Page 30 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

“Where’s Blossom?”

“She went to check out their training facilities.”

“You don’t feel like fighting?” I joke.

“Figured I’d give her a head start to get warmed up. I was just about to come looking for you, actually.”

“Me? Why?”

“To talk. To listen. Whatever you need. I wasn’t just asking how you’re holding up to be polite,” Mag adds. His expression is serious, unlike the usual flirting and teasing he saves for Blossom, and full of concern. “And I’m not talking about the stuff with your magic. I can see you’re still processing all of that, but ... There are a lot of expectations on you here. A lot of pressure.”

“There were expectations when I was forced to be the head librarian,” I point out. His concern reminds me of Hoc’s protectiveness, and my heart squeezes with grief.

“Yes, but the library was your home. It was at least familiar. This kingdom is foreign to you, and you aren’t just any couple here. You and Aries arethepower couple. You’re fated mates, and you’ll be queen someday. Sooner rather than later, in fact.”

“I’ve known for some time what I signed up for,” I say, but his words prick at the same worries I’ve been trying to shove aside since we arrived.

“And you’re okay with that?”

“Of course.” I sigh, the truth spilling out of me. “Since I was a girl, I dreamed of leaving the library behind. Building a life here with Aries—it’s all I’ve wanted since the moment I fell for him. But taking my vows to him, and more, becoming a queen to these people, means promising to put them first in everything. I can’t do that until I deal with Constantine. If they ask me to take the throne before I’ve dealt with him… I won’t be able to say yes.”

“I get it,” Mag says, and I look at him in surprise.

“You do?”

“Why are you so shocked?” he asks.

I shake my head. “I’m not sure Aries will be as understanding.”

“First, I’m not Aries. Nor do I ever want to deal with the sheer amount of political bullshit that comes with being royalty.” He shudders. “But I do understand needing to finish what you started. I think Aries would get that too.”

“Thanks, Mag.”

He straightens. “Now, stop sulking around.”

I scowl. “I’m not sulking.”

His brow lifts. “Since the moment we got here, you’ve been looking around like you’re trapped and can’t seem to find the exit.”

“Shit,” I mutter, covering my face with my hands. “Am I that obvious?”

“Relax, I have a feeling Aries has been too distracted to really notice. But you should talk to him. Soon.”

“I will. I just don’t want to add to his problems.”

Mag rolls his eyes and crosses his arms. “No wonder you and Aries are mates. You two are exactly alike—always trying to deal with everything alone. Listen, when it comes to Constantine,we’llstop him. Not just you. As for this orc business, we’ll help with that too. You do know that, right? We’re in this together.”

His words offer reassurance I didn’t realize I needed. Of course, Mag and the others have my back. He’s right. My stress must have been pretty high for me to have doubted that.

“Thanks, Mag. That means a lot,” I tell him.

“Anytime. Besides,” Mag adds, “With your kickass magic, that asshole doesn’t stand a chance.”

My confidence evaporates. I nod silently rather than admit how not-very-kickass my magic feels in the face of all these threats.

Mag rises. “I’m going to find Blossom and see if she wants to spar.” He pauses, his gaze sharpening as he studies me. “You should come.”

“I don’t think I’d be much of an opponent for you,” I say.

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