The Queen of All that Dies (The Fallen World, #1)

by Laura Thalassa

I shake my head. “No. No, no—” “Yes,” Montes says to the doctor that’s trying to hand me a hospital gown. I fold my arms. “You’re going to have to force that thing on me.” A doctor’s appointment, that’s what Montes had in mind this evening. The king was right not to say anything earlier. I’m practically shaking from nervousness. Most people don’t fear the doctor; they have no reason to. I do. War has given me plenty of reasons to. “If I must.” Montes casts a lazy glance at the two guards who stand on either side of the doorway. “Guards, why don’t you help your queen remove her clothing?” I flash them a heated look. “You touch me, you die.” Five minutes later, I’m screaming as Montes and his guards hold me down. The doctor has a pair of scissors poised over the thin cotton of my shirt. “Fine, fine! I’ll put on the goddamn robe, just get your hands off of me!” I will say this for Montes, his methods may be inhumane, but they are effective.