Page 205 of Glow of the Everflame

The others held back as I descended the steps. I rolled my shoulders back and set my jaw, determined not to let my growing firestorm of emotions burn through my fierce exterior.

The rest of House Corbois had gathered outside in a swarm of horses and fanfare. Today, the House would join me on the long trek to the arena in a symbolic show of support—and a warning, that a Challenge against me was a Challenge against all of House Corbois.

It was that threat I now clung to against all odds. However poorly the House Receptions had gone, however far the rumors of my lack of magic had spread, House Corbois remained a formidable influence. Risking its wrath was a gamble, especially with Luther, who remained the heir presumptive, standing by my side. If the other Houses feared that killing me would only bring the fury of the next King down on their heads—then perhaps, just perhaps, I might make it through today unscathed.

“Your horse is this way, Your Majesty,” Luther said. His hand found its home on my back as he led me to a stunning dark grey mare with a dappled coat and a glossy white mane pulled into a thick plait. A ring of shouting guards struggled to keep her still, but the harder they fought to restrain her, the more she demanded her liberation, pawing at the ground and rearing her head in protest.

“She reminded me of you,” Luther said dryly.

I raised a brow. “Her coloring or her temperament?”

He didn’t answer, but he smiled.

I walked to the front of the horse, lowering my chin as her glassy eyes fixed on me. She looked me over cagily, her apprehension so intense I could almostfeelit in the same way I couldfeelSorae’s emotions across our bond.

I extended my hand, inching closer to her in small steps. On instinct, I sent calming energy toward her in an unspoken promise that I meant her no harm. Her posture went unnaturally still, though her eyes followed my every movement.

“Hello there,” I murmured. “I hate to admit it, but I think the Prince was right. I think you and I might be kindred spirits.”

Her ears flicked toward me, her milky tail swishing once, then falling still. I took another step closer, then another, until my hand hovered just above her muzzle.

“Will you do me the honor of escorting me today?” I asked. “I won’t force you. The choice is up to you.”

I waited in silence, not daring to move. Finally, with a quiet huff, she pressed her nose against my palm, and I grinned wide. I rubbed the soft fuzz around her mouth, stroking my other hand along her neck. She nickered happily in response.

Luther joined me as I moved to her side to mount. I raised my foot to the stirrup and sucked in a breath as his hands curved low on my hips, hoisting me into the air and onto the saddle. His palm dragged slowly down my thigh as his hands fell away.

A stableman walked up, leading an outrageously large stallion with an equally large ego, its regal head arched elegantly toward the sky. Luther mounted the horse with ease, murmuring to the beast as he ran a hand along its silky night-black coat.

I frowned. “What happened to your other horse—the big white one you rode to the lodge?”

He gestured across the front lawn. “That one?”

There it was.

White as snow, with a patch of black between its eyes, and as tall as a house. Gold ribbon in its mane.

The horse Henri saw months ago when he witnessed its rider trample a mortal child to death. The same horse Luther rode the night he brought me to the palace for the first time as Queen.

And seated on its elaborate jeweled saddle was Aemonn Corbois.

“My horse threw a shoe that night,” Luther explained. “I was in a rush to get to you, so I took Aemonn’s instead.”

He barely even stopped, Henri had said.Gods, he was swearing at the boy for getting mud on his pretty bejeweled saddle.

Of course,of courseit wasn’t Luther—it was Aemonn who killed that child in cold blood and rode away without a care.

Aemonn, who was now Keeper of the Laws.

Aemonn, who was now responsible for the fate of the half-mortal children.

Terror rose in my stomach, and I gripped the saddle to hold myself steady.

“What’s wrong?” Luther demanded, his voice turning sharp. “What happened?”

I kept my focus on Aemonn, watching as he smirked and laughed with his cousins, undisturbed by the possibility of my death. I had once believed there was some goodness in him, buried under his lies and plots. Had he been a monster all along, and I’d refused to see it?

Aemonn scanned the bustling front lawn and paused as his gaze met with mine. I made no effort to hide the horror that surely warped my features.

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