Page 40 of Fate and Flame
I’d never seen this level of reverence before.
“Please, stand and hear me,” Fen called over the mass of people.“Our borders are open to those that need safety, food, and shelter. We continue to provide as much as we can in the Flame Court. I stand in awe of you. That you’ve put your own prejudices aside and have learned what we have known for thousands of years. Peace among us is the only way forward.”
He paused, waiting for the cheering to stop.
“I come to you today, humbly asking for anyone willing to please join us at the castle tomorrow. We are looking for soldiers, fighters, wielders. Anyone who has a score to settle with the north, join us. This life you’re creating is worth protecting, but we cannot do it alone. We need help, and I’m here today to ask you to come forward. We are on the precipice of war.”
The crowd went still as Fenlas’ grave words settled over them.
“We have information that has led us to this point. We know the other kingdoms are making calculated moves, and we cannot be caught unprepared. I hope to see as many of you as possible in the morning. Please speak with Wren or Sabra if you have questions or need anything at all. We are still here for you, and it is our hope that you will also be here for us. Enjoy your evening.”
Fen turned to me, hugged me tightly in front of the crowd, and pulled me off the stage. He had done everything but beg.
I’ve never been prouder of you than I am right now.
Do you think they will come?he asked.
They’d be fools not to.
We said goodbye to the identical sisters, but just before we were about to leave, a makara child ran up to us. Her face was furry and her wide eyes were adorable. She barely came up to my waist but still tugged on my skirt.
I knelt to her as she kept one hand behind her back.
“Are you a princess?” she asked.
“She is,” Fen answered for me.
“A princess should always have a crown.”She brought her hidden hand forward, and I leaned even farther as she placed a delicate flower crown upon my head.
“Did you make this?” I asked, touching the petals.
“My mother helped a little.”
“It’s absolutely perfect. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.” She dug her toe in the dirt before looking up to Fenlas. “I don’t have anything for you.”
I laughed, and he knelt beside me. “I’ve got something for you instead.” He leaned and grabbed a handful of sand, placed it in his open palm, and moved his fingers until a tiny cyclone formed. “Reach inside,” he said to the wide-eyed child.
She lifted her hand and eyed us both before she reached in and pulled out a coin Fen had hidden in his palm. “This is for me?” she whispered.
“Just for you. Please tell your mother we thank you both for the crown.”
She bolted away and we stood watching until she disappeared.
I’m going to let you do very dirty things to me tonight, Prince. Just for that.
Where’s Gaea’s magic when you need it?he asked, wiggling his eyebrows at me.
We crossed the city, cloaked again, and made it back to the castle just in time to see a freshly bathed, shaven, and cologne-covered Greeve stomping out. “Looks like he had a change of heart,” I said.
“I don’t think he did at all,” Fen answered, dragging me up to our room.
I was restless that night. Each time I fell asleep, I dreamt of the sea queen and her evil laugh. Of her murdering my parents. Of a bloody battlefield where I watched each of my friends die. Eventually, I gave up and slipped out of the room. After aimlessly wandering for the better part of an hour, I found myself standing on the beach, watching the reflection of the moon in the still water and listening to wave after wave crash in the distance.
I saw something foreign in the bay and continued to watch it until I realized a sea fae was coming ashore. I hadn’t grabbed a single weapon, but still, I was not afraid. For a split second, I thought of calling for Fenlas, but he’d needed his rest, and a single fae was no match for my power.
A female walked carefully toward me, letting the ocean’s water drip from her as her eyes glowed green in the moonlight. She hid behind long, dark hair and a villainous smile. “Hello, Promised One.”
