Page 60 of A Kingdom of Fire and Fury
I shuddered. “Like the gryphons.”
Kieran hummed. “It’s all so senseless. The nobles are too greedy for their own power that they ignore the real plights facing our country.”
I studied the guilt in Kieran’s eyes. Even though he hadn’t lived in his hometown since he claimed his dragon, he still clearly felt responsible for Caddel Province, and most of the attacks occurred there. Not only that, but as captain of the dragonsguard, he was sworn to protect the people from danger. I didn’t think Kieran was the type of noble to care and take every loss so personally. Maybe his goal of helping commoners wasn’t entirely baseless. Sure, it was unlikely but since he actually cared…
“Do you really think me being a rider will change things?”
He looked at me, his eyes burning. “Of course I do. Lusadian kings and queens have had control of the narrative for years. But the truth has been lurking in the shadows all along. Nobles aren’t the only ones who can reach for greatness. I need you, Selena. The country needs you.”
I fiddled with my vial. “And the dragon eggs will magically fix that?”
“Of course not. But they will stop the war from being an overnight threat to a five year one.” He looked at me from the corner of his eyes. “Any other questions?”
“Well, since you offered.” I smirked. “Everything I learn about you confuses the shit out of me. You were a real dick when I met you,andlast night when you…” Heat flooded my cheeks.When you pinned me against the wall.“What was that about?”
A gleam appeared in Kieran’s eyes. He clanked our vials together and downed his. “To driving you crazy.”
“Asshole.” I smiled and shook my head. “Why do you think the gryphons attacked me? Do you think it’s my Gift manifesting?”
Kieran frowned. “I don’t. Ideally, it’d be a fluke, but… but we won’t know until the mission.”
I shuddered. “Gods, I hope it’s a fluke. How do you stand it? I—I want to do the mission, but I don’t… I don’t know.” The thought made my knees shake.
He set his vial down onto the floor. “Believe it or not, I take up hobbies.” His lips twitched at my incredulous expression. “I’m not unaware of my sins. If I only thought of them, I’d drive myself insane.”
“What kind of hobby?” Curiosity consumed me. I couldn’t explain it, but Ineededto know. Kieran thrived off confusing me, and this was just another piece of the puzzle that I wanted to unravel. Kieran’s ears reddened, and I found myself entranced, unable to look away.I need to see it again.
“Why so many questions? Isn’t it my turn?”
I grinned.Finally, I have him.After so long of him holding all the cards, he wasn’t completely in control. “I think you want to tell me.”
Kieran met my gaze, his eyes darkening. “Do you truly think you know me?”
Suddenly, I was back at the night when we were last here, when Kieran pressed me against the wall. My heart thumped, pulse skyrocketing. Heat coiled between my thighs. The way he looked at me… it was like he wanted to devour me. “I think you like playing the bad guy because underneath you’re scared like everyone else. But deep down, you want someone to look at you andseeyou. You want them to know you’re not a monster.”
“But I am one,” he murmured. “And I’m not waiting for someone to tell me otherwise.”
I hummed. “You’re not waiting for it, but you still want it, even if you can’t admit it to yourself. Why else bring me here?” He didn’t have to comfort me, didn’t have to tell me about the dragon eggs. He played it off before, gave different reasons. But sitting here, I knew it was kindness on his part.
And yet he won’t hesitate to use me for his goals.But the thought didn’t bother me as much anymore.I’lluse him back in return. He’s the key to seeing my sister.I fiddled with my glass and lifted my chin. “You’re not as complicated as you try to seem, Kieran.”
Kieran’s eyes glittered. “And here I thought you were going to tell me I wasn’t a monster.”
My body tingled. “Maybe after the mission when you make good on your promise. Until then, you haven’t earned it.” And even then… after what he did to William, I wasn’t sure I could ever say those words.
He laughed, but there was an edge to it. “Fair point.”
I blinked in surprise when he stood up and made his way to the closet before pulling out a violin case. “That’s your hobby?”
He pulled it out of its case. The violin was well cared for, its wood polished and practically gleaming. “No, I like to collect them.”
“Seriously? Where’s the rest of your collection?”
Kieran shot me an incredulous look. “Are you this gullible?” When I flushed, he smirked. But the smirk faded into a soft smile when he looked down at the violin.
“Play something for me.” That familiar need was back. I wanted to see underneath that mask of his, see the fragile soul underneath it. And he wanted me to see it. I knew he did. Why else would he bring out the violin? I sat up straighter, my eyes never leaving him.Show me who you are.I shouldn’t be this hungry for it, but I was. In his presence, I felt ravenous.
“Demanding, aren’t we?” He thrummed the strings but had yet to lift it to his chin. “I think I like youbetter when you wanted nothing to do with me.”
