*Ambition.*
I left the ledger on the apothecary floor and walked through the castle. Servants moved out of my path. Black fluid had soaked through the bandages on my hands, and none of them looked at it.
Victoria had lied. I had supplied the blood, the title, and every stolen privilege she asked for.
Her door stood ajar. She was humming inside.
Victoria posed before a full-length mirror in a silk robe. The Sunstone Amulet glowed on the dressing table beside her, one more piece of Eve’s office turned into decoration.
“Cassius, darling,” she cooed, turning to me with a brilliant smile. “I was just thinking of you. I feel so much stronger today. Your Queen’s little trinkets are working wonders.”
The ancient toxin flared in my bones. My knees buckled, and the room doubled in front of me.
