Page 80 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

“Retaliation?” Dianna asked, stepping to my side as she adjusted the laces of her shirt over her breasts. “For what?”

Orym did not look toward her as if he was afraid to make eye contact, and I could smell the fear dripping off him. “He saved me when he first arrived,” Orym said. “I defected from Nismera’s army. They hated me and tried to beat me to death.”

Dianna’s nostrils flared at Nismera’s name, but she didn’t move toward Orym. Her eyes darted to mine, a smirk flirting with her lips. “Always the hero.”

“I can’t help myself,” I joked. Her smile widened at the inside joke.

“So this is your great love?” Orym asked, his eyes darting toward her this time. “The one you spoke about? The one that gave you the necklace?”

My body flushed with heat, my smile dropping as if I had been caught doing something wrong. I had not said that word to Dianna or her to me, and I was nervous to have it spoken out loud. What if what we had was fantastic but not love for her?

Her eyes widened, and her brows rose, her gaze flicking between Orym and me. “Great love?”

I glared at Orym, and he scooted back a fraction. I raised my hand, scratching the back of my head. “We were just talking . . .”

“Uh-huh?”

“And he—”

“She’s Ig’Morruthen,” Orym interjected and stood. “You did not mention that.”

“Why would that matter?” I snapped back. “She’s good.”

Dianna crinkled her nose and glanced at me. “I mean, let’s not lie to him.”

“You heard what they said. One of them nearly destroyed these realms. One. Singular. Bloodshed, pain, torment. The sky was black with smoke as villagers screamed below. All under Nismera’s orders.” The look he fixed on Dianna made my blood boil. “He was right. There are six, and you’re hiding her.”

I stepped in front of Dianna, blocking her from his accusing finger. “If you look at her like that again, speak to her in that same tone, or threaten her, I do not care about any partnership or alliance we may form. I will kill you,” I said, meaning every word.

Orym’s eyes widened, and he held up his hands in mock defense. “I’m not being crass or rude, my liege, but—”

“I know what and who she is. You do not.” My hand flicked out, and an ablaze weapon formed between him and her. The silver shine glistened in the darkened forest, illuminating us both. “If you are a threat to her, you are a threat to me. I will not repeat myself.”

Orym took one look at the blade and then glanced at our hands. “She is not just your great love, is she? That furious blind need to protect. She’s more.”

Dianna’s hand clasped over my wrist, and she stepped forward, flashing a smile toward me, then Orym. “While this bravado and public display of affection is nice, let Orym have his fears. It doesn’t matter. We’re leaving anyway.”

“Leaving?” Orym and I said at the same time.

Dianna glanced at us as if we had grown six heads. “Uh, yeah? I spoke to Reggie, and we have a plan to get out of here without being caught or alerting Nismera’s soldiers.”

“Dianna, I cannot leave.”

“Why?” Her brow flicked up. “You can’t go to Nismera’s prison. If she finds out you’re alive—”

“She’s not there,” Orym interrupted. “And Samkiel made a promise to me.”

She glared at me. “Of course he did. That damn kindness of yours.”

I recalled the ablaze weapon back into my ring. “I thought that was one of your favorite things about me?”

“It’s becoming my least favorite when you promise detours.” Her eyes darted to my side. “We still need to find The Hand, and you’re in no shape for an epic rescue, king.”

“I’m fine, as I proved just a bit ago. Your elixir worked. I don’t feel as fatigued as before. Besides, you’re here now, so you can help me, and we will be done even quicker.”

Her arms tightened around herself. “Don’t throw me a pretty smile and flatter me, thinking I will do whatever you say.”

“Please.” I stepped forward, my fingers curving under her chin. “Do this for me?”

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