Page 184 of Glow of the Everflame

“Get your hand off me.”

“After everything I’ve done for you, I think I’m entitled to a few minutes of your time.”

A golden-skinned fist shot between us and seized his wrist.

“Hands off, asshole,” Taran growled.

He leaned his broad chest into his brother to force him back onto uneasy footing. Aemonn returned his glare, their foreheads dipping toward each other like wild rams.

Their different personalities often made it difficult to remember that these two were brothers, but in this moment, it had never been more clear. It wasn’t just their sun-kissed skin or their sandy blonde hair, but the years of hatred that simmered in their eyes—the kind of deeply personal resentment that only family could provoke.

Aemonn turned his focus back to me. “You really shouldn’t ignore me, Diem. I’m not the only one with a vested interest in keeping our relationship cordial, am I?” The corner of his lip quirked up, pleased at his own subtle threat.

Taran snarled in response. “You foul, lowlife, slimy piece of rotten garbage, you—”

“Taran,” I said calmly. “Let go of your brother.”

His eyes snapped to me. “Diem, don’t let him push you around.”

“Let Aemonn go,” I repeated. “Please.”

Taran grunted loudly and released his brother’s hand with a shove, but he didn’t move from his imposing position.

Aemonn gave him a victorious smirk. “You heard the lady.Shoo.”

Taran puffed his chest forward, sending his brother staggering back another step.

“Taran,” I warned.

His glare shifted to me, now mixed with disbelief and a touch of betrayal. He huffed and turned away.

The moment Taran was out of reach, I acted.

I spun my forearm in a circle, knocking Aemonn’s hand away with a heavy thump, then locked his elbow with my own so his arm twisted into an unnatural angle at his back. He arched backward and barked in pained surprise.

I leaned in until my mouth brushed his ear. “I don’t care what you’ve done for me or what secrets you know, Aemonn—you’re notentitledto any part of me,” I hissed. “And if you ever grab me like that again, I’ll use my blades instead of my hands.”

A group of unfamiliar faces began to trail into the room, then froze at the sight of us. Remis and Garath shot me matching scowls as they crossed to greet the new arrivals, and I quickly released Aemonn from my hold.

“That was abigmistake,” he seethed.

“I accept your apology,” I said dryly.

Before he could sputter another veiled threat, I turned my back to him and walked away.

Taran gaped at me in delight. “I take back everything I said,” he breathed. “I’ll never be mad at you again.”

“Highly doubtful. Taran, what’s going on? Why is everyone whispering?”

His amusement vanished. “Remis is an ass.”

My breath caught. “Lily—is she alright? Did he—”

“Your Majesty,” a voice called out from behind me. I whirled to see a man striding toward me with arms extended. He was dripping with gilded finery—golden chains hanging from his neck, golden studs lining his ears and eyebrows, and golden thread embroidered into his clothing. Even his hair seemed plated in the yellow metal.

“Welcome, House Ghislaine,” I forced out as we embraced.

Remis gestured toward the assembled chairs. “Shall we get started?” he said warmly, ever the diplomat.

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