Lorcan & Evette

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Claudio took his seat once again. Lorcan pulled out the chair beside himself for the witch to sit in, tugging it as close to his own as it would go. There was no world in which he'd let her sit next to Claudio. When they were all settled, he dropped a hand to her thigh in a bid to calm himself. None of this was good.

"What's this meeting for then?" Claudio asked merrily, grabbing his goblet. "Caspian says your journeys went well?"

"You could say so," Lorcan acceded, remembering that the witch had genuinely wanted him for a brief time. Those things she'd said in Claudio's hunting lodge hadn't been faked. Damn it, he'd heard it in her heart. "We need a plan of attack for when the witches come."

"I won't kill Annaliese," Claudio said defensively. "I may owe you a favour, Lorcan, but killing the witch Queen is pushing me. That's the type of thing you don't get away with."

"I don't need you to kill her," he interrupted.

Chronos hummed. "I'd like that pleasure for myself."

Evie gave him a knowing look. A look that made chills erupt up and down his spine.

Lorcan continued, acting like no one else had spoken. "She's aligning with the vampires. The next Queen of them is half witch and happens to be her God daughter. Until she's old enough to rise to power, Annaliese controls the leaches."

None of them had any qualms killing the vamps.

"What are you asking for?" Claudio said.

"I'm asking that you stand by us in the event of a war. I don't need you to kill the Queen. Chronos and I will handle her." Evie made a sound of disagreement. He pinched her thigh, parting his fingers as if she'd opt to give over her own. Instead, she crossed her arms indignantly. Lorcan and her could make every improvement in the world. It'd all be reduced to nothing if he hurt Annaliese. "I need your help with the vampires. If they attack with her, I ask you to stand by my side and fight them."

Humming, Evie raised a hand. "I don't mean to interrupt what's clearly an important discussion, boys, but I couldn't help but notice you have some of your facts wrong."

His claws dug into her leg. He tried to relax, but she was trying so hard to get under his skin.

"And I'm sure you'll now share your correction with us?"

"Of course." She smiled innocently. "I couldn't help but notice that you said you and Chronos would handle Annaliese."

"And?" he pressed.

She smiled wider. "Well, I think what you really meant to say is that Annaliese will handle the two of you."

He slammed a fist down on the table. Claudio looked between the two of them carefully.

"Maybe you should tread more cautiously with the wolf, Evette. It doesn't bode well to pick fights intentionally."

"I'm not picking a fight. It was a mere correction."

"Would it kill you to give this a chance?" Lorcan demanded of her. "You might like it here, with me. You enjoyed yourself with me before you knew what you are. I can be good for you."

"You mean before I realised you lied? That you'd been lying about everything since the minute we met?"

"Evie," he warned.

"Lying to me doesn't come without its consequences, your majesty. If you can't take them, you should know not to lie. You'll remember this next time you seek to pull a hat over my eyes."

He stabbed an accusing finger in the demon King's direction. "He did the same thing to you, Evie. He held you captive, yet you don't take your anger out on him. You sleep in his bed and wear his clothes." Lost, Claudio turned to Chronos for answers. The Prince could only manage a shrug.