Page 4 of Red Fury
2
Fury
Four months later…
I look back down at my phone, opening the email for the tenth time, hoping to glean more information that just isn’t there.
I’ve been summoned to the Royal Offices, and I have no idea why. I’d like to think I do. I hope I do, but I can’t be sure.
I stride through the corridors of the palace. Even at this early hour, it hums with activity. There are staff members hurrying about their duties, guards stationed at key points, as well as thesubtle scent of coffee and fresh-baked goods drifting from the kitchens.
This place never sleeps.
I look down at my uniform, mask in hand. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.
The guard at the door to the offices gives me a respectful nod, and I do the same back.
I enter, smiling at the king’s PA. “Good morning, Sally.”
“Good morning, Fury.” She beams at me.
“You are looking lovely, as always.”
“Flattery might just get you far. And by far, I mean a cappuccino and a croissant, freshly baked?” She lifts her brows.
“That sounds amazing. Do you know what this is about?” I ask under my breath, taking a step toward her desk.
She shakes her head. “I’m afraid not. It’s above my pay grade. They’re in there waiting for you.”
I start to look at my watch.
“You’re right on time. They had a meeting already.”
I nod, feeling tension build.
“I’ll be right in with your coffee,” she tells me.
“You’re a honey.”
“And you’re too charming for your own good.” She wags a finger at me as she gets up.
My smile instantly dies as I push open the doors and step inside. King Arctic’s office is a perfect blend of traditional and modern. The king himself stands behind his massive desk, impeccably dressed in a charcoal three-piece suit. Even in civilian clothes, he carries himself like the warrior he is.
“Good morning, Fury.” He looks up from the documents spread across his desk, his gaze assessing. “Right on time.”
“Morning, Your Majesty.” I give him a respectful nod before turning to Steel, who’s leaning against the window frame. The newly appointed general turns to face me; his black leatheruniform is molded to his powerful frame. “Good to see you, Steel. Congratulations on the promotion.”
Steel grins, the expression transforming his usually serious face. “Thanks. Still getting used to it, to be honest.”
“I’m so glad you finally accepted,” the king says, he and Steel exchanging a look. They’ve been friends for years, and it’s in moments like this that it’s apparent.
“You’ve earned it.” And I mean that. Steel’s one of the few males I look up to. He’s proven his loyalty time and again, especially after what happened with Anya and the whole mess with Ice.
My attention shifts to the third person in the room, and my expression cools, even though I try hard to remain neutral. The male standing near the conference table is tall and lean, dressed in a well-tailored suit. His hair is longer than is in style here on Mistveil. His golden eyes are sharp, missing nothing.
Octane. The head of liaison between Draig and Mistveil Islands.
A Draiger.
