Page 16 of King of Fire and Flames

While chatting with Esen, I paid close attention to my surroundings, mapping out the landmarks near the palace. If I could escape from my tower room, the forest that ranged to the north-west was likely the best place to head for. Trees meant plenty of hiding places, which was great. Unless beasts with long claws and sharp teeth already occupied them.

Swatting away red-winged dragonflies that buzzed around our heads, we crested the hill, and the black spires of the fire palace loomed before us. I touched Esen’s arm to get her attention. “Thank you. You didn’t need to organize my visit to Luna. I really do appreciate it.”

“Don’t thank me. Remember you’re here because of me. If I hadn’t alerted Azarn to your identity when I did, then Arrow would’ve found you first, and your circumstances would be quite different.”

My gaze shot to hers, and I stumbled away from a shower of sparks that had erupted out of nowhere. Was I losing my mind or did Esen sound guilty?

And if Arrow had got to me first, would I be better off imprisoned in Coridon right now?

Better, I decided. Because I’d be closer to slicing the Storm King’s head off with the first blade that I got my hands on.

In a courtyard that led to the palace’s side entrance, a tall fae slid out from behind a stationary carriage, blocking our path. A flash of recognition jolted through me. The slight stoop, long auburn hair, and smug expression belonged to the Sun envoy I’d tried to kill with his own fork in the Coridon dining hall.

“Esen,” he said with a bow of his head before turning a pair of dark, accusing eyes on me.

“Neeron,” she replied, shifting to stand a little in front of me, an unmistakable gesture of protection.

“Ah, if it isn’t the little human fiend herself. I’m happy to hear you’re finally facing the consequences of your insults to both me and my realm.”

An aura of barely repressed fury sizzled around his body.

I pasted on a smile. “You heard wrong, Envoy. I’m in Taln to marry your prince. One day soon, I’ll be your queen. Queen of two realms, in fact.” I patted his arm. “I feel certain we can put our differences behind us. Don’t you agree?”

“No.” Pure malice flashed in his eyes. “If Azarn’s festivities don’t kill you, be assured that I will.”

“My magic is stronger than yours, Neeron.” Esen shoved him backward. “Touch her, and I’ll gladly turn the small, tightly wrapped package in your pants into finely mashed sausage and meatballs.”

Without another word, Neeron scurried away, leaving us free to continue through the courtyard.

“Esen, I’m confused. By your own admission you got me into this mess, so why protect me now?” I asked as we entered the palace directly into a large storeroom, then strode through the black-walled kitchen.

“You’re my responsibility,” she replied. “I’ll decide when someone is allowed to hurt you.”

“Gods, you sound just like Arrow,” I said. “Careful, or I might fall in love with you. I have a type, you know.”

She barked out a laugh. “You do realize what you just admitted?”

“That love isn’t bound by the shapes of body parts?” I teased.

She shook her head. “Your ability to joke when your circumstances are dire has always baffled me.”

“Each to our own coping methods,” I said. “And speaking of the prick, when’s Arrow supposed to arrive?”

I hoped it wouldn’t be too soon. I needed time to steel my heart before I could safely look upon the arrogant, deceitful face of my betrayer.

“I’m not sure. Soon.” She gave me a cunning smile as we stomped up the stairs of my tower. “Aren’t you looking forward to seeing him, Leaf? Even just a little?”

“No.” At least, I hoped I wasn’t. “And could you please try not to call me by the name he gave me?”

“Okay, human it is, then,” she said with another sly grin.

As the door shut behind me and locks clicked into place, I ignored the lunch platter on the desk and the beautiful patterns of sunlight on the walls, my mind occupied with fantasies about Arrow’s imminent arrival.

I pictured his silver eyes, wondering what color they’d turn at the moment of death. No storm magic enlivening the irises. No spark of life. Just staring blankly.

Perhaps dull gray or translucent white.

With my hand pressed against my chest, I collapsed on the bed, telling myself the only reason my heart pounded wildly was because I was excited that I’d soon see him die.

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