Page 215 of Severed Heir

Archer stood in the archway, a letter from the king was in his hand, and the seal was already broken. He didn’t speak as Hadrian and Estella slipped past him, offering a nod as they left us alone.

He crossed the space in three strides and gently cupped my face. “The trial has a date,” he said. “One month. We’ll start training tomorrow.”

I arched a brow. “We? Doesn’t that make us rivals now?”

His mouth curved into a grin as he swept me into his arms. “If that’s the case, I suppose I’m in love with my rival. So call me a fool.”

“Naïve,” I murmured, pretending to sigh. “But I’ll go easy on you.”

He leaned close, his breath brushing mine. “Shall I bow, Queen Severyn?”

I pressed my finger to his chest. “Or you could become king. I’m not opposed to being on my knees… for you.”

He laughed. “The library’s seen too much already.”

I smiled, my chest lighter than it had been in weeks. “Let’s spend the next month together. Just you and me. Hadrian said a trainer’s coming,” I added, brushing my fingers along the collar of his shirt, “but honestly? I’d rather spar with you.”

He flashed a wicked smile. “So I get to see you hot and heavy and learn all your secret moves. Ah, the true mind of a rival.”

“I could always have a casual nip slip and drop you to your knees. No sparring required.”

He caught my hand, pressing a kiss to my fingers. “You’ve always been my greatest weakness. But a nip slip during a duel might undo me completely.”

I smiled. “Alright. Let’s make this month worth it.”

Flame and shadow. Chaos and legacy. This time, I wouldn’t run from any of it. Queen or pawn to the king, it didn’t matter. Because if I claimed the crown, I’d make damn sure it changed everything.

And for the first time, I wanted it.

Gods help whoever tried to stop me.

Epilogue

Archer Lynch

It had been three months since Klaus died, and not a day passed where I didn’t see that final moment play out in my mind. I’d had a year to prepare for this, knowing the girl would eventually be summoned to the Serpent Academy to claim her father’s title. Still, I couldn’t say her name.

My grandfather had hosted my titling ceremony. I walked out halfway through. I couldn’t stomach the pomp, the polished smiles, the way they acted like I’d won something. I hadn’t. I’d lost everything.

Ciaran had gone into healing after Skyfall. I hadn’t seen her since, though I could feel her—faintly, distantly. But lately, she’d been in my thoughts more than ever.

His sister.

After the ceremony, I found my father on the balcony. I needed to ask about the Blanches. I needed to know if she was safe. Facing Victor was never easy, not since my mother died. But now, after failing him, after failing Klaus… it felt worse.

“So,” he said, fingers tapping the iron railing, “I see my bloodline wasn’t strong enough for you to win my title.”

“I didn’t choose my power, Father.”

“Weak,” he scoffed, draining his drink in one swallow. “Do you see what this makes me look like?”

“Maybe my mother was stronger,” I said. “You could accept that.”

He rolled his eyes. “Your worst traits were always hers.”

Victor knew how to piss me off. But so did I.

“I’m considering a trip to North Colindale,” I said evenly. “To offer aid. And to pay respects to Klaus’s family.”

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