Page 49 of Crown of Iron
He slides his hands into the pockets of his jacket and steps closer. “Why do I get the feeling I won't like this?”
“I'm declining your invitation to train.”
“Why? You need to know how to control this. You can't fight until you do. I won't allow it.”
I expected him to push back at my refusal. He doesn’t strike me as the kind of person who hears no very often. But this has to be done.
I lift my chin and steady my voice, saying, “My decision is final, General LeFur.”
“Raelle—”
“But I have my own orders for you.”
“You're trying to pull rank on me?”
“Iampulling rank on you, General. It’s my right as this kingdom's future queen.”
He stands taller and tucks his hands behind his back in a show of respect, but it doesn't stop the defiant ticking in his jaw. It must feel frustrating to command this camp and have control stripped from him, even if it is only for a moment.
“You're not to tell the king about my gift in your reports. It has nothing to do with my well-being. Beginning today, you will train me to use my power.”
His gaze darts to mine, and he cocks an eyebrow. “You don't have to do this. I'll accept the consequences of my actions.”
“Just follow my damn orders, Kyron.”
A long breath passes through his lips before he says, “Yes, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, General. Now, if you will give me a moment to getNortus saddled up, we can train.” I spin on my heels and head for the stables.
“Don't bother. The holster said Nortus only returned last night. He was most likely spooked by the fighting and ran in a panic during the battle. We're lucky he knows his way home.” I slowly pivot as Kyron pulls himself into Samson's saddle and holds his hand out to me. “Come on.”
“I don't… couldn't we just train here?” I ask.
“And watch you burn down the camp with my fire? I don't think so.”
I sigh and place my palm against his.
He pulls me up to sit behind him. “Besides, I know you ordered this training just so you can get your hands on me. Consider this me making your ulterior motives easier.”
I hold back a smile. It turns out that a near-death experience has the general dropping his guard and cracking jokes now. “This new side of you makes me miss when you were a brooding dick.”
His warm laughter echoes around us. “Don't worry, I promise to be an asshole while you train.” He squeezes his legs to Samson's sides and the horse leaps forward.
My arms clasp around Kyron's waist, and I clutch the front of his shirt with my cheek pressed to his shoulder blade. I have every intention of lessening my hold on him once he lets up on Samson, but he never does. The horse gallops into the trees on the edge of camp and bounds over logs and rocks, taking the path to the river.
I close my eyes and breathe in the familiar scent of Kyron, and my chest melts into his back. His power prickles at my fingertips, swirling around each digit and flowing up my arms. I now understand the tug I felt between us wasn't the pull of his gift, but mine trying to reel his in. His flames, shadows, and ability to feel emotions want me to control them. They desperately long for it, and I find comfort in their tantalizing lure.
Samson slows down when we reach the bank of the river, and I ask, “Do you feel your power taunting me to wield it?”
Kyron's stomach muscles tighten against my fists. “Yes.”
“Are you scared I'll hurt you again?”
“No,” he answers, pulling the reins.
We stop next to a shallow pool of water. Large rocks rest above the babbling surface, creating a walkway to the other side. The song of birds resonates throughout the open space while the sun chases away the cold. With a quick squeeze of my hands, he unwraps my arms from around himand dismounts.
I hesitate when he reaches up to help me down. From this angle, Kyron doesn't look so intimidating, so indestructible. When he blinks, his long thick eyelashes reach for the tops of his cheeks, and his eyes glint with curiosity. But it's the sly grin on his dusty pink lips that reminds me he’s a young man with so much life still to live. It’s a life I almost stole from him.
