Page 123 of Wings of Ash & Flame
Swallowing hard, she fought to keep her composure, all too aware that Dexter was scrutinizing the pair of them.
“Well, that was a kind portrayal,” Dexter finally said.
Dawson chuckled. “I’ve been on the pointed end of her daggers one too many times not to be honest. However, she refuses to take the throne and has adamantly declared no interest in being a monarch or the power that comes with it. She doesn’t want it.”
The corners of Dexter’s lips tipped upward—a predator scenting blood.
“You believe her claims to the Vallorian line to be true?”
“Yes. She wouldn’t bond with a phoenix otherwise. No one has since her mother.”
“I’m right here, you know.” Alaire crossed her arms.
Dexter’s eyes gleamed with calculation. “Why aren’t you interested in claiming the throne? Afraid you’re not up to the task?”
“I have no interest in ruling a nonexistent territory. My only concern is completing my education.”And using this place’s secrets against the likes of you.
Dexter’s gaze roved over her, searching for any weakness.
Dawson leaned forward ever so slightly, his grip whitening on the leather armrests. His entire body vibrated with tension.
What was bothering him so much?
“Your education,” Dexter echoed, lips curling into a sneer. “Why should the Consortium do you the favor of allowing you to stay and finish it?”
“Because I have what you need, and in the end, you’d be doing yourselves a favor.” Alaire lifted her chin defiantly. “Phoenix fire is one of the few effective weapons against vampires—even more so than your precious fliers and their bonded celestials. You’d gain another ally in the fight. Isn’t that what you want? To stop the war and save the people of Cielore and Elithian?” She paused, then pressed, “Isn’t that your priority?”
They both knew it was a lie. Dexter cared for little beyond his own selfishness. And even if Dawson was too blinded by him now, eventually he would see Dexter Vale for what he was—a snake.
“Absolutely,” Headmaster Carth interjected, his tone conciliatory.
“But the Consortium is skeptical,” Dexter countered. “They need assurance you aren’t a threat.”
“A threat? To what? Your oligarchical rule?”
“Watch your tongue, woman.” His eyes flashed with fury.
“Or what?” she shot back, voice low and dangerous. Memories whipped through her mind faster than the rain during the Nocturne Crucible. “You’ll make an example of me? Go ahead. It wouldn’t be the first time. Or the last, I suspect.”
“You vapid little brat, how?—”
Dawson’s chair scraped back as he shot to his feet, every line of his body promising violence. “No one speaks to her like that. Ever.” He towered over Dexter, forcing the advisor to crane hisneck. “You’ll show her respect. Or you’ll answer to me.” The quiet menace in his voice sent an unexpected thrill through her.
It was kinda hot.
Headmaster Carth jumped up from his desk, stepping between them. “Let’s not be hasty. Each party is only trying to understand the other.”
Dawson rolled his shoulders as he dropped back into his seat, eyes never leaving the greaseball.
“I believe I can offer a solution amenable to both parties,” Dexter said, smoothing the black silk of his jacket with shaking fingers.
Sensing the trap in his words, Alaire eyed him warily.What was smarmy up to now?
“Probably eating centipedes for breakfast,” Solflara chimed in.
Alaire choked back a laugh.
“The Consortium is rightfully concerned,” Dexter continued. “Your return dredges up questions. Questions that demand answers. Perhaps we have something to offer one another—to ensure your safety and our interests.”
