Page 30 of Court of Secrets and Flames

“What are you saying? That the prince is going to find out his brother doesn’t belong on the pedestal he’s been on since they were kids? That because they don’t see eye to eye on everything, Knox’s going to, do what? Challenge him?”

“I can’t answer any of that because I truly don’t know. What I do know is Knox is suspicious of his brother’s motives regarding you after that speech he gave after the dinner.”

“That would make two of us, then. But I need to keep my head down and play along, at least for now. After seeing those two dead men spiked to the castle wall, I’m not especially eager to learn what happens if I piss off the king.”

“Well, the good thing is I don’t think he’ll kill you since you’re a dragoncaller.” He barks out a dark laugh.

“Very reassuring, thanks.”

Agnar stops chuckling, but bites his lip as if he’s still fighting off a smile. “I agree it would be wise to keep the king appeased at all costs.” He lowers his voice. “Be very careful. You cannot let him suspect what the prince means to you.”

My spine stiffens. “Bold of you to assume the prince means anything to me at all, apart from being the man who betrayed me.”

He allows that comment to slide. “And trust no one.”

I scowl. “Don’t worry. I’ve got that part covered.”

“Good.” He slows his pace. “Almost there.”

As we approach the end of the tunnel, he morphs into a different person before my eyes. All the former levity vanishes from his face, leaving his expression harsh and foreboding. His posture straightens into a soldier’s rigid bearing. Watching the rapid change reminds me of Sterling’s multiple personalities. Does everyone in Tirene wear a different mask depending on the audience, or is this something that’s unique to Sterling and his closest friends?

Then the gardens appear, and my breath catches. I caught a glimpse from the air, but up close, they’re magnificent.

A vine- and moss-covered stone wall borders the edges. At the center, a cobblestone pathway winds through the space, lined with towering trees exploding with exquisite pinkblossoms. Lush, vibrant flowers in a variety of colors pervade the air with a sweet, heady fragrance.

We walk in silence until we get to a sparkling fountain with crystal clear water. Behind it stands a tall hedge trimmed in the shape of two dragons facing each other, perhaps readying for a battle for dominance.

King Jasper sits in front of the fountain on a wide stone bench.

“Good afternoon, Your Majesty.” Agnar bows to the king, then addresses me. “I’ll be outside the entrance to escort you back to the palace.”

With a nod, he turns on his heel and strides away.

The king pats the bench beside him. “Would you care to sit?”

I offer the king a demure smile, the kind I’ve observed from noble ladies who know how to wield courtesy like a shield. “Of course, Your Majesty. Thank you.”

Hopefully my tone strikes the right balance between warmth and propriety. Stilted propriety proves easy enough, but warmth? Not possible.

Funny how tossing someone into an arena with dragons can kill a budding relationship.

“Something troubles you?” Jasper’s voice breaks through my worries, his gaze sharpening with curiosity.

I use all my willpower not to hiss. Honestly, though, is this guy for real? Kidnapped from my home kingdom, imprisoned in an enemy’s castle, and almost burned to a crisp in a non-consensual test…but what could possibly be troubling me?

Dickbag king.

Reminding myself to play the game, I choke down a mouthful of insults. “Overwhelmed. There’s a lot to take in.” I toy with the end of my braid, praying the innocent gesture masks my unease.

“I can imagine. Living in Tirene will take some getting used to, but I think you’ll learn to love it here.”

While I don’t plan to be here long enough to learn to love it, I can’t say that out loud. “It’s a beautiful kingdom. And these gardens are magnificent.”

He smiles, hopefully pleased with the compliment. “Would you care for a walk?”

Though I’d rather stay within earshot of Agnar, whom I know is stationed just outside the entrance, denying the king wouldn’t be wise. “I would love to.”

On our stroll, King Jasper regales me with tales of his childhood and amusing incidences that have happened at court. I’m careful to nod, smile, and laugh in all the right places, and so far, he appears satisfied with my performance.

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