Page 151 of Heat of the Everflame

I now found myself alone in my suite, nervously pacing the floor. I’d requested a private dinner, claiming we were weary from the day’s drama and in dire need of rest. It wasn’t entirely a lie, but I was anxious to speak with the others—especially Luther.

A knock on the door brought the arrival of Alixe and Taran, followed by a host of Centenaries who laid out a buffet of foodand wine, the latter of which barely hit the table before Taran grabbed a jug.

“We’re still on duty,” Alixe chided, snatching it from his hands.

“Queenie doesn’t mind.” He grabbed another one from the table and looked at me. “Do you?”

“Don’t ask me. She’s your High General.”

Alixe smirked triumphantly and held out her hand. Taran passed the jug over, scowling.

I looked around the spacious parlor of my suite. Although it was a lavish space, laden with luxurious comforts, the room was entirely enclosed within the canyon walls without even a glimpse of sky. I felt like a pretty bird in a gilded cage.

“I wish I had a balcony. I’d feel better if I could call Sorae and keep her close in case things go wrong.”

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that none of our rooms have openings to the outside,” Alixe said.

“Neither do I.” I frowned. “Do you think she’ll keep her word and let us return home safely?”

“If she wanted to harm us, they could have simply killed us at the boat.”

“Maybe she likes toying with her food before she eats it,” I muttered.

A series of soft thunks caught my attention. I looked over to see Taran inspecting the jar of purple flame I’d purchased. He was holding it upside down, tapping loudly on the glass and squinting.

Though I couldn’t possibly explain it, the fire almost seemed to be staring back. And, oddly, looking miffed.

Another knock rapped on the door. When I opened it, Zalaric was standing in the hall, hands clasped behind his back.

“I wasn’t sure if your private dinner included me,” he said hesitantly.

“It doesn’t,” Taran yelled out.

Zalaric cleared his throat. “I’m not even hungry, really. I can return to my—”

“Of course it does.” I moved aside and gestured for him to enter. “Ignore Taran. He’s sulking because the Montios fire doesn’t like him.”

Taran frowned at the jar. “She likes me.” He gave it a violent shake, and the flame snapped angrily against the glass.

“Have you ever been to the palace before?” I asked Zalaric.

“Only during my time in the skin markets, when the Queen would hire me. Never as a guest.” He gazed around my opulent room. “Never like this.”

“I’m sorry you got caught up in all this. I know it might complicate things for your life here.”

Taran scoffed. “Don’t apologize tohim.Not after what he did.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s time to move on, Taran. We’re all trapped here together. We have to figure out the Queen’s intentions, and Zalaric knows more about her than any of us.”

“I’ll help however I can,” Zalaric said, “but I must warn you to guard your words in my presence. Anything you tell me, the Centenaries will learn eventually. Whether I want them to or not.” He cut a glance at Taran, who sniffed and looked away.

“I’m not sure it matters now. I doubt we have anything left to hide they haven’t already seen.” My stomach churned, thinking of how they’d taunted me over Luther’s rejection.

The need to clear the air with him was eating away at me. There wasso muchwe needed to discuss.

“I’ll go check on Luther,” I announced, bounding for the door.

“Oh, uh, about that...” Taran set down the jar. “Lu’s not coming.”

---