Page 80 of A Realm of Fire and Ash

Aggonid takes a deep breath, composing himself. A slow, lazy smile creeps up his face, the anger replaced with admiration.

Before I can even process what's happening, he lunges forward, snatching me by the ankle and yanking me towards the giant, recessed tub. I scream in terror as I'm dragged, feeling the warm water engulf me and fill my lungs.

I propel myself to the surface, ready to let Aggonid have it for his hurtful words and for almost drowning me. But as soon as I break through the water, my anger dissolves into confusion. There's the devil, drenched and grinning from ear to ear, his features softened by the breathtaking smile on his face.

For a moment, I'm caught off guard by the sight of him. I've seen him smile plenty, mostly smug grins, but never like this. Here he is, looking like he's having the time of his life.

As I watch him, a new feeling creeps over me, replacing my rage with something else. It's hard to put my finger on it, but there's something about the way he's looking at me that makes my heart race and my skin tingle. Suddenly, I'm acutely aware of the fact that we're both soaking wet, and our clothes are near-translucent now. What might happen next?

The buzz of absinthe steels my nerves, and I can't help but grin back as I sink until just my chin juts out of the water. "And here I thought you only had eyes for your mate," I murmur.

He chuckles as he moves closer, his gaze never leaving mine. "Some things are worth a closer look."

I'm so fascinated by his words and the intensity in his eyes that I almost miss it when one arm reaches around my waist, and he pulls me flush against him. His free hand cups my face, thumb brushing against my cheek. We're so close now, I can feel the heat radiating off of his breath, the feel of it not an unwelcome one.

"Caius won't mind?"

His lips press against my jaw before pausing below my ear. "Mind?" He chuckles. "He'll beg to join."

"He's right," the voice like velvet calls from behind me and I shove Aggonid back, spinning to face Caius.

Heat flames my cheeks as I haul myself out of the water, dripping it everywhere before grabbing a towel from the edge and wrapping it around my trembling body. I try to keep my cool, but my words still come out a little shaky. "You two are something else."

He laughs, the same way Aggonid did. Like he's toying with me, instead of being genuinely interested. "Come to bed, little dove." His countenance softens.

I storm into the bedroom, scanning it for a closet. Tucked around the corner is a giant walk-in, and I move towards it before Caius' voice stops me.

"What are the rules?"

I roll my eyes before dropping the towel and peeling off my sopping wet clothes and tossing them onto the tile floor. I feel the heat of their gazes as I saunter to the bed and climb in, naked, and turn to face the opposite side.

Pulling the silk comforter around me, I settle down, trying to imagine I'm with Wilder. Or Az. Emeric? Maybe all three. That I'm safe; that they’re the ones crawling into the bed with me, and Aggonid and Caius are just figments of my imagination.

* * *

Aggonid

"Doyou want me to come with you?" Caius places a kiss on my forehead, his lips lingering there while he waits for my answer.

I consider his offer, but ultimately shake my head. "No, I need you to stay and keep an eye on Morte. Your sister has been acting strangely and I don't trust her intentions. Who knows what kind of poison she'll feed Morte."

Caius furrows his brow. "What do you mean?"

"Irid keeps trying to get me alone. If she weren't still upset about her mate, I'd say she was making advances," I explain with a hint of annoyance. "But I can't risk it. Someone needs to watch her."

Caius quirks an eyebrow. "She knows I'd gut her before I'd let her lay a finger on you. Blood or not."

He glances to the bedroom door where Morte is still sleeping, and then back to me where I'm brushing my teeth.

"Better go wake the little heathen so I can be on my way," I garble before spitting. "See you in a bit."

I give him a wink and then head for the throne room, nodding to Vorcan and Riven as they stand guard outside the door. I enter the opulent room, with its high domed ceiling and stony grey walls, and see the banquet table across the room, where staff ready the dishes for after the ceremony.

I stride to the throne and take my place, feeling the weight of authority settle on my shoulders. I'm ready to get this over with. If there weren't so many evil fae arriving from Romarie, we wouldn't have to constantly purge our denizens in these games.

I cast a glance to the portaled window where the sky can be seen beyond and notice a storm brewing in the distance. I wonder if it’s a sign of worse things to come.

The courtiers and attendants soon assemble, having been summoned to witness the ceremony and await my judgment. But first, I have to hear their requests, and it takes hours.

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