Page 79 of King of Fire and Flames

“Yes,” he said.

“And Ari? Any news?”

“Azarn has agreed to let her visit Taln.”

Hope bloomed in my chest. “That’s so exciting and… surprising. How did you manage that?”

Arrow’s mouth twisted. “I told Azarn it would be an insult to expect you to marry his son without my Sayeeda’s help to prepare you for the occasion. Raiden has already left and will return with her shortly.”

“Raiden? That’ll be an interesting journey.”

Arrow grinned. “And likely too short a duration for what your dirty mind is imagining, Princess mine.”

“Princess? I thought I was your queen,” I teased.

“You are my everything. The Empress of my Soul, who rules my every thought, wish, and desire. The mistress of my body, especially of my aching c—”

“Much better,” I said, laughing. Then a wave of fear washed over me, and I dropped my gaze to the ground.

With a finger, Arrow raised my chin. “Leaf, what is it?”

“You don’t think I’ll have to actually marry Bakhur, do you?”

“Over my rotting corpse will you join yourself in any shape or form with that sniveling, indolent abuser. He doesn’t deserve to have you spit on him.”

“But you deserve me?”

“Of course. We were made for each other. Do you still deny it?”

“Do you admit you’ve been a prick? A villain?”

“In the past? Maybe that was the case.” He drawled the word maybe out to a ridiculous length, as if it would make my accusation less true. “It’s possible I didn’t always proceed wisely, especially where you were concerned.”

I pinched his cheek. “You’ve been a brute.”

“And you love me for it,” he said, chuckling as his arms came around my waist, squeezing me tightly. Then his expression darkened. “How can I make you understand the depths of my remorse for the way I treated you when you first came to Coridon? I’ve been drowning in regret, guilt, and shame. If I could chop off parts of my body and still bring you the same pleasure, still protect my people and kingdom, then I’d gladly hack them off at once and present them as tributes. Which would you like first, my right hand or entire left arm?”

“Your cock should do nicely,” I said. “Give me that now, hard and fast, and consider yourself forgiven. All debts paid and more.”

Giddy with happiness, we laughed between sweet kisses. Then he whispered over my lips, “Dearest Leaf, surely you must realize I never betrayed you. I rushed from Mydorian because when Raiden arrived, he told me he’d uncovered rumors concerning a fire fae planted at my court, and he suspected that fae was Esen.”

“Of course it was Esen,” I said. “Azarn has been busy playing a devious, long game.”

“And still is,” Arrow continued. “The fire fae, using Esen, tricked you into thinking I’d ordered your arrest. Deep down, you know I would never do such a thing. I think part of you enjoys the idea of me as a villain, but it’s simply not true. It never was and never will be. I’ll always be on your side, Leaf. From the moment I learned you we’re stolen, I’ve had no choice but to pretend I didn’t care and go along with their sick charade.”

“Why?” I asked, a single tear rolling down my cheek. “Surely there was another way.”

Arrow’s thumb stroked my wet face. “Why? It was the only way to protect you, my love. The stars could fall from the sky and I wouldn’t flinch as long I knew you were safe. Please say you believe me or end my misery now.”

He drew a knife from a sheath on his thigh, wrapped my fingers around the hilt, and pointed the tip at his heart.

The rusty bars that caged my heart melted away, causing an avalanche of tears to tumble down my cheeks. It was time to admit my mistakes. Of course he had told the truth. I don’t know how I ever doubted him.

“Fine,” I said through sobs. “You can call me Leaf whenever you like as long as you call no other yours. Ever, understand? Only me. Or I’ll rip your balls off with my teeth.”

His brow rose. “Interesting idea. Perhaps we could act the scenario out when we return to Coridon. For the purpose of research.”

“By the way, you won’t be getting your cloak back, either.”

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