Page 78 of Hunt Me

Matilda blew out her cheeks and slowly approached her king. “Tell me what you want me to do.”

“There is no point. You wouldn’t listen.”

“I might surprise you.”

Luka chuckled grimly, leaving his throne.

“Stay.” She wanted to argue that she wasn’t a dog; however, she realized she was in enough trouble as it was and chose to remain silent. She was surprised when he returned holding a black chest. He opened it, and she gasped. “I had the jeweler working on this non-stop while we were in Garden Ridge. You’re not supposed to wear it until your official coronation, but there is a likelihood that you won’t see that day.”

“Oh, ye of little faith,” she whispered as her fingers grazed the silver crown that dripped with jewels. It was a breathtaking design with six spikes inlaid with rubies and diamonds. The middle spike was the largest and boasted the grandest ruby. The base was decorated with intricate flowers with rubies imitating the flower discs.

“Tilda, it’s not about faith; it’s about common sense. The Marquises are nobles. All nobles and highborns fight at a level that sadly surpasses your own. Do I believe you’re formidable in your own right? I do; however, you’re used to chasing vampires through the woods who have no formal training. This… this is different. Nobles are stronger and faster, and you’re with child—our child. Your odds aren’t favorable.”

Matilda felt her heart slowly tear in two. “So, that’s it, hm? You get to sell me this fantasy that I’m loved—that I’m something greater than I’ve ever been, and I’m expected to walk away?”

“You loved Garden Ridge. I-I think you could be happy there,” he whispered, grazing her cheek with his thumb, catching a tear.

“It’s true. You plan to send me away.”

“I’d rather live knowing that you and our child are alive and well than dead.”

She sniffed and wiped the tears away on the sleeve of her tunic. “I see,” she mumbled, closing the lid to the luxurious crown that would never grace her curls.

“What are you doing? I want you to wear it,” he said, opening the box again.

“I do not seek to wear the crown of a king who has no faith in his queen. You can keep it. In fact, give it to Alaria so she thinks of me every time she wears it on her head.”

Their hearts thundered in their chests in sync as the angered words poured out of Matilda’s mouth.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Tilda. I love you! Don’t you see? I’m doing this for you and our child!”

“You’re doing it for yourself!” she snapped.

Luka waved his hand. “I wish not to argue with you another second. The official announcement of the challenge will be made today, and you are expected to concede the challenge before combat commences. Do you understand me?”

Matilda stepped closer to him, leaving no room for confusion. “If you wanted Duchess Alaria Marquis to be your queen, then that’s all you needed to say. Thank you for showing me that you aren’t worthy to fight for.”

28

Soulless Behavior

Lord Gustafson cleared his throat loudly, hoping to add to the sound of clopping hooves to fight the dreadful silence between Luka and Matilda. He’d never been in a more uncomfortable position and would rather see his own head on a pike than suffer in the couple’s loud silence.

“Yuletide shall be upon us soon,” he said, hoping to break the ice.

Matilda’s head rolled to the side, and she met her bodyguard’s hopeful gaze with a sardonic grin. “How right you are, Ezra. I look forward to celebrating Yuletide in my banishment with my bastard child. Nothing would make me happier.”

An unpleasant sound rumbled from Luka’s throat. It was clear to Ezra that Matilda planned to make their king suffer. He regretted speaking.

“It’s not like that, and you know it,” Luka spoke softly.

“Ezra.”

“Yes, my Queen?” he replied out of habit.

“Matilda,” she corrected with a stony glare.

“My apologies.”