Page 116 of A World of Ruins

Even from a distance, I can see Col’s eye twitch. ‘We are too busy to form any alliances with them.’

Kirian narrows his eyes. ‘Yes . . . but not too busy to form alliances with the Rocs. Or so I heard.’

Silence.

He lets out a deep sigh. ‘Shame, really. Perhaps if you weren’t so closed-minded, we could find a way to help one another.’

‘Leave.’ Col glares at each of us. ‘All of you.’

Kirian’s low, derisive chuckle does nothing to ease Col’s irritation. ‘We will, but first, why don’t you direct me to the nearest town?’ He glances our way. ‘I heard the food here is outstanding.’

CHAPTERFORTY-NINE

I’m convinced my expression has frozen into a permanent scowl as Darius and I observe Kirian from across the table outside a bakery while he savours a slice of spice cake. According to him, the sweet loaf is an Aeris delicacy with its intricate blend of spices, all drenched in syrup.

Not that it matters when that is not what we are here for.

As Kirian relishes another bite, his eyes twinkle with pleasure. Meanwhile, armoured Aerian soldiers parade down the street opposite us. Kirian’s attention briefly shifts, followed by a scoff. ‘You would think, with all the Aerian soldiers they have, that this kingdom would be better protected.’

Darius lets out a playful chuckle. ‘Like your land is?’

‘One must take precautions regarding one’s people,’ Kirian retorts with a derisive smile.

My patience thins. ‘Why are we really here, Kirian?’

Wiping his mouth with a napkin, which he then meticulously folds atop his lap, Kirian looks up at me. His stare is bold as if he expects me to draw back in fear. ‘The Fallcrowns mentioned the predicaments you were facing with Hedris after the treaty was broken.’

My brows pinch in confusion. ‘Arlayna told you that?’

A flicker of distaste shadows his expression. ‘Yes.’ His voice strains. ‘She is quite the . . .informativeone.’

I find that hard to believe. It was clear from when I last saw Arlayna that she has likely given Kirian hell with each letter they have sent each other.

‘What she has failed to mention,’ Kirian adds, his gaze flickering towards Darius, ‘is that you’re a Rivernorth.’

Darius eases back in his chair, his casual manner showing that he feels no threat whatsoever. ‘Well, believe it or not, there is more to me than my name.’

Kirian mimics Darius’s position, igniting a competitive air of male powerplay between them. ‘Still. You hold a powerful title in all of this, Darius. You’re the last standing Rivernorth, and others such as Hedris feel threatened by that.’

‘And you?’ I ask. ‘Do you feel threatened?’

‘It depends.’ He shrugs. ‘The only threat you could pose is if you came for my people.’

Which I’m certain Dusan and his forces have tried to do before.

‘But,’ he emphasises with a raised finger, ‘I believe we can help each other.’

Darius and I share a look of unease. This is what Arlayna mentioned. Kirian wanted us on his side.

‘Hedris believes he has the higher ground, especially now that Terranos is being ruled by someone unknown, and Emberwell by you,’ he says.

‘And you think forming an alliance with us will help?’

He nods once, shooting me a charismatic smile that doesn’t suit his title of shadow king.

‘You’re a Dark Elf,’ Darius reminds him, his voice a mix of intrigue and arrogance. ‘Not exactly a favourite among the Fallcrowns, or any other Elves.’

‘And yet the Fallcrowns can’t help you. They have their own issues right now, and whether you like it or not, the Aerian leaders won’t side with you.’

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