To Claim A Crown Book Three: The Host Of Death

Chapter Twelve: Local News

Naomi crosses her legs on her bed with the document from the record-keepers in front of her. Raurlin is sitting beside her staring down at his document too. Naomi chews down on her bottom lip. Their bedroom feels small and claustrophobic. Naomi tries to ignore it. She slips the first page over and on the second is a table of contents outlining the intended conversations and the timeline. The proposal is for a month. Naomi runs a finger under each point in the table.

The birth of the Queen

The death of her parents

Life in the wind

The Queen's Aunt

The big move

The witch convergence

The Aeturnum

The wolf pack convergence

The birth of a hybrid

The death of the Queen

The new home

The Feast of the New Moon

Naomi sucks in a deep breath. She glances at Raurlin who is glaring down at his papers, hands gripping onto each side of the sheets tightly. His breathing is deep and intentional. His anger is palpable. Naomi drops her papers and stands up off the bed. She walks to her cupboard and pulls the doors open. Raurlin remains immersed in his reading. Naomi fishes out a large handbag and a pair of knee-length boots. She walks back to the bed and drops the bag down. Raurlin looks up from his papers then drops them onto the bed altogether.

"My Queen?"

Naomi smiles at him, at his words. "I just need to get out, Raur. It's just feeling claustrophobic in here."

Raurlin turns to face her. "Is it because of me? I know I'm angry but I can go downstairs."

Naomi shakes her head, bending over to pull her boots on. "It's not you, Raur. Today has just been a lengthy one and I need some fresh air. I think a walk will do me a world of good. And you know you don't need to worry about me." Naomi looks at him over her shoulder with a wink and he smiles.

"Yes I know. I just don't like the idea of you being out there by yourself. Let me come with you?"

Naomi shakes her head. "I will be fine, I promise. I'll take my phone with me and I'll text you as soon as I know where I end up. Probably just a coffee shop. And I'll call you when I'm ready, you can pick me up."

Raurlin stretches across the bed and kisses her cheek. "Okay. But please keep me updated."

"Of course." Naomi stands up and slips the papers into her bag. "I will text you soon." Naomi smiles at Raurlin. The golden glow around his pupils is shining richly. "I will be fine. I promise."

Raurlin nods his head and Naomi can feel his eyes on her as she walks out of the bedroom. The house is in complete silence but for the beating of hearts, some steady and others rushed. Naomi walks briskly down the stairs. She makes a stop in the kitchen, lifting her cup that is still filled with blood. She secures the lid and takes a sip from the straw. The liquid cools down her throat. Naomi licks her lips, her eyes falling closed momentarily. She can feel the rush of it as it runs through her. Her body demands more. Naomi turns and walks out of the kitchen. She opens the front door and steps into the cold outside air. It is a welcome feeling.

A knock on Raurlin's door draws his attention. He looks up as Jackson pokes his head inside. Raurlin frowns. "What is it?"

Jackson slips into the room and shuts the door behind him. He folds his arms over his chest. "Ever since Axel mingled with the local law enforcement I've been keeping tabs."