13. Mia

"Can I help you with something?"I say, wondering who the uppity bitch is. She eyes me like a freak at the zoo.

"I heard Ren's new breeding slave was having a meal in the courtyard and came to see what all the fuss is about."

The breeding slave bit is really starting to piss me off. If this chick strolled over for some mean girl games, I'll play. "You didn't watch King Renowlf holding court yesterday? You could have seen me then."

She fake laughs and waves her hand dismissively, although I can tell she's totally sizing up the competition for Renowlf's affection. If you can call me that.

"Gods, no. I find court to be dreadfully dull." Nastiness seeps from her pores, a stink that nearly overpowers her strong perfume.

So much for enjoying the fresh air.Thanks for nothing, Agavar.

I lean forward with my elbows on the table and a glint in my eye. "Is that so? I'm new here, but I thought court was exciting. Especially the part where Renowlf had Orgel beheaded after the trader smacked me around. It was almost like the king cares about me or something. I'm Mia, by the way."

She flinches, which means I hit a nerve. "Yes, I know who you are," she snips.

"And you are?"

"Bayliss. Although you will address me as Highness or Majesty."

Majesty my ass. That's not happening. "And, why would I do that?"

"Because Ren made me his intended last night. In his quarters…after the suns set."

Did she just imply that she fucked Renowlf last night, after he told me I was his perfect genetic match? That backstabbing bastard. I shouldn't care who Renowlf screws. But damn it stings that he screwed her.

"His intended what?" I manage to ask, taking a drink to swallow back the unexpected jealousy that bubbles up from my gut.

"His intended queen, of course," Bayliss says, gloating. "Later today, I will be named as Renowlf's consort."

Sonofabitch. Now I know why Renowlf wouldn't commit to making me more than just his breeding slave. He already chose someone else to be his queen.

"Ren is making the announcement tonight in the town square," Bayliss says, enjoying my shocked discomfort and acting like she's won the game. "A notice has been sent to every subject in the kingdom. You will be there, of course."

It's not a question, but I respond anyway. "Don't think I can make it." I point to my bruised face. "Still recovering from Orgel using me as a punching bag." And from the sucker punch you just delivered to my jealous gut.

"What a pity," Bayliss says, clearly referring to me missing her moment to shine, not my injuries.

I blurt out the first thought that comes to mind while trying to pull my shit back together. "Have you and Renowlf been together long?"

"Oh, yes," Bayliss responds. "For many, many cycles of the seasons."

They've been together for years. "Well, congratulations," I say, nearly choking on the word.

"Congratulations to you, too, Mia," Bayliss says.

I want to smack the smug smile from her face. "For what?" I push my half-full plate away. I may never feel like eating again.

"For bearing the child that Ren and I will raise as the royal heir."

Wait, what?

If she's going to be Renowlf's queen, why would he still need me to give him an heir? Oh, right. Cockspikes. Renowlf can't knock Bayliss up, which puts me back in the game.

"I don't know if I'll get pregnant with his child, Bayliss, but fucking Renowlf to find out will be my pleasure. Over and over again. Considering you two have been together for so many cycles of the seasons, are you sure you're okay with that?"

Quick as lightning, she reaches across the table and slaps my good cheek. It stings like crazy but probably not as much as Bayliss' ego, and I doubt it'll bruise. I force a grin. "I guess you're not okay with that."

Bayliss stands, towering over me. "In the future, you would be wise to watch your words and not cross me, slave. Once I am queen, I will have the power to make your life tolerable…or not worth living at all."

After she storms off, I ring the little bell Agavar gave me. Within seconds, a timid female servant appears, emerging from the hedge. She must have witnessed my exchange with Bayliss.

"Can I help you, miss?" she says without making eye contact.

"I'm ready to go back to my room now. Can you find someone to take me?"

"Yes, miss. Right away, miss."

The servant disappears back into the hedge, and I ponder my encounter with Renowlf's intended consort. Bayliss may think she has the upper hand, but she's not queen yet. And I have a secret weapon: Renowlf's cockspikes emerge for me, not her.

If Bayliss wants a war, I won't go down without a fight.