Page 109 of King of Fire and Flames

“Yes,” said Arrow. “Coridon. As soon as possible. But we’ll return in a couple of days at the latest.”

I shot him a surprised look, then addressed Estella. “One day, I hope you’ll tell us the story of what happened in the bathroom with Nukala and Melaya.”

“Visit me in the city of my birth.” She rose and started down the stairs, but stopped three steps down, and said over her shoulder, “Only then, will I speak of it.”

Arrow’s hands wrapped around my waist, lifting me onto my feet, then he stood up and tugged me into his arms.

His breath warmed the top of my head. “Think back to who we were that day at the gilt market… A lost, fury-filled princess. A king burdened by prejudice and bitterness. And soon, together, we will rule three realms—the kingdoms of Earth, Light, and Sun.”

“Well…” I lifted my cheek from his chest and grinned up at him. “Only if I decide to name you my King of Dust and Stones.”

Arrow shrugged. “As long as you named no other, I would be satisfied. But know this, if you do name another male your king, this unfortunate being would not keep his title for long.”

“Hah! A threat. Ruthless even now.”

He laughed, entwining our fingers. “You’re as vicious as a storm, and I am your ruthless thunder.”

My grin widened. “I’m not sure what you mean by that.”

“Only that we were made for each other.” He squeezed my hand. “Let’s go. The others can take care of Taln while we fly back to Coridon. Estella will inform our friends.”

“You nearly died, Arrow. Shouldn’t you rest for an hour or two? Recharge your power?”

“My Sayeeda is not called the Mistress of Potions and Spices for nothing. The serum has renewed me.”

“If I’m not mistaken, her title is the Mistress of Slaves and Spices?”

“Not anymore. You’ll see when we return home.”

“Your home. Mine is—”

His thumb pressed my lips together, then dipped between them and rubbed the gap in my teeth. “If you like, you may have a home in every city in the realms. But they will all be our homes. I’m never leaving you again. Look what happened the last time I left you to your own devices for a few weeks.”

“I’d love to come to Coridon with you.” I hesitated, shuffling my boots. “But I couldn’t possibly leave Luna behind.”

“Your horse? Yes, you can. She’ll be fine. I won’t keep you apart for long. I promise.”

“All right,” I said before giving him a sly smile. “But perhaps you should eat another persimmon before we leave. I can probably find one in the garden.”

“What a terrible suggestion.” He smacked my butt, wrapped his arms around me, then bent his knees as if ready to launch straight into the air.

“Wait! We could use the portal. It should be working again now that Melaya’s gone.”

“Good try, Leaf. But flying’s a lot more fun than stepping through a fucking portal.” He laughed, then exploded off the ground, shooting into the night sky.

My scream echoed across the Sun Realm and possibly all the way to Coridon.

Sighing, I wrapped my arms around Arrow’s neck, snuggling into his warmth. “Please don’t drop me.”

His deep voice rumbled against my ear. “I will never let you fall, my love. Ever.”

Chapter 34

Arrow

“I thought you liked flying,” I said against her ear, hoping she could hear me over the wind, since the Aldara bond was too weak to speak through. “Remember at Auryinnia Mountain, how you begged me to take you on a flight instead of returning to our tent?”

“I do, but you hadn’t nearly died that night, Arrow.”

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