Page 266 of Heat of the Everflame

“Careful, Fortos,” I said. “Wouldn’t want you to catch something yourweak, incapablehealers can’t fix.”

Accusation raged behind his eyes—followed quickly by doubt, then utter confusion. I said nothing, enjoying the visual tour of what his walnut-sized brain was attempting to parse.

I touched his arm and released my healing magic. “Feeling better now?” I asked. “If so, I’d like to get on with it. I intend to be back in Lumnos by sunset.”

He jerked away and gripped the hilt of his sword. Luther responded in kind, shoving himself in front of me and conjuring gauntlets of sizzling light. Metallic clinking and the stink of rot filled the air as the soldiers followed suit.

I clasped my hands behind my back. “Goodness. You men are so emotional.” I glanced at Luther. “Put that away, my Prince. We didn’t come to do anyone harm.”

He instantly withdrew his magic. “As you wish, my Queen.”

I stared expectantly at the Fortos King. Though I hid it well, his dumbfounded look matched my own thoughts. When I’d called on my godhood to use the King’s own deadly magic against him, I hadn’t actually believed it would work.

He glanced around at his frowning, bewildered men, then eyed me, far less cocky than before.

A soldier nudged forward. “Your Majesty, are you hurt? Should I call for a heal—”

The King stiffened. “Don’t just stand there,” he shouted at his men. “Open the door, you idiots.”

They scrambled to obey, blades returning to their sheaths. The godstone doors swung open to a stone staircase leading down further than I could see.

The King gestured for me to go ahead. I really,reallydidn’t like the knowing gleam in his eyes.

“It’s your realm,” I demurred. “I wouldn’t dream of taking the lead.”

He flashed a murderous smile. “I insist.”

Neither of us moved.

“Afraid to turn your back on a Queen, Fortos?” Luther taunted.

Eyebrows flew up on the soldiers’ faces.

“There’s nothing on this earth I fear,” the King snarled. “Least of all awoman.” He scowled and shoved past us, trudging down the narrow steps.

Luther held me back until the King had gained some distance, then tugged me close as we descended together.

“Did you just do what I think you did?” he asked under his breath.

I shrugged coyly. “Did you enjoy it?”

His hand flexed on my hip. “I am going to do suchfilthythings to you tonight.”

An eager warmth pooled low in my belly. My toes curled as we exchanged a look simmering with mutual promise.

After a seemingly eternal descent, the stairs smoothed into a long, vaulted hallway, though it was blocked by a gate of glittering black stone bars.

The King unsheathed his blade and drew its point across his thumb, then swiped the finger on a small metal disc on the gate.

Shit.

Bloodlocks.

Only willingly given blood would unlock them. Even if I took the King himself hostage, no amount of threats or mind control would bypassthis.

We followed the King through, his stare holding steady on me as he slammed the gate closed. “Like what you see? It might be your home too, someday. Somedaysoon.”

I gazed up and tapped my chin. “I wonder if a pissed off gryvern could make it all the way down here.” I frowned. “Oh, I forgot, you don’t have one. I guess you wouldn’t know.”

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