Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
HOOK
The guard’s grip on my arm is tight enough to bruise as we descend into the depths of the palace.
Each step takes me further from my room—and my escape route.
But I know exactly where we’re headed. The ornate decor, the grand staircase, the increasing number of guards—it all screams ‘ballroom’.
And that’s exactly where she’ll be waiting.
The Queen. I might not know her personally, but I know her type. They crave the spectacle, the grand entrance. The attention. It’s always about power with them, about making others feel small. Amateur hour, really.
The guard shoves open the towering doors with more force than necessary.
Trying to intimidate me? Charming. The heavy wood groans, and the ballroom stretches out before us—all polished marble floors and crystal chandeliers dripping with heart-shaped prisms. The ceiling towers above, draped in dark silks that catch shadows from the flickering candlelight.
Night of Shadows indeed. She’s really embracing the whole ‘evil queen’ aesthetic.
And there she is, lounging on her throne like some pampered cat, all scarlet silk and dangerous curves.
Her gown spills down the steps like fresh blood, her dark hair a curtain over her shoulders.
The moment her eyes land on me, her lips curve into that wicked smile I’ve seen on a hundred faces before.
Dangerous, yes—but predictable. She’s playing a game, and I’m more than happy to dance.
“Captain Hook,” she purrs, voice dripping honey and venom. “I’m so glad you could join us.”
I step forward, giving my coat an exaggerated flourish. “Always a pleasure to receive such a royal invitation, Your Majesty.”
Her eyes rake over me, lingering just long enough to make her intentions clear. Let her look. Let her think she’s in control. They always do, these power-hungry types. Always think they’re the clever ones.
She rises from her throne with deliberate grace, each movement calculated for maximum effect. The hem of her gown whispers across marble as she descends, her gaze never leaving mine. Her hips sway as she approaches, and I have to admire the performance. She’s good—I’ll give her that.
“Such a fine suit they’ve given you.” Her fingers trail along my coat, teasing the edges. “It suits you perfectly.”
I let my smirk grow, adding just enough heat to my gaze. “Almost as if it was made for me.”
She steps closer, pressing against me. Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “Everything in my palace is tailored to perfection.”
Her hand slides up my chest, along my neck. Her breath is warm against my ear as she whispers, “Do you know why I gave you a room instead of the dungeon?” A soft laugh. “I could have, you know. Could’ve locked you in chains.” She sighs, breathy and practised. “I do love a man in chains.”
I tilt my head, letting my lips brush near hers without contact. “If you wanted me in chains, love, all you had to do was ask.”
Her laugh is soft, sultry—hiding something beneath the surface. She leans in closer, body flush against mine. Did she think I’d flinch? Please. I’ve danced with far more dangerous partners than her.
Her tongue traces the shell of my ear. “I could give you anything you wanted,” she murmurs. “Power, wealth, anything.”
I let out a low chuckle. “Oh, darling, you speak the music of my soul.”
She pulls back just enough to meet my eyes, her smile sharpening. There’s something darker there now, something deadly. “You and I are the same, but…” Her nails dig into my jaw, a reminder of who’s supposed to be in charge. “You’re not like the others, Captain. I like that about you.”
Her lips brush my neck, tongue tracing a slow path that’s meant to be seductive. She pulls back just enough that her breath warms my skin. “But remember,” she whispers, voice a dangerous purr, “no matter how charming you think you are, you’re still in my palace. My kingdom.”
I meet her gaze with a lazy smile. “Wouldn’t dream of forgetting.”
She presses closer, hands sliding down to my waist. “You think you can outplay me?” Her lips ghost across mine, barely there. Her hand continues lower, cupping me through my trousers. “You think you’re in control here?”
I let the silence stretch, feeling the tension wind tighter. Then I lean in, matching her dangerous tone. “Oh, I know I’m not in control here, love.” Let her think she’s won. They always do right before they fall.
Her eyes flash—something primal, untamed. But she doesn’t pull away. No, she leans closer, breath hot against my skin. “Careful, Hook,” she purrs. “You might find yourself wanting more than you bargained for.”
I let my grin widen, feeling the game shift between us. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
She holds my gaze, lips parted like she might kiss me—or kill me. It’s always a fine line with women like her. Always reaching for power, always trying to dominate.
A sharp knock interrupts whatever she planned next. Her eyes snap to the door, annoyance flashing across her face. I can practically taste her irritation at being disrupted.
“Enter,” she snaps, voice sharp enough to cut.
The door creaks open. One of her guards steps in, face carefully blank as he bows his head. Smart man. He knows better than to meet her eyes.
“Yes?”
“The prisoners are being brought in,” he announces, gaze fixed on the floor.
The Queen straightens, satisfaction curling her lips into a cruel smile. “Good. Time for the real entertainment to begin.”
She turns back to me, eyes gleaming with dark promise. “Stay close, Captain.” Her fingers trail down my arm, lingering just long enough to make her point. “The night is just beginning.”
I watch her saunter away, hips swaying with deliberate grace. She thinks she’s got me wrapped around her finger, playing right into her hands. She has no idea what’s coming.