King of Blood

Chapter 24 - Lyanna

Lyanna stirred as the morning light seeped through the thin curtains, brushing against her closed eyes. Her sleep had been uneasy, her mind still haunted by the vulnerability of the night before. She barely had time to register the sound of hurried footsteps when the door burst open.

"Issiah!" Jehovah's voice was sharp, cutting through the fog in her mind. She sat up slowly, blinking as Issiah entered the room, his face pale and urgent.

"The Queen," Issiah said, his voice tight with urgency. "She's here."

Lyanna's heart skipped a beat. Her blood ran cold, the weight of those words slamming into her chest.

"The Queen?" she thought. "Meria?"

Jehovah was on his feet in an instant, his movements precise but laced with panic. He turned to her, his eyes wide and imploring. "Lyanna, you need to hide. Now."

"What? Why is she here, now?" Her voice trembled, though she tried to keep her composure.

"She can't find you here," he ignored her, already pulling her from the bed. His grip on her arm was firm but gentle as he guided her toward the wardrobe. "Go inside. Don't come out. No matter what you hear. Promise me."

The urgency in his voice left no room for argument. She swallowed hard and nodded, stepping into the cramped space. Jehovah shut the door, leaving her shrouded in darkness, her heart pounding in her ears. Through the thin slats, she could just barely see him moving around the room, his actions frantic as he cleared away any trace of her presence. Her boots vanished under the bed, and the shawl she'd left on the chair was tucked hastily into a drawer.

Then came the knock.

"Jehovah," a voice called, melodic and commanding. "May I come in?"

Lyanna froze, her breath catching in her throat. That voice was unlike anything she'd ever heard—smooth, honeyed, but with an edge that sent a chill of disgust down her spine. She pressed her back against the wardrobe's inner wall, willing her breath to steady.

The door creaked open, and Lyanna's heart sank as the figure entered the room.

Even through the narrow slats, she could see her clearly. Meria was breathtaking. Golden hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders, catching the morning light like a halo. Her skin was flawless, her golden eyes sharp and piercing, as if they could see through anything—or anyone. Her lips, painted a striking crimson, curled into a smile that was both charming and predatory.

Lyanna had heard tales of the Seelie Queen's beauty, but none had prepared her for this. She was radiant, almost otherworldly, and yet there was something odd about her. Something child-like.

"You've been away too long," Meria said, her voice warm but dripping with feigned authority. "I thought it time to see how my dear knight is faring."

Lyanna watched as Jehovah bowed slightly, his movements careful and deliberate. "Your Grace. Your visit is... unexpected."

Meria's gaze swept over the room, lingering on the wardrobe for the briefest of moments. Lyanna's breath hitched, but the Queen said nothing, her expression betraying nothing.

"Tell me," Meria said, moving to the window, her every step a deliberate display of elegance. "How fares your mission among the humans? Have they astounded you with their quaint little inventions?"

"They have much to offer," Jehovah replied, his tone measured. "Their advancements continue to surprise me. I'm particularly fond of the car, you should try it out. I believe further study could yield..."