Page 25 of Court of Secrets and Flames

While I want to reveal everything about falling for the prince when he was my instructor, and the very real—albeit confusing—feelings I still have for him, I keep that to myself for now. I know my sister would never betray my trust, but it’s too risky. Above all else, I want to protect her, and asking her to keep my secret about our dalliances feels dangerous.

Also, I’m embarrassed. How do I admit I fell for Sterling and invited him into my bed when all the while, he was deceiving me?

I do tell her about the special exemption our mother attempted to acquire in order to get me back home.

Leesa reads the ambivalence in my voice. “She may have withheld information from you, Lark, but that doesn’t change the fact that she loves you and wanted to keep you safe.” She pushes the remainder of her food around on her plate. “Afterlosing one daughter at Flighthaven, I’m certain she feared this exact thing would happen. That you would be taken from her too. In fact, I imagine her fears regarding you being taken are why she kept you under lock and key.”

A bitter flavor sours my mouth. Whatever her reasons, Lynnea Axton kept me isolated in Castle Axton. My first taste of freedom didn’t come until my summons to Flighthaven a couple of months ago. At age nineteen.

I believed my life was finally changing. Yet here I am, trapped in a gilded cage once again, just in a different kingdom this time. And as eager as I am to learn more about my background and dragoncaller heritage, I’m not sure anything is worth being trapped again. “What in the realms are we going to do now?”

“We play their game. Observe and learn everything we can.” Leesa smiles, the glint of sisterly wisdom shining in her eyes. “You need to keep the king happy. Hang onto his every word. He knows more about your lineage than either of us. And that is something we need to figure out. Because knowledge, dear sister, is a weapon. Speaking of, see if you can get the king to approve a visit to the Royal Archives. You need more information about what being a dragoncaller entails, and that’s the best place to look.”

The thought of spending time with the king churns my stomach. “No promises, but I’ll try. I’ll do my best to play the game.” I recall the weird feeling I got after the king gave his big welcome-back speech. “Did you get the sense that Jasper had more to say after his story about Tirene’s long-lost dragoncaller? Maybe I’m borrowing trouble, but I swear it seemed as though he was keeping a secret.”

She snorts. “Asecret, as in only one? Please. I may not have lived in Tirene long, but even I can tell King Jasper plays thingsclose.” After giving my shoulder a squeeze, she gathers the tray in preparation to leave. “One more thing.”

“Hmm?”

“Be careful how you interact with the prince. I’m not sure what’s going on between the two of you, but the king might not be thrilled if he thinks you and his brother are involved.”

My eyes widen. “Why would you?—”

“Prince Knox rushed into the arena after you blacked out. He was the one who carried you to your chamber. Plus, his eyes never left you last night. From the way you’re blushing, something tells me the feeling is mutual.” When I open my mouth to argue, she pierces me with a knowing look. “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. The prince explained the rescue by claiming he can’t stop seeing you as a student in need of protection, so I don’t think the king suspects anything.”

“That’s good—wait, hold up.” I frown. “Neither confirming nor denying that there’s anything between Sterling and me. If there were, though, I don’t get why the king would care. His brother’s a big boy.”

“From what I gather, the royals and upper nobility here tend to be a little old school and favor arranged relationships and marriages. If that’s true, then Prince Knox may already be committed to someone, even if it hasn’t been announced yet. Even if he’s not, it’s never a good idea to reveal your pressure points to someone who might use them against you.”

A pit opens in my stomach, and I’m afraid I’m about to throw up. My mind struggles to grasp the concept. Knox can’t be betrothed to another woman. “That’s…I just…I don’t even know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. Just watch yourself.”

After my sister slips out of the door, I tell myself that the prince’s future bride is none of my concern, but my heart disagrees.

I remain in the same spot, unmoving, long after she disappears.

Once I snap out of my trance and eat breakfast, I almost feel back to normal. Almost. The back pain is only a twinge this morning, though I still move carefully as I dress in a pair of breeches and a sleeveless flowing white tunic. Hopefully that means the injured muscles are finally healing.

As I finish knotting the belt around my waist, someone raps on the door.

Perfect timing.

It’s probably Leesa again. At least I hope so. I’m growing restless in this suite.

“Coming.” I cross the space as the door swings open. “Oh. It’s you.”

Prince Knox stands before me, physically striking with his all black attire and his dark waves unbound around his shoulders. He regards me wordlessly, the masked expression on his face giving nothing away.

“Such enthusiasm,” he deadpans. “Better watch out, or I might start to think you like me.” As he performs his appraisal, one side of his mouth kicks up. “Have you eaten?”

The question throws me off-balance. He does nothing to intervene when the king literally throws me to the dragons, but he cares whether I’ve eaten?

“Does it matter?” The retort comes out frostier than intended.

“Of course.” He shrugs one shoulder. “The king wants me to give you the grand tour. Can’t have you passing out because you’re hungry.”

A sharp pain spears my heart. Right. How foolish of me. He doesn’t care about my well-being. He just doesn’t want to be inconvenienced if I faint.

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