Page 95 of Kiss of Fire

“How did he die?”

“When Emperor Mazhab became infirm, it was clear that Kamran would soon take the throne. All the rich and powerful began to court him, hoping for favours once he came to power. Aelfric invited him to hunt in the Forbidden Zone in Feyir.”

“The Forbidden Zone? Sounds like a computer game.”

“It is a very special part of Feyir where the most dangerous game are kept. Hunting there is strictly prohibited except by the express invitation of the elven king. It is tended by the bestials.” He saw her confused expression. “The bestials are fae with animal characteristics. Satyrs, centaurs and the like. They are the custodians of the Zone with absolute power to protect it.”

He stopped, his expression anguished. He hadn’t spoken of this for a long time. Gently, Raya prompted him.

“What happened?”

Shade poured himself another glass of liqueur and knocked it back.

“He never returned. Aelfric claimed they were separated during the hunt. Traces of Kamran’s blood were found in the Zone and Aelfric executed a centaur suspected of killing him, but it didn’t matter. My friend was gone.”

Raya rose from her chair and knelt by Shade’s side.

“I’m so sorry.”

“I blame myself. Kamran was a good man but he was often reckless. He liked to take chances. I should not have let him go.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

Shade shrugged bitterly.

“Mazhab managed to hang on for another few decades. But he was grief-stricken and despite the entreaties of his advisors, he did not name his successor. I think he refused to believe his son was really dead.”

“And here we are.”

“Yes. Here we are.” He gave a crooked smile. “So you see, I do understand loss. And that is why I am releasing you from the deal.”

There was a pause as she digested his words.

“Sorry?”

“You do not have to perform for the Vulcani tomorrow. It is too much to ask.”

“But without the Vulcani, you won’t have enough support to take the throne.”

“I will find another way.” He gazed down at her. “This is not your fight anymore, Raya. Take some time. Decide what you want to do.”

She rose to her feet, anger bubbling through her.

“What I want to do is complete the bargain. That bastard Aelfric fucked up both our lives. Kamran deserved better. My mother deserved better. I’m not letting him get the throne, Shade. And I’m not backing out of our deal.”

“There is no deal anymore. I am dissolving it.”

“Tough. When the Vulcani come tomorrow, I’m performing. With or without your blessing. You know it’s the right thing to do.”

“And afterwards?”

“Afterwards, I’ll get out of your hair. You’ve upheld your side of the deal. I’ll uphold mine. And then we’re done.”

She turned and walked from the Library, fiercely holding onto her composure until she got back to her room.

Then she curled on the bed clutching the picture of her mother and let the tears flow silently, until she had no more to give.

Thirty Five

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