Page 9 of Court of Secrets and Flames

How dare he appear so indignant when he’s the one who double-crossed me?

My fury bubbles over, and I spring forward with my blade aimed at his cheek. I want to slash the fake hurt from his eyes. A hurt that’s probably as false as the life he led when we were together.

But Knox’s reflexes are as sharp as the wings he hid so well.

In a swift motion, he has my wrist in his grasp, and my weapon thudding to the floor. His eyes lock onto mine, a storm of emotions swirling within their dark depths before his lips crash against mine in a desperate kiss.

That wicked mouth.

He hauls me against him, and my traitorous body responds without my consent. Every rational thought about why this is a bad idea flees my head.

Spearing his fingers through my wild tangle of hair, he pulls my head back until my mouth is at just the right angle. His tongue slides out, first tasting me, then devouring me.

Oh gods.

He tastes like whiskey and debauchery. My two new favorite things.

I cling to him like he’s my lifeline, as if I’m drowning and only he can save me.

I shift forward, moving closer to him. Wanting more.Needingmore. The metallic clunk of my boot hitting my sword breaks his hold on me.

What in the realms was I thinking?

That’s the problem. I wasn’t.

I try to pull away, to push him off of me, but his arms encircle me like iron bands.

His lips trail up my neck and then brush the shell of my ear, leaving a path of fire in their wake. “What we just shared…that was real.”

Knox releases me and spins on his heel, exiting the chamber before my brain can form a coherent thought.

Chapter Three

The sun has barely begun to cast its golden fingers through the sheer drapery when loud voices and heavy footsteps rouse me from my slumber.

“Wake up!” A soft thud at the foot of the large bed accompanies the rough demand. “You’ve been summoned.”

Apprehension skitters down my spine as I sit up and blink away the sleep, drawing the covers around me. The mountain of a guard named Hyde stands over me with a scowl that rivals the one from yesterday.

“Summoned? By whom?” Even as the words fly from my lips, I have a sinking sense of dread that I already know the answer.

“The king. You have five minutes to get dressed.” He dips his chin to indicate the pile of clothing he dropped on the edge of the bed. “I’ll be in the hall. Don’t make me wait.”

The guard exits the chamber before my sleep-hazed brain can formulate an answer.

My apprehension grows, creating an unpleasant writhing sensation in my gut. I have no clue why the king of Tirene requests my presence at daybreak, but something tells me it’snot to engage in a discussion about the latest fashion trends over a leisurely breakfast.

Despite my misgivings, I’m not about to risk incurring King Jasper’s wrath by making him wait. Or Hyde’s, for that matter. My position here is tenuous at best.

No matter how fancy the accommodations, my ability to continue breathing depends on the mercy and whims of the king.

And not just any king, but the monarch of an enemy kingdom. Intentionally pissing him off would be about as beneficial to my longevity as coating myself in warm blood and crawling into a starving dragon’s mouth.

Throwing back the soft covers, I use the bathing chamber with haste, then don the clothing the formidable guard delivered. The gray tunic and black breeches remind me of my Flighthaven attire and provide my first inkling that I’m not being summoned for a day at court.

After pulling on my boots, I start wrestling my tangled hair into a braid. I’m almost finished when the door opens.

“Time’s up.” Hyde’s scowl has deepened, if that’s possible. “Let’s go.”

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