Page 109 of Only Flames Remain

“A love story for the ages.” Ren laughed, pulling on a tunic and securing his broadsword to his back. “You’re going to the throne room like that?” he asked, a brow raised as he assessed my haggard appearance from head to toe.

My torso was bare; my clothing drenched from the lake water. Shards of glass remained embedded in my feet and my heart was racing in my chest, choking the breath from my lungs.

“You have a fair point. But my rooms…everything is soaked through—”

Rensford threw me a shirt, and I caught it against my chest. A pair of trousers and boots followed suit. I barely caught them in time. “You think these will fit?”

Ren narrowed his eyes at me. “You are only taller than me, Your Highness. Not broader. Get dressed.”

By the time I had shed my water-logged clothing and picked the pieces of glass out of my feet, it was mid-morning. I wasn’t sure what we were going to do about the alliance, but it didn’t matter anymore. We would placate them somehow. I would claim Aveline publicly as my mate, and she would remain under my protection.

It was too dangerous for us to be apart.

Ren and I marched toward the throne room, the guards opening the doors as we approached. The tension was thick in the air as I glanced at Rensford one last time before approaching the throne.

King Mavros sat back, his skin wan and gray. His crown was askew atop his head, his black hair threaded with more grays by the day. Queen Odessa sat by his side; her grip tight around the king’s hand. She was practically holding him in his seat today.

“My boy, to what do I owe the pleasure?” King Mavros spoke.

His words were quickly chased away by a ruinous cough that left his handkerchief bloody when he pulled it away from his lips. I bowed deeply on one knee, hand on my sternum, before rising.

“I come with news, though I am not sure how you will take it. I request that we speak calmly about the possible recourse that will ensue.”

King Mavros sat forward, the small movement taking a great deal of energy for him. “What do you speak of, Sorin?”

As I opened my mouth to explain, the doors behind us were thrown open. Emrys and Valerian strode in hastily, their faces taut. Why were they seeking an audience with the king? I turned toward them, mouth still ajar as my nostrils flared and Ren straightened.

“We seek an audience with the king on an urgent matter,” Emrys called as he approached.

“And is it simply luck that I happen to already be here, Brother? Or had you planned to summon me?” I asked, cocking my head to the side as he took his place beside me.

Emrys’s mouth pulled into a thin line, but he did not respond.

“All three of my boys in one place for once, how lucky. Sorin also comes with news,” the king said, though it took him great effort.

“By all means, Brother. We will wait.” Emrys’s smile could not be mistaken for anything but what it was—provocation.

I wasn’t sure I was ready to reveal this information in front of Emrys or Valerian. I wasn’t as worried about Valerian, but Emrys was a vulture. He would use this as another opportunity to reach for the throne. It was something I wanted to discuss with Father in private first.

“Your matter appears more urgent—”

“Brother, I insist.” Emrys’s words cut me off as anger simmered slow and hot in my core.

My wings pressed against my back, but I held them taut, not wanting a show of temper to confirm that Emrys had gotten under my skin. He was bound to find out sooner or later, I supposed…

I cleared my throat, turning back toward King Mavros as I rested my hand against my chest.

“I come with wonderful news that I have found my mate. My fated is here, in the castle. Her name is Aveline Drake.”

Emrys sputtered, failing to conceal the surprised laugh that bubbled forth. Valerian remained stoic at his side.

“The human? The indenture? You can’t be serious—” Emrys laughed.

“I am deadly serious, Brother.” Disdain dripped from my words as I narrowed my gaze on Emrys in warning. “And she is not human.”

“Then what is she?” he challenged, stepping toward me.

I took a step toward him as well, closing the distance between us as I straightened to my full height. This time my temper did slip, my midnight wings unfurling from my back to beat the air behind me.