The way Todd looked at her made her feel like a petulant child or scolded pet, and there was no chance for her to explain that she would never have made the offer if she'd thought there might be a possibility of hurting his new queen. She had more confidence in her control now, had been testing herself bit by bit over the last week, but none of that mattered now.

It became quickly apparent the conditions under which she would be living if she were allowed to stay on the hive. Having never dealt with a queen before, it had only been a distant notion of what to expect years from now when Todd might find a queen. But this, now... She didn't know how she'd felt about it. This sort of hierarchy of power was so far removed from everything Rogue had ever known, more militaristic than anything, and she was beginning to doubt whether she could live in it even if she were allowed to stay.

The idea was heartbreaking.

Rogue accepted the look from Todd and resolved to keep her head down and remain silent as ordered. She had no status on the hive now, being just another humam - though still not one meant to be fed on. She followed behind the group, keeping pace with the other wraith who accompanied them, trying not to draw any further attention to herself.