Page 117 of King of Fire and Flames

“What was that?” I asked.

“Remind me to feed the birds when we wake.”

“Somehow, I don’t think they’ll let you forget.”

“Sleep well, my Aldara. Love you.”

Then we drifted into heavy slumber, safe in each other’s arms, beneath the golden domes of our apartment.

Chapter 36

Arrow

Several weeks later…

I opened the door to Leaf’s Mydorian bedchamber, and stopped in my tracks, my heart thundering against my ribs.

“Hi,” she said, her cheeks flushing as I studied her, decked out in coronation finery.

She looked exquisite. I took a few steps forward, wondering how I’d stop myself from grabbing hold of her and never letting go.

“Nearly ready?” I asked, my gaze trailing over the creamy skin of her back draped in a gown of finely woven gold thread.

Satisfaction and a dash of fury surged through my blood at the sight of what remained of Bakhur’s rune marks, barely visible since I’d been sloughing them off daily at Leaf’s request with lightning magic.

It destroyed me to know that when he’d hurt her, I hadn’t been there to stop him that night.

“Almost,” she said, her reflection smiling at me in a long mirror as she tucked loose strands of hair into her crown of golden peacock feathers. “If only my dust-damned hair would co-operate.”

“Where’s Ari?” I asked. “Wasn’t she supposed to help you get ready?”

My Aldara laughed. “Oh, she did. My hair is just rebelling against all her hard work.”

The disobedient hair was currently tumbled high on her head, revealing the graceful line of her neck. Her rose-red lips, curved in amusement, matched the rubies sewn sparingly over the dress. Sheer material hung from her bare shoulders, covering her arms, and an embroidered neckline dipped low, highlighting her glorious curves. Splits swept up to her thighs and revealed more creamy skin, making my mouth water.

As she walked toward me, a frown grew between her eyes, marring the picture of a radiant, happy princess about to be crowned queen.

“Are you wearing that?” she asked, stopping in front of me.

My heart galloped as I glanced at my attire, checking my human-style outfit hadn’t dissolved in a fit of malfunctioning storm magic. Nothing had changed. I still wore expertly tailored pants, a fine linen shirt, and a well-cut jacket, the whole ensemble black and embroidered with subtle silver-and-gold feathers.

“I’d planned to. What’s wrong with it?”

“Is your feather plate hiding beneath the shirt?” she asked, running her palms over my chest, and finding out the answer herself.

I nodded.

“Arrow, please don’t take offense, because you look wonderful. It’s a beautiful suit and absolutely does you justice. But tell me, do you feel comfortable wearing it?”

Silence hummed between us as I considered my answer. Should I give the reply that I knew would please her? Or tell the truth?

Closing my eyes, I sighed.

Had I learned nothing?

If Leaf had taught me anything, it was this: only the truth would satisfy her. Even if it hurt.

“No. To be honest, I’d prefer my chest plate was in easy reach, so I can better protect you if needed.”

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