Page 63 of Court of Secrets and Flames

He can’t possible think for one second that I’ll agree to marry him.

Through my dragon bond, I can sense the creatures’ growing restlessness and realize they’re reacting to my turbulent emotions. I must be really pissed to be riling them up so much. “Sorry, but I think I’ll pass. You’ve given me so much to think about. I mean, it’s not every day a king tells you and everyone within hearing range that he wants to impregnate you for the good of the kingdom.”

Shit. Shit shit shit.So much for controlling my temper.

Scared to see his reaction, I turn back toward the crowd and find something that forces my already shaky nerves into earthquake mode. Pushing through the masses with grim determination stamped on his features is Knox, and boy does the crown prince look pissed. He stalks toward us, giving off strongstrangle first, talk latervibes. And as much as I want to cheer him on over his brother’s what-the-fuckery, my concern for his safety outweighs my desire to watch him rip the king a new one.

This could get ugly fast.

Desperate to prevent the imminent collision, I swing back to the king and clutch his arm. “On second thought, I’m a little tired and would like to return to the castle for a nap.”

I give a little tug in hopes of guiding him in the right direction, but Jasper doesn’t budge.

He focuses his attention on his brother, who’s now close enough for me to spot the tic in his jaw.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

With a deep breath, I throw a hand to my forehead and release a loud moan. “I don’t feel so well all of a sudden. My head keeps spinning, and I think I might pass out.”

Both brothers’ heads swing toward me, and Jasper puts a steadying hand around my waist. “You probably overdid it this morning…using your wings for the first time takes a lot out of you. Here, can you walk if you lean on me?”

Thus far, my plan is working. I just need Knox to play nice so this whole thing can blow over. I can tolerate King Bear My Heirs’s attentions for a little longer in the name of diplomacy.

When I peek at Knox, though, my heart sinks into my boots. That twitch in his jaw keeps going as he glares at his brother’s hand placement. This from the man who can don an unfeeling mask with the best of them, and who usually exercises complete control over his emotions. Does the idea of me with the kingreally upset him enough to fray the leash on that control until it snaps?

And why, oh why, do I find his unraveling over jealousy kind of hot? Because I shouldn’t.

“Lark?” The king’s prompt snaps me back into our surroundings.

“I’m not sure if I can walk, but I’ll try.”

I heave an internal sigh, fully prepared to swallow my pride and feign a faint to prevent a brother-to-brother reckoning, but a shout stops me in the nick of time.

“Let us through! We need to speak to the king at once!”

Alarmed murmurs grow in volume as the crowd parts to reveal two men clad in black from head to toe. The one with blood streaming down his face leans on his companion.

Jasper immediately barks for someone to help me back to my chamber.

Knox steps forward. “I’ve got her.”

“No,” the king snaps without even glancing our way, “I need you with me to deal with this. Get one of your men to take her.”

A thundercloud has nothing on the stormy expression that reigns over Knox’s face, and for a heartbeat, I’m terrified he’ll refuse.

Then Blair steps forward and wraps a gentle hand around my shoulders. “I’ve got her,” he says in his calm way. “I’ll make sure she gets back to her chamber safely.”

Knox tenses but jerks his chin at his friend. “I’m counting on it.”

After scanning me one more time to reassure himself I’m in no immediate danger, he takes his place by the king’s side as the pair staggers up.

With the upmost care, Blair gently steers me toward the closest path. “Please give me a warning if you think you’re close to passing out so I can keep my promise. I don’t want you tohurt yourself.” He glances around and lowers his voice. “Nice performance, by the way. You missed your calling on the stage.”

My gaze flies up to his amused face. “How did you know?”

“I have a little sister who used to fake being sick all the time to get out of chores or trouble. Plus, I knew as soon as the king mentioned your future offspring that we were going to have a problem. I tried to get to Knox before he could make a big mistake, but I couldn’t reach him in time. Quick thinking on your part.” He gives my arm a momentary squeeze. “He’s different with you, you know. In our entire history, I’ve never once seen him come close to losing his cool over a woman.”

I try not to let that comment affect me, but it’s no use. A warm glow fills my damaged heart and attempts to mend some of the cracks.

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