Page 59 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

Tavish flew past me toward the closet, and I took the time to appreciate his naked form. My feet shuffled to get into position to watch him longer, but Nightbane cut in front of me, huffing. The cù-sìth lowered his head as if he were pouting.

Realizing that I hadn’t given him as much attention as normal, I scratched behind his ears and kissed his forehead. He whimpered, leaning into me, and I wrapped my arms around his neck just as Tavish rejoined us.

He wore his typical black tunic and pants, giving me comfort that some things hadn’t changed.

He smiled tenderly.I’m glad that the beast is loyal to you. Many fae are petrified of cù-sìth because some believe they’re an omen of death.

“There’s not a malicious bone in his body,” I cooed, giving him another good scratch just as a knock sounded.

Tavish barreled to the door and cracked it open. He reached through the small gap, snagged the gown, then slammed the door.

“Ouch,” Finnian whined. “That was my nose you hit.”

“Then you were way too close.”

Pressing my lips together to fight a grin, I removed the tunic and took the silver gown. Just like all the other ones I’d borrowed, the dress hugged my curves a little too tightly. I hoped my parents would bring me some of my own gowns upon their return later, but for now, this would do.

Once I was sufficiently covered, Tavish opened the door, and the two of us joined Finnian and Caelan in the hallway.

Black blood trickled from one of Finnian’s nostrils, but he wiped it away and flew down the hall deeper into the castle. Tavish and I followed, and I tried not to get distracted by the pictures on the wall of Tavish with his parents.

Lanterns glowed every few feet, making it easier to see things here than back in the ruined dragon land. The hallway was long and bright, and soon, we came to a spiral staircase that curved the entire way down to the first floor.

The three of us flew over the railing to where Lorne and Finola stood with Buidhean, who’d informed Tavish of the mushrooms being destroyed.

My mouth dried, and Tavish’s anger rose once more. The captive had his wings chained already, and Lorne and Finola flanked him, each gripping an arm.

Tavish growled. “So you were the one who informed the village of the destruction of our food supply.” He glanced at Lorne and then Finola. “How did we not realize he was gone?”

“Various guards reported numbers since we didn’t have the time or capacity to count everyone personally.” Lorne winced. Inoticed his skin was back to its normal complexion, no longer tinged black from dragon fire. “Clearly, that was a mistake, but we were trying to relocate all of our people at one time.”

And he and Finnian weren’t back to full health,I added, wanting to ensure that Tavish remembered that we were still down two of our most trusted people. None of this was the fault of our allies.

I landed in front of Lorne, knowing that Tavish needed to be the one who addressed the captive.

“Your Majesty, if we had even suspected—” Finola started.

Tavish lifted a hand as his feet hit the floor. “It’s not anyone’s fault except this guard, Eldrin, and whoever else is conspiring with them. They will be the ones to take the blame and die.” He unsheathed his sword, ready to follow through on his words… or at least give the illusion of that intent.

“Right.” The captive’s voice deepened with hatred. “I’m going to die because I did what was best for our people. Why should I be punished for doing what needed to be done?”

Shaking his head, Caelan moved closer to Lorne and me and said, “The dragons don’t care about our people.”

“Who said I went to the dragons?” Buidhean lifted his chin, oozing defiance.

“Fair.” Finnian steepled his hands. “Then what was the last mass of land you flew over before this one?”

I grinned, noting how specifically Finnian had worded his question. If this man had gone to the dragons, he wouldn’t be able to say the true Cuil Dorcha unless he accounted for that question.

“Cuil Dorcha.” The captive smirked, knowing he’d won this round.

“Then did you stray from traveling straight from the former Cuil Dorcha to here?” I straightened my back, wanting him toaddress me as well as the others. I didn’t know why, but it seemed important.

He wrinkled his nose. “I don’t have to answer to a blasting Seelie.”

In a blur, Tavish had the tip of his blade to the prisoner’s throat. “Yes, you do. She is my fated mate and the Unseelie’s future queen.”

Buidhean threw his head back and laughed, causing both Lorne and Finnian to jerk at the unexpected movement. Still, they tightened their hold, keeping the captive in place.

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