Page 100 of King of Fire and Flames

Leaf

Two enormous dragons soared through the night sky, their fiery breath setting the forest aglow with orange light. Their growls and shrieks sent chills down my spine and fear surging through my blood.

Perhaps as soon as Melaya’s powers failed and chaos broke out, the dragons would simply turn us all to ash before we dispatched a single Sun Realm soldier, let alone their king.

Nausea churned in my belly as I stood on a dais in the center of the Arena of Ashen Souls, praying that I kept my dinner down.

Nearly half an hour had passed since Estella’s maid appeared in the arena and informed Azarn the queen was ill and would be late to the wedding. Despite Bakhur begging the king to wait, he’d bullied his son into proceeding with the ceremony without his mother. Much to my disgust and horror.

Surrounded by the cold stares of the fire fae, who hadn’t warmed to me in the slightest over the past fortnight, I attempted to calm my shaking limbs, telling myself there was still time for Estella’s plan to work. Any moment, Melaya’s power block might release. And then Arrow would arrive.

I had finally accepted that as long as the Storm King was alive, he would come for me, no matter the danger. But as I listened to the Master of Matrimony drone on, a terrified part of me feared that Melaya had discovered Estella, and my love was already dead.

The court’s best singers distracted me with enchanted songs meant to kindle love between a soon-to-be-married couple. And they worked to a point, because desire and longing simmered inside me. But not for the prince who stood beside me, dressed in gold and currently scowling at the sword that hung from his lean hips.

After I’d torn off the mergelyn anklet, that sword would be my first quarry. I’d snatch Bakhur’s weapon and cut his pretty head from his shoulders. But wait… had Estella said she wanted him alive?

No.

Her exact words were: Kill my son if you must. Which, to me, sounded like permission to send him to the hell realms.

With subtle glances, I studied the ghastly scene around me. The king was perched stiff-backed on his black throne, Estella’s chair beside him empty, and Ari stood slightly behind him, like his very own personal slave. On the king’s other side, Melaya loomed like a pissed-off crow, seething at the sight of me.

Well, when his twin’s head got dunked shortly, I guessed that he’d be significantly more irritated.

Dressed in a black gown with a hood covering her golden hair, Ari melted into the background of dark stone, and Ruhh hovered above her left shoulder. I wondered how much the Sayeeda had told the ghost girl about tonight. Hopefully nothing. Ruhh was an unreliable ally, and when mayhem erupted, she could turn on us, or at the very least, get in our way.

With a sigh, I turned my focus toward the fae that I prayed would never ever be my husband. I gazed at him with fake affection, as if the song kindled attraction, playing a role. But he stared at his boots, or the swooping dragon shadows on the trees, the growling, snickering courtiers. Anywhere, but at me.

When he finally gazed my way, I blasted him with the sweetest smile I could muster, creating the illusion that all was well. Pretending I didn’t mind the too-heavy dress emblazoned with aggressive, shit-stirring symbols that scratched my skin. Or my hair coiled in braids so tight that the skin beneath my cheekbones looked gaunt, and the side I preferred shaved slick with perfumed oil.

I hated this fucking dress. Despised pretending to be a willing participant in the ceremony. Loathed waiting while I counted each ragged breath, measuring my fear by the irregular thuds of the aching pump in my chest.

Any moment, my dust-damned heart might explode.

Our plan was terrible, dangerous, and certain to fail. I couldn’t stand one more minute of not knowing what was happening underneath the moat. If Estella succeeded with Nukala, how would Arrow find me?

We weren’t even supposed to be in the fucking Fen Forest.

And time was running out.

Melaya remained in position on the king’s left side, his flaming eyes pinned on the Sayeeda. Marcella wafted through the crowd, surrounded by the fawning admirers she referred to as friends, but I called beautiful parasites with sharp teeth and talons.

Without any warning, sheet lightning flashed in the distance, near the sea cliffs. Three heartbeats later, thunder rumbled, and clouds raced past the moon, gathering in an angry cluster above the palace spires.

If Arrow’s returning magic had caused the brewing storm, then Estella had succeeded. A wave of euphoria rippled through me as I dropped my gaze, hiding my excitement from the prince.

“So this is it,” murmured Bakhur. “We will soon be forever bound through the trials of pain and fury, commonly referred to as the state of matrimony.”

“Doesn’t sound pleasant,” I admitted, hands flexing at my sides. “For both our sakes, we should at least work on becoming friends.”

He made a scoffing sound, and I dug my fingernails into the outside of my thigh to stop myself from attempting to activate my reaver cloak. I had to be patient. The bride couldn’t give away the game too early and disappear into thin air. Although, Bakhur would likely be pleased if I did. Initially, at least.

While I waited for the others to arrive, I needed to keep my almost-husband distracted.

“Don’t you think we could create a good marriage if we tried?” I asked with a teasing smile.

“Perhaps a tolerable one… if you’re obedient.”

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