Page 75 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

“Paige,” Aries says sharply, his hand gripping my arm, silencing me before I can say more.

But I’m not finished. I shrug off his grip and glare at Esma, my emotions finally spilling over. “You’re nothing but a power-hungry?—”

“That’s enough,” Aries cuts in, his voice firm, though I can feel the tension radiating from him. He turns his gaze to Esma, his tone icy. “You don’t get to make demands of me, Esma. Nor of Leo or Paige.”

Esma’s smile tightens, her eyes flashing with frustration. “Perhaps not yet,” she says smoothly, but there’s an edge to hervoice now. “But the council has decreed that you’re to leave the castle tonight. The guards will escort you out.”

Porthew nods, his expression impassive. “Consider this a courtesy. We don’t want to make a scene.”

At his words, I notice that the soldiers have their weapons slightly raised and dark scowls fixed on their faces. These are not the same kind and friendly men I fought beside a few days ago. For the first time, I realize we really have no choice but to leave this place—tonight.

My anger flares again, but Aries tightens his grip on my arm, pulling me back. I know he’s right—we can’t afford to escalate things here, not when the council holds the upper hand. But it’s hard to swallow it down, especially when every fiber of my being is screaming to fight back, to defend what little we have left.

I couldn’t save the library, but I can save this land from people like Esma and Porthew.

Aries gives Esma a cold, measured look. “We’ll leave tonight,” he says, his voice steady. “And meet with you tomorrow as you say. But with a last request.”

“You’re not exactly in a position to make requests,” Porthew says.

“Let us see our mother,” Leo puts in. “We will speak with her about our plans so that she can accompany us in the morning when we go.”

Esma sighs. Porthew looks as if he wants to refuse, but it’s a reasonable request, especially since it’s giving them what they want—the Nemos family walking away from their thrones.

Porthew glances at Esma, who nods.

She motions to the soldiers. “Escort them,” she says. “And make sure they leave when they’re done.”

The soldiers finally lower their weapons, obeying Esma’s command wordlessly.

Aries glances from Leo back to me, concern flickering in his eyes. “Let’s go.”

As we continue down the corridor, my thoughts race, trying to piece together a plan, something—anything—that will give us an edge against the council.

When we finally reach Queen Dorthea’s room, the guards stationed outside exchange a few words with our armed escorts. Then the door is unlocked, and we’re ushered through. Inside, the suite is dimly lit, the heavy curtains drawn, but I’m relieved to see it’s not the dungeon and they’ve at least given her comfortable accommodations.

Behind us, the guards shut the door, sealing us in. At least, we’ve been granted privacy for the moment.

Queen Dorthea sits by the window, her posture regal despite the circumstances. She turns as we enter, a relieved smile touching her lips.

“My sons,” she says, rising to her feet. “And Paige—I’m so glad you’re all safe.”

Aries crosses the room in a few quick strides, embracing his mother. “I’m sorry we couldn’t get to you sooner,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “But we’re going to fix this.”

Queen Dorthea lets him go, hugging Leo and then me. “I know you will,” she says, her voice calm and reassuring. “They can’t lock us in our own home.”

“Actually, they’re kicking us out,” Leo tells her, his expression tight. “Effective immediately, we no longer live here. Come morning, we’re expected to take you with us and find somewhere else to go.”

“They cannot be allowed this coup,” Dorthea says, her calm demeanor slipping as the first hints of fury slip through.

“They won’t,” Leo tells her firmly. He glances at Aries. “Right?”

“Esma is playing a game of her own,” he says quietly. “She wants to meet with Leo and me in the morning. I think she plans to offer one of us our crown as long as we agree to make her our queen.”

My hands tighten into fists, but I bite back my response. Best to save it for Esma herself. Next time…

“The rest of the council will never go for that,” Dorthea says.

“Not outright, no, but I wouldn’t put it past her to have some manipulation up her sleeve,” Aries says.

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