The Shadow Prince Read Free Page A

ruled, I vowed to work toward restoring balance. “Yes, I am.”
    She sat down, taking a quick glance at the hounds, then returned her attention to me. “I am pleased your new servant was able to return you to court so quickly. Tell me, are you pleased with my selection?”
    Bile built in my throat. I had no doubt she was intentionally digging at me, hoping for a negative reaction which would provoke punishment. “I am very pleased. Thank you, Your Majesty.”
    “Oh, you're quite welcome,” she said smugly.
    I bit my tongue, hoping it would prevent me from saying something I would regret. Instead of speaking, I smiled at her. The tension in the room was as thick as butter.
    After a long uncomfortable moment she rolled her eyes, bored with the conversation I assumed. “There will be a ball at sundown in celebration of your upcoming coronation. You may return to your quarters until then.” She pointed to Marcus, a wicked smile across her face. “Your servant will escort you.”
    Again, she attempted to upset me. No doubt, she’d meant to use this to teach me a lesson. To her, the hounds were little more than animals. Most of them were feral, but because I’d spent time with Marcus, I knew they were also intelligent. She watched me intently for any reaction. But rather than giving her what she wanted, I bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I look forward to the celebration tonight.”
    “Continue with the games,” she shouted to the hounds. The crowd roared with anticipation.
    Two more hounds somberly transformed into their animal forms, preparing to fight to the death. My power surged in my fingertips, aching to stop what was happening. But I remembered what Marcus had said about control, and I did nothing. Instead, I tilted my chin toward Marcus. He nodded, quickly appearing at my side. I followed him toward the exit as I tried to block out their pained cries.
    I wanted to talk to her about the coronation, but there was no point. There were too many elementals around, she was having too much fun enjoying the blood bath. It would be easier to speak to her at the party tonight. At some point, I was sure I'd have an opportunity to get her alone.
    When the door closed behind us, Marcus let out a breath he was holding in. “You handled her better than I thought you would.”
    Some of the tension released from my shoulders, but the image of the dead hound remained in the front of my mind. “There were a few moments where I almost lost it.”
    “But you didn’t,” he said, genuinely pleased. “If you can manage to keep it up over the next week, you just might pull this off.”
    Being around my mother put me on edge. I needed to change the subject. “Why don’t you tell me more about this celebration of hers? Who’s going to be there?”
    We strolled down the hallway, continuing toward my bedroom. “All of the royal families are expected. The preparations have been going on for days. It’ll be a lavish event.”
    No doubt. My mother would take any opportunity to show off her wealth and power. If all of the families were invited, it would seem she was planning quite a show. It would be nice to see the other court leaders. The royal families were especially reclusive, except for King Taron of the air elementals. I had met him on a few occasions during my childhood. He was friendly. My mother disliked him, but I don’t remember an elemental she ever truly cared for.
    For now, I’d focus on showing up and continuing with my Oscar-worthy performance. I’d do whatever I had to-to survive this week. The future of my court depended on it. After a few twists and turns, we made our way to my bedroom. Marcus reached around, turning the gold handle on the door, pushing it open. I cringed. I knew he had to play the role of my guardian while we were here—anyone could be watching us at any time—but it still felt weird to have him opening doors for me.
    The interior walls of my room shared the same obsidian glass as the