Page 79 of Fear the Flames
“I want the assassin to think that he and I went there for an escape,” I rush out. “Eagor told me a bunch of royals do it. There are private rooms available to rent. I need you and Ryder to watch our backs.”
Finnian blinks slowly, processing the whole thing. “You’re sure you want to be bait for an assassin?”
“Yes.” I’ll do anything if it means getting a shot at one of the guards that tortured me. When I said I’m done hiding, I also meant that I’m done letting people wrong me without consequences. If sitting on Cayden’s lap in a brothel is what I must do to lure an assassin out, then so be it.
“Fine, I’m in,” he sighs. “We’ve done other questionable things, so what’s another thing added to the list?” A grin spreads on my face, and I shove my hand into his to drag him over to the stables.
“Queen Elowen!” A castle guard steps into view. “You’re not supposed to leave the castle unguarded.”
“She’s not unguarded; I’m here,” Finnian points out.
“You’re not a Vareveth guard,” the woman states.
“I’ve been guarding Queen Elowen for most of my life. I don’t need someone from Vareveth telling me how to do my job.” His voice is laced with the same anticipatory anger I’m feeling as I bounce on the balls of my feet.
“Stand down, soldier,” another voice calls out, close to the stables. I spin in place and come face to face with Braxton. Yes! I rush over to him, leaving the guard in my wake. “Didn’t Commander Veles tell you he was leaving?”
“Yes, but I need to know where he went,” I answer.
“It’s urgent,” Finnian adds. Braxton glances between the pair of us; we probably look disheveled and unhinged. “Do you want to be the person that stands between Queen Elowen and Commander Veles?” Finnian tacks on.
Braxton winces, “They told me they’re starting with a tavern on the main road. It’s huge and has a big red sign:The Pint.” What a clever name. “Take the horse I’ve already saddled if you’re alright with sharing. I would hurry; the two of them make quick work with whatever they do.”
“Thank you!” I shout over my shoulder as we rush past a very confused Braxton. We move so fast that he’ll probably wonder if this was an illusion when he’s lying in bed tonight. I quickly swing myself up, and Finnian follows, wrapping his arms around me and flicking reins. My body is running so rampant on adrenalin that the only thing I can focus on is getting to the brothel.
“I think we should split up.”
“Why would we do that?” Finnian’s voice rumbles against my back.
“It’ll give me time to scope the place out, and it might look better for Cayden and me to show up separately,” I say.
“The last time we split, an assassination attempt happened.” Finnian is forced to slow the horse as we round the front of the castle and make it to the main road. We’re in a rush, but don’t want to run anyone over in the process.
“I know, but look around,” I gesture to the mass of people around us. “It’s too crowded to make an attempt on me here in the street. The tavern Braxton mentioned is only a few doors down from the brothel. You won’t even be ten minutes.”
Finnian takes a few seconds to weigh my words. “I see your point. I’m just hesitant to let you go in there alone.”
“I know,” I reach out to hold his wrist and brush a thumb over his skin, “but I trust you to find them quickly. Trust me to stay alive for the few minutes you’re not with me.”
He slows the horse when we come upon the brothel. It looks like any average building along the main road, burgundy banners hang from the windows, and deep, sensual music descends into the street. Luring in the curious souls passing by. You can’t see into the windows, even though the shutters aren’t drawn, but that just adds to the mysterious flare.
For the first time since we started this journey, my adrenalin cracks slightly, and I realize what I’m about to do. I’m about to pretend that I’m having sex with Cayden Veles…and yet, it doesn’t scare me or intimidate me. I can be completely honest with myself. There’s no sense in hiding from the truth. The reason Cayden and I can pull this off is because it’s believable that we’re sleeping together. Most of the kingdom thinks we are, and neither of us has done anything to quiet the rumors. We have more important things to worry about. If I tell Finnian I don’t want to do this, he’ll turn the horse around and take me back to the castle with no questions asked. But every part of me wants this.
The world needs to get used to the fact that if someone crosses me, I’ll bury a knife in them and let their blood drench my hands. I won’t turn the other cheek; I won’t forgive and move on. I’ll just become something for them to fear because I’ll become worse.
I slide off the horse and glance up at Finnian; he still wears an uneasy expression. “Wait for Cayden before you go snooping around. Once you see him, you’ll know I’m watching your back. Promise me that you’ll wait.”
“I promise.”
“Make your performance believable,” Finnian smirks.
ChapterThirty-Four
The sensual music grows when I push the door open, as do my nerves. But my nerves aren’t high enough to make me regret my decision, not even for a second. Breathy moans filter into the foyer. A woman in a black corset and gold robe sits behind a large desk, donned with two red lanterns on either side. The light in here is low, adding to the mystifying flare.
“Your Majesty, I was hoping you’d come toThe Golden Roseone day,” the woman’s deep voice drifts my way. She stands slowly and bows her head in my direction.
“I wanted to get away from the castle, and I’ve heard wonderful things about your establishment.” Her smile increases. I must have nailed down the fact that she’s the owner. “I’m expecting someone,” I add.
