Page 56 of Glow of the Everflame

“Never,” I blurted out, clutching the book protectively to my chest. “I would never reveal this, not to anyone.Ever.”

“I know. I trust you.”

I searched his face, his ever dispassionate features, trying to unearth some explanation for this man who continually defied my judgments.

“Luther, why show this to me now? What does this have to do with Henri?”

He worked his jaw, seeming reluctant to continue. “If your heart is set on this union, I will support you. But I would not be serving you with honor if I did not speak bluntly. The Descended will not accept a mortal King, Your Majesty. Not even as a Consort.”

I bristled. “I’m not asking their permission.”

His features turned sharp as glass. “Let me be clearer. If you present him as your betrothed at the Ascension Ball, Henri will not survive to see the Rite of Coronation. The Houses will stop at nothing to prevent a mortal taking the throne. They have killed Crowns’ mates for far less.”

My heart stilled, my mouth tasting of ash.

He walked closer and placed his hand on the book where it lay in my palms, his fingertips curling as they grazed my wrists. “I showed you this because I need you to know I do not speak out of prejudice. I would put my life on the line to protect a mortal. I already have—many times.” His voice softened. “But if you take this step, I fear the Emarion Army itself could not protect him. And I do not wish to see one more person in this realm buried because of their bloodline.”

I should have been arguing, screaming that I would not be intimidated by the violence of bigots, vowing to raze the realm to cinders if anyone tried to hurt Henri.

But perhaps somewhere, deep within, I already knew the truth, because all I felt was the unbearable heaviness of a heart grieving a loss that my brain still refused to accept.

“You’re saying I have to let him go,” I said numbly.

“That is not my place.”

“Stop trying to be my advisor, Luther. Be my friend.” I looked up at him, eyes burning. “Are you saying I should walk away?”

Luther shifted his weight. “I’m saying...” He paused. Frowned. “If you love him...”

He looked up and shook his head, as if he couldn’t believe his own words.

“Wait until you’re coronated,” he said finally. “Get through the Challenging, take the full authority of the Crown, then...” He let out a heavy, loaded sigh. “Then we’ll plan. If he is what you want, I’ll help you find a way.”

I wondered if he would make the same offer if he knew Henri had sworn to kill him. If he knewIhad sworn to kill him, too.

Something told me he would.

“I never imagined you to be such a romantic,” I said, offering up a weak smile that he returned, though it was achingly glum on both sides.

“There’s much you don’t yet know about me, Your Majesty.”

I’m beginning to see that, I mused to myself.

He looked over my shoulder to the marble bust that glowed in the flickering candlelight. “The Blessed Mother sacrificed her life to be with the man she loved. I fear she might strike me dead if I told you to walk away.”

He took a deep breath, then straightened and clasped his hands at his back.

“I was... mistaken. About the kiss.” He took a step away to put distance between us. “You were right. I kissed you, and you pushed me away. I owe you an apology.”

Now who’s lying?I thought.

His brows carved deep. “I won’t let it happen ag—”

A gasp burst from my lips. “Is this the secret my mother knew—the one she was using against you?”

“Part of it,” he admitted.

“But she never would have revealed this. She wouldn’t put these children in danger.”

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