Page 147 of Born of Blood and Ash

“Yeah,” Rhain said, clearing his throat. “I forgot.”

Reaver nodded and then returned to his drawings.

“Do me a favor,” Rhain stated. “Don’t use that on me.”

I arched a brow as I started walking. “Wasn’t planning to.”

“You just did.”

“It was accidental. Sometimes, things just pop into myhead,” I told him, reaching the pillared doors again. “I’m still trying to geta handle on it, but I will do my best not to use it.”

And I meant that. Even though I was really curious why hewas so worried I would seek to know more about him. Then again, he could justsimply value his privacy.

“Thank you,” he said. “What else were you thinking about?”

“Oh, you know. Everything.” Crossing my arms, I faced him.

Rhain eyed me for several moments, clearly waiting for me toelaborate. When I didn’t, he glanced down at the bound parchment. “I’m sureyou’re nervous about meeting with the Primals.”

“Obviously.”

He grinned slightly, making me wonder how often Rhainactually smiled. “Being nervous is understandable, but just remember that youare the true Primal of Life and the Queen. I know that sounds easier said thandone, but you have earned the title and the respect.”

What he said struck me silent. Had I earned it? Iguessed almost dying qualified as such, but I doubted many of the other Primals cared about that. To them, I was not only unproven,I also hadn’t earned shit.

“There’s just one more thing I didn’t mention beforeregarding meeting with the Primals.” Rhain closed theleather folio on the bound parchment. “Yesterday, you did amazing during thespeech. I have every belief that you will do the same with the Primals as long as you keep your temper in check—”

“Yeah, I wasn’t planning to threaten the Primalsinto siding with us, but thanks for the advice.”

Rhain let out what was becoming one of his infamous sighs.“I’m being serious.”

“So am I.” I frowned. “Why would my temper be incited?”

“Does it need a reason?”

“Funny,” I said. “But contrary to what you may think, I knowwhen not to run my mouth.”

The look on his face said he doubted that.

Irritation flared. “I know you’ve seen me lose my temper onmore than one occasion, so I get why you’re doubtful, but you also have to knowthat I wouldn’t be standing here if I didn’t know how to keep myself in check.”

Reaver’s quill stopped again as Rhain’s head flinched back.“You’re right. I do know that.” His gaze lowered and then returned to mine.“I’m—”

“Don’t apologize. It’s not necessary,” I cut him off,sounding like, well, Ash. “Thank you for helping me with all of this, but Ithink that is enough for now,” I said, then winced at the bite in my tone. “AndI do mean that. Thank you.”

Rhain nodded awkwardly as he stood. He started for the doorbut stopped beside me. He appeared to want to say something more but changedhis mind. Giving me a quick bow of his head, he left the office.

Pushing the last bit of conversation between Rhain and measide, I began pacing the length of Ash’s office.

My mind kept alternating between what Rhain had said and whyAsh hadn’t returned yet. I’d suspected that his trip to Vathi would be an in-and-outsort of thing. He’d been gone for almost two hours. But Ash was fine. He and Attes were likely just talking.

Honestly, I hoped he and Atteswere genuinely speaking to each other and talking things through. They may nothave been friends before, but there had been mutual respect between them.

I looked around the office. “I need to be doingsomething…queenly right now.”

“I hope it’s not more pacing,” Reaver muttered.

I shot the little smart-ass a look, which earned me a boyishgiggle. Grinning, I refocused. There had to be something I could be doing. Iwas Queen, right? I was to be this great Primal power—

---