“I know what you’ve done.”
Aramaz’s gentle words shattered the comfortable haze my thoughts had settled into when we finally found a moment of solitude. I couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t possibly mean… He wouldn’t be this calm if he had any inkling of what I—
“M’tar will be furious.”
My betrothed’s next words almost made me sigh with relief. I puta slightly contrite look on my face. “Tanez believes it will do him good to be humbled a bit,” I replied.
Aramaz looked skeptical. “Is it wise to get involved in their disputes?”
I laughed, relieved that he seemed more amused than upset by my little stunt with the Dryads. “You know they’ll probably spend the next decade reconciling, and we won’t see much of them.”
“Exactly.” Curiosity made his blue eyes sparkle. “Did it work, though? Gifting magic to Tanez’s children?”
“It’s too early to tell, but it seemed so. There was a moment of…” I hesitated, unsure how to describe the wonderful feeling of my powers flowing through me in perfect harmony—for once not terrifying. “Righteousness. The magic knowing exactly where it needed to go.”
Aramaz smiled and pressed my hand in reassurance before twirling me again. “The Allfather didn’t gift you the Flame without reason, my love,” he said as the dance brought us back together. “You can trust your instincts.”
“You don’t disapprove of giving the mortals magic of their own?”
“Not on principle. I agree with my brother that it could have its benefits. We just need to ensure that the allure of power doesn’t overwhelm them.”
That was surprising. I had assumed Aramaz would side with M’tar regarding thelyr-stones and the question of using them. But then I remembered the king had remained silent during all the Council discussions.
“So you haven’t made up your mind yet?” I asked.
Aramaz shook his head. “It’s not an easy decision, and I wanted to make sure I had all the facts.” He raised my hand up as he swayed me to the music. “And ask for your opinion.”
“I’m not certain,” I admitted. “We should examine those stonesmore thoroughly, see what they can really accomplish. Perhaps a task for someone trustworthy. Without the eyes of the entire Council on the outcome.” I might even have someone in mind.
Aramaz’s smile grew at my suggestion. “Wise as always, my queen.” The touch of his lips to the back of my hand was as gentle as the expression in his eyes.
I smiled back. Tanez and Zamani were wrong, I thought. Aramaz was a good match for me. The Allfather had been wise in choosing him as my spouse, in giving me guidance. That… entanglement with Belekoroz was nothing more than a foolish distraction. A passionate fire that would burn out as quickly as it had flamed up.
Aramaz’s grasp on me tightened as a shadow fell over us.
“Brother.” I knew the smooth voice ringing out only too well. Belekoroz had not forgotten his earlier promise. “I fear I have to steal your bride.”
CHAPTER
26
THE GOLDEN DAYS OF LYRHEIM
1800 years after the making of Aron-Lyr
Noctis
Baradaz looked radiant on Aramaz’s arm. They both did—the perfect King and Queen of the Light.
My gaze kept wandering to them despite my efforts to focus on my plans. Important plans. While they included my brother’s fiery betrothed at some point, I had other matters to attend to first. Concealing the strange anger rising inside me every time I glimpsed my brother and his bride among the other revelers at the Midsummer Festival should have been easy. I was used to hiding my true feelings. But somehow, resisting the urge to do something unwise was far more challenging than ever before.
Maker! He was practically flaunting her in front of everyone as if she were his possession. Baradaz’s laughter rang out as Aramaz twirled her in the boring shuffle he seemed to consider a dance. Her hair glowed in the firelight; her face filled with joy.
Enough. I had wanted to rally support among the Anima tonight. A few well-placed questions here and there to gauge if others were asdiscontent as me with the limitations put upon us by the Allfather. There would be other opportunities, though.
I barely remembered to excuse myself from my current companions before approaching the royal couple.
“Brother, I fear I have to steal your bride.” My tone was sharper than intended. Seeing their confusion, Baradaz’s eyes wide, I added, “I may have found a lead on the Kritak and need her assistance.”
