Queen of the Underworld | Book 3

• thirty-five •

I didn't sleep in the hours that followed. Instead, I practiced calling my power into my hands while Julian slept next to me.

When he stirred, I feigned sleep.

He kissed my cheek before he left and I felt my body recoil on its own. I willed it still so he wouldn't notice and as I heard his footsteps recede, my body relaxed again.

Once the door closed, I threw my pillow against the wall in frustration.

I was going to make Asmo pay for everything.

I left my room after changing and worked out my frustrations on the treadmill after a quick breakfast. I worked on calling my power as I did, setting up a barrier as I had once. I felt the familiar surge rise and fall as I willed it. Determination steeled my core, it fed my anger.

It pushed and fueled me as I thought of my plans.

I pushed myself to exhaustion until Leah walked into the room.

I watched her reflection in the long wall of mirrors we faced as I continued on the treadmill. Her hair was pulled into a loose bun, a sweater hung casually on her shoulders.

She gave a small smile. "Hey. Do you want me to make you something to eat?"

I shook my head, my silver hair clinging to my sweaty brow. "I already ate." I huffed. "Did the guys come back yet?" I asked breathlessly.

She shook her head. "I haven't seen them."

I pushed the button on the panel in front of me to stop the treadmill and waited for it to slow. "I don't care what Damien says, we need you." I turned to her when the treadmill stopped fully. "Women are more powerful and we need as much help as we can get. Now that we have a spy, plans will move much faster." I crossed my arms. "We'd be stupid not to at least try."

Leah's cheeks flushed and she looked towards the ground. "I-I'd be honored to help, Alteaza. That's all I want to do. I want to make up for everything."

Truthfully, I wasn't sure what I could do on my own with her. I always relied on Julian and Naida to show me anything and while I knew some of my abilities, I was still learning.

"I'll talk to Julian," I smiled. "He'll train you."

She shook her head. "And Damien-"

I walked to her. "I will handle Damien." I placed my hand on her shoulder. "He'll come around. If he doesn't, I'll overrule him." I smiled brightly.

Leah bit her lip. "And if he gets mad?"

"He'll get mad and have to deal with it." I shook my head. "King or not, I'm not one of his subjects, I don't have to listen to him." I stopped. The age-old excuse no longer applied. If everything turned out how I wanted and I gave Damien his throne back and I moved to Skryen...he would be my king.

If he could set aside his anger for Leah long enough to fight for his throne.

I tried to roll the anger off and didn't let it sit with me. It didn't work.

Leah followed me as I went into the kitchen. "Is there anything you can teach me?"

I reached into the refrigerator and grabbed a cold water bottle. "I don't know much."

Leah shrugged. "Probably more than I do. The Guard taught me some things to defend myself. Damien some other things."

I frowned. "Like?"

She looked out the window. "Spectering, control. Barriers."

"How about throwing sparks of power?"

She shook her head.