To top it all off, we’re going to a morning soiree before our first meeting so that the traitors of the southern WUN can rub elbows with the king and his newest acquisition—me.

Montes’s hand falls to my back. His other waves to the audience gathered on either side of the roped-off aisle made for us. They scream when they see us, like we’re celebrities.

The beads of my dress shiver as I walk down the pathway. I feel the brush of Velcro and metal as my leg rubs against my thigh holster. This was my compromise—I’d wear these ridiculous outfits and attend the king’s stupid gatherings so long as I could carry my gun. It doesn’t inspire much faith when political leaders walk into meetings armed, but considering that I’m now the queen of the not-so-free world, exceptions are made.

As soon as we enter the building, it’s to more applause.

“Who did you pay off to make them all clap?” I ask.

“Mmm, no one, my queen. Here before you are the people who respect power and money above all else.”

I stare out at the room. We might as well be back at the king’s palace. The crowd’s coloring may be slightly different, but they wear the same expensive clothing. These people, however, I take note of. They are the ones who ended up siding with the king before, during, or immediately after the WUN fell.

The room watches us while I watch them. I’d imagine they don’t much care for me. Or worse, they think we’re alike—westerners that turned their backs on their former allegiances.

I would sooner die than willingly become a traitor. The king and the general forced my hand on this matter.

The conference hall is more a resort than anything else. I can see the ocean out the back windows, and between us and it lounge chairs and umbrellas line the sand.

Waiters carrying delicate silver trays move throughout the room, offering hors d’oeuvres to guests. It’s strange to not see them descending upon the food like their very lives depend on it. That’s the kind of reaction I’m used to in the WUN.

A man steps into my line of sight, bowing low to the king before taking my hand and kissing it. “Your Majesties, it’s an honor.”

The hairs at the nape of my neck rise at that voice. I sat in on a lot of calls my father had with that smooth baritone. I snatch my hand away as he straightens.

Luca Estes wears middle age well. His salt and pepper hair is trimmed close to his head, as is his goatee, and he sports the same lean build that many active military members do.

His dark eyes glitter as he takes me in. “It’s been too long since we last spoke.”

My skin crawls, and I stop my hand from groping towards my holster.

“I saw the peace talks,” he continues, “apologies for not joining. I hadn’t realized until then just how much you’ve grown up, Serenity,” he says, his accent barely there.

He rests a hand on my shoulder and turns to the king. “I’ve known your wife since she was a child.”

That is stretching the truth quite a bit. He’s known my father since I was a child; he’s only known me since I began to train for my role as emissary.

I flash Luca a dark look. “Yes, we’re practically family.”

You sellout.

My father had all sorts of advice for dealing with political figures you didn’t like. I was never very good at following any of it, and now, married to my archenemy and facing down another, I’m having a hard time controlling my emotions.

Montes studies Estes, his mask firmly in place. “I hadn’t realized how close you and my wife were.”

Tread carefully.

Montes’s subtle threat sends a thrill through me. I find I don’t mind them when they’re lobbed at other bad men.

Estes turns to me, a smile plastered on his face. I can see just a touch of panic in the corners of his eyes. We’re all having two conversations at the moment—one spoken, the other implied. He’s only now realizing how treacherous knowing the traitor queen can be.

“Yes,” he pats Montes’s shoulder; the fatherly gesture is made all the more ridiculous by the fact that he has to reach up to do so, “well, congratulations on stealing Serenity’s heart.”

“He didn’t steal my heart, Luca,” I interject. “He just stole me.”

That temporarily silences the corrupt politician.

“She’s kidding,” Montes says, giving me a look.

I raise an eyebrow. He knows I’m not going to muzzle my mouth.

Estes barks out a laugh. The whole thing is wooden and awkward, because the three of us know just how wicked both men are, and it’s not something you’re supposed to bring up.

So naturally, I’m going to bring it up.

“All those conversations, Serenity,” Estes continues, “and I had no idea how quick tongued you were.”

“She can do many things with that tongue of hers,” Montes says.

That’s it.

I’m reaching for my gun when the king grabs my wrist.

“Let me the fuck go,” I hiss.

“She hasn’t had her coffee yet,” Montes explains calmly.

I’m seeing red.

“Apologies, you both must be hungry.” Luca waves down a waiter.

“Whatever you give me is ending up on your shirt,” I say while Estes is distracted.

Montes leans into my ear. “You keep this up and we won’t make it through the first hour of meetings before I have you pressed up against one of these walls.”