A Queen This Fierce and Deadly (Kingdom of Lies, #4)

by Stacia Stark

“You are my blood. And I expect better from my granddaughter than a queen who hands her power over to anyone.” My grandmother had warned me. As much as she could. And directly after that conversation, I’d handed my power—both my time magic and my autonomy—over to the gods.

No, I’d crippled myself. Which was much, much worse. I’d made myself helpless. I’d made myself a victim.

I’d never agreed to play by the gods’ rules. I didn’t care that they said what I had done with my power was forbidden.

“I want centuries with you.” He pressed a kiss to my mouth, his thrusts increasing in speed. “Just like this.”

He never looked up. But he killed the other two with fresh rage. And the next three Eprothans who attacked after that. That was fine. My fury had returned too. Because this was where Demos had decided to die. He knew eventually his sword arm would tire and his movements would slow. He was simply trying to take as many Eprothans with him as he could.

His gaze was steady as he looked at Rythos. “When this war is won, you will not go to the hybrid kingdom with your friends. You will not live out your days in indulgent luxury. No, you will return here. And you will serve beneath me when I am crowned.” “You fucking bastard,” I breathed.

In the end, it would be Jamic and me ruling this continent. And no one would ever dare to hurt us again.

The elders lay near the tunnel entrance, their hands still clasped, their bodies unmoving. The final sacrifice to bring our people home. As one, Vicer, the remaining soldiers, and all of the remaining Drakoryx sprinted back toward the battle, aiming for those who would dare attempt to kill our most innocent.

Sorrow threatened to drown me at the thought of Natan. “They’re the safest behind Regner’s wards,” Blynth continued hurriedly. “With them dying, it’s creating chaos behind their lines. This is it, Nelayra. This has to be the final push.”

I noted each death. And each time, I found one thing in common. Those generals were drinking from their waterskins before they died. They had time to do so since most of them weren’t fighting at the front. Poison. And that poison was turning the tide.

“I spent every last coin I had on those ingredients,” she smiled. “Ameri was born for such tasks. But I knew only one of us would get out. I bargained with the gods to keep Nelayra alive, and I was always going to die today. I’m glad I died doing something that made a difference. Tell her to check Tibris’s healer’s bag.”

All I could do was nod. But Telean was already fading, her gaze on something beyond me. Beyond all of us. Her eyes lightened, her face turning radiant, and she suddenly looked like a young woman once more. And then she was gone.

The weapon required someone pure of heart. I’d killed. Many times. I wasn’t making it through this alive. I’d wanted to become infamous. To be a legend. To make a name for myself.

I’d promised Demos no stupid risks. I’m sorry.

Telean’s voice sounded in my head. “She was my best friend. We were supposed to have centuries.” No. Please no.

My fear disappeared. And it was as if I was standing above my body, watching my own actions.

My only regret was that I wouldn’t get more time. But I could never regret losing my life to save theirs. And suddenly, the thought that I’d wanted glory or notoriety during this war… It was silly now. All I really wanted was to know they would all survive. I didn’t need prestige.

Every living creature between me and the mirror disintegrated. My vision turned white.

For the first time, I was truly afraid of the hybrid queen. “You knew,” she hissed. “Asinia chose,” I snapped. “And the longer you wait, the higher the chance that sacrifice is worth nothing. So, kill our enemy and end this war, Your Majesty.”

My eyes met Pelysian’s. And realization swept through me. He wasn’t here to help me rule. He was here to watch me die.

“Why?” I gasped out. “You would never stop. You have been twisted by Regner’s evil. And if you lived, you would have twisted your son. Our people would suffer for it. And I would never allow that to happen.”

She was still her. “Give her a moment,” I said. Demos growled. “You’ve always given her too much rope.” “No,” I said as she lifted her head. “You’ve never given her enough.”

“Let it be known across all four kingdoms. The human power was returned by Madinia Farrow.” I winced, and she laughed, the sound rolling across the shore.

You are the general our people have needed for so long. But I urge you to remember that you are more than just a general. When peace comes, you must embrace it. When love is within reach, you must grab it with both hands. It is time to lay down your sword and live. You are more than just that sword. You are also a man. And Asinia won’t wait forever.

I sensed movement out of the corner of my eye. And there he was. Watching with misty eyes, a half-smile curving his mouth. Sybella glanced around, and I wondered if some part of her knew he was there. And if she would feel the loss of him when he was truly gone.

“My life is yours,” he reminded me. “Every life.” I smile at him. “Every life.”