Page 32 of Kingdom of Flames & Flowers
“I wish to fight the fireguard, Zariah.”
Silence.
The queen blinked as though she were sure she misheard me. Her gaze flicked to the king and Zion, who had both gone white.
“Whatdid you say?” the queen sneered at me. Zion (or should I say Zariah) purposefully avoided my eyes. The captain of the fireguards gripped his sword harder.
It only strengthened my resolve. “My talent is fighting. To showcase it, I would like to challenge the fireguard Zariah.”
I expected Zion to step forward from his throne, but he didn’t. The royal family was stiff in their seats, shocked as though I’d just proclaimed I’d eat a small baby in front of them.
“There is no such person,” the queen breathed out, trying for her usual imperious tone, but her voice wobbled.
Every sense of mine sharpened. Were they going to deny it? Was this … fake name of his a carefully guarded secret?
“He doesn’t have a choice; it’s sealed in blood,” grunted the captain.“If he doesn’t fight, the deal voids and she wins.”
The king chuckled. “And you remember what you promised should you lose,” he needled the queen, whose eyes narrowed.
Overhead, there was a large thump, showing the dragon had just landed on the dome above the roof. Did it find it hilarious to keep interrupting the court? I would if I were a dragon.
“Everyone out,” screeched the queen.
For a moment, no one moved.
Karthus stepped forward, and the line of fireguards stepped with him. “You heard the queen!” he roared. “OUT!”
There was a small stampede as the nobles rushed to be the first out the doors. It would have been comical if my life hadn’t been on the line.
“You all as well,” snapped the queen at the girls. I stayed rooted to the spot as they were all shuffled out by fireguards. Leilani and Azalea gave me hopeful, yet sad, looks.
It was clear they thought this was the last time they’d see me. It wasn’t an unreasonable assumption.
“I won’t even ask how you know about him. You want to fight Zariah so badly?”
With the room empty of her court, the queen stood, no longer needing to hide her hatred or venom.
Zion stood with her, putting a hand out. “Mother, let me handle this—”
“Sit down. This little trollop does not know what she’s asking for. Let’s show her.”
An invisible force slammed Zion’s body back into his chair. He winced, then stood again.
“No!” he ordered. “I’m the one supposed to be running these games. I order you to stop! You will not do this.”
The queen whipped around, fury etched in the wrinkles around her eyes and forehead. The wrinkles weren’t visible normally, but I was so close that I could count every crevice and imperfection.
“You do not rule here. Down!”
Zion stumbled and fell. It was as if his body wouldn’t listen to his brain. He tried to leap toward me, but only fell on his face. “NO!”
“Hold him!”
Fireguards stepped forward immediately to subdue Zion. The king stood with a red face, but the queen whirled to him next. “Do you have a problem with how I manage this kingdom?”
Come on,I willed him.You’re the king. Stand up to her.
I didn’t know what Zion was trying to save me from, but it had to be bad if the queen was so insistent about it. My heart sank as the king bit his lip, then shook his head.
