirped as he led her out of the kitchen toward the courtyard. He took great pleasure in her pouting. Dare he say it made his day?

Nearly a week had passed since learning his huntress was with child. He was still in shock, and the only thing that forced him to realize he wasn’t in a twisted dream was his child’s heartbeat that fluttered from his mother’s womb. It was now routine for him to listen to his child a minimum of three times a day—in the morning before Matilda woke and brought his daily headache, in the afternoon after boring meetings, and at night when they lay in bed and all of the stress of the day melted away.

“Your Majesty,” Matilda said, addressing him. He held back a scoff as they approached the carriage. She never addressed him so formally, and he was more than certain she was moments away from calling him a pussy earlier if he hadn’t interrupted her. She was up to something nefarious.