Page 103 of Kiss of Ice

“Rest easy, your Majesty. Let the healer do his job.”

“You don’t understand!” Ren turned a stricken face to Ruth, tears blurring her vision. “He’s gone to confront my father! They’re going to kill each other! I have to go, I have to stop them…”

She tried to get up but pain lanced through her and she collapsed back onto the bed, sobbing with frustration.

“You’re not going anywhere until you’re healed, your Majesty.”

Ruth stroked Ren’s hair, which only made her cry harder. She lay in a ball as the healer gently examined her.

“I will require a few minutes,” he said finally. “There’s a broken bone to knit and contusions to alleviate.”

“You need to hurry,” Ren said, tears streaming down her face.

“It will take as long as it takes.”

He placed his palms gently on her injuries and called on his magic. She felt the warmth of his spells as they started to mend her body.

The enchantment was soothing, rejuvenating, and strength flowed back into her limbs. But all she could think about was Kam and her father.

About the animosity of the past fifty years coming to a boil. About their deep mutual loathing and contempt.

One of them would surely kill the other. And she was honest enough to admit the truth to herself.

Losing her father would be hard.

But losing Kam would be unbearable.

Forty Four

Through the red mists of Kam’s rage, only one thought circled.Make him pay.He strode to the Grand Ballroom where the guests were milling, waiting for the royal couple to arrive. There was a buzz of excitement as Kam appeared at the door, and then a smattering of applause. It died away as people realised he was alone.

Clouds of white smoke boiled about him as he stalked into the room, his eyes scanning the crowd. They alighted on the Marid.

“You.”

Salaq stilled. He recognised blind fury when he saw it. He pulled himself to his full impressive height, almost a head taller than the Emperor. The crowd hushed as Kam snarled at him.

“You hurt her.”

“Who? Ren? It was an accident.”

“But you don’t care, do you? You don’t care who you hurt. Ren, me, my friends – as long as you get what you want.”

Salaq’s lip curled in contempt.

“I’ve had enough of your accusations. I have only ever acted in the best interests of Nush’aldaam.”

“Liar!”

The bald statement sent a gasp around the room but Kam and Salaq were oblivious. They circled each other like wolves, hackles raised and teeth bared. Salaq’s blue-grey power started to manifest, curling sinuously around his body.

“Careful what you say, your Majesty. There are many here who believe you don’t deserve to rule after your long absence. Many who would rather seemeon the throne.”

“And I’m sure you’ve been diligent in encouraging that view, haven’t you? Well, let’s settle it once and for all.” Kam raised his voice. “I hereby issue the Challenge of Virtuous Combat. Whoever wins is the rightful Emperor of Nush’aldaam with ultimate power and authority over all. The loser shall yield or die.”

There was uproar. People turned to each other in disbelief, shouting to be heard. Kam felt a hand on his shoulder and swung round, fists raised. He relaxed when he saw it was Shade. The Ifrit looked at him as if he’d gone mad.

“What are you doing, Kamran?” he said. “No-one has engaged in Virtuous Combat for centuries.”

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