He didn’t seem to notice or care—likely because she touched him often—and instead smiled at me. “I see you decided on Academy attire. Does that mean you want a lesson?”
A hum of conversation flowed behind me, a hint of excitement touching the air.
“Last I checked, classes with you weren’t part of my curriculum. I think I’ll stick with the itinerary Kols provided, thanks.”
His grin widened. “Oh, but there’s so much I can teach you,” he said, his voice a sinful caress that seemed to imply so many meanings to his phrase.
“Kai,” his father said, a hint of caution in his tone.
“One moment,” he replied, his eyes twinkling with wicked intent. “I’m indulging our queen.”
“I’m not your queen.” I folded my arms. “You’re not Elemental Fae.”
“No, we’re not,” he agreed. “But you are most definitelymyqueen.” He pushed his chair back, knocking Dakota’s hand from it without ceremony. She quickly pulled her arm in, her lips flicking downward in brief annoyance before flattening into a straight, emotionless line.
“Kai,” his father tried again, but Zakkai was already moving around the table.
“Did you have trouble sleeping, Aflora?” he asked as he sauntered toward me. “Is that the cause of your current mood?”
“Trouble sleeping?” I scoffed at the notion. “Is that what you call it?”
He smirked and stopped in front of me to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.
Sweet star, you’ve insulted me by charging in here while wearing clothes that represent all your mates except me.He cupped my cheek.If you kneel for me, I’ll forgive you.The words were softly spoken into my mind, a promise underlined in intent.
This was his territory, not mine.
It would be wise to show a little respect.
The problem was, I had no respect left in me to give.
“I’ll never kneel for you.” I enunciated the words clearly for everyone to hear. Maybe I should have replied mentally, but I had nothing to hide. And I meant what I said. “I bow to no one.”
Gasps met my bold statement.
But a glimmer of amusement shone in Zakkai’s gaze. “I can make you kneel.”
“You can try,” I countered.
The crowd broke out in louder whispers, and Laki heaved an audible sigh from the front of the room.
Apparently, my responses bothered him. Well, he could eat a burning thwomp. So could Zakkai, for that matter. “Just break our bond, and I’ll be on my way,” I said.
“Did you bring my wand?” he asked, ignoring my statement.
“No, but I broughtmywand.”
His lips twitched. “Good. You’re going to need it.” He began rolling his shirtsleeves to his elbows, his gaze holding mine. “I’ll give you the first spell for our duel. I’m a gentleman like that.”
“Duel? I’m not dueling with you.”
“Oh, but you are, little star. You’ve challenged me, and I accept. So we’ll duel.”
“I didn’t challenge you.”
“Consider this your first lesson, Aflora. When you inform your king that you refuse to bow to him after insulting him with your entry and attire, it results in a challenge.” He cracked his neck, his shirt fully rolled to his elbows now. “Either kneel or deliver your first spell.”
“You’re not my king.” Perhaps goading him was the wrong thing to do, but my survival sense no longer seemed to exist.
