Page 30 of Only Flames Remain

“Ok, ok. I get it.” I raised my hands in defense. “We stand to gain from her presence. I will be sure to select her as an indenture. No problem. I happen to be in search of a new servant, regardless.”

“I heard that Valerian bedded the last one, and she became with child?” he asked.

I shook my head. “We merely thought she was with child, the whole thing turned out to be a ruse.”

“And where is she now?” Ren asked.

“I haven’t got the faintest idea. Something about being sent off to Skaelwynne? The rumors swirling around court are that she was put to dragon fire. As if we would waste our energy on that. Nobody knows the strength and energy it takes merely to shift, let alone to take to the skies in our dragon forms and harness flame.”

Ren nodded in understanding. “Perhaps we institute a rule—nobody beds this one.”

“Seeing as she belongs to Kallias, that shouldn’t be an issue,” I replied with a curt smile. I took another sip, finishing off my second glass.

“The market opens tomorrow morning,” Ren reminded me, eyeing my now empty glass. I merely squinted at him in response. “I hear she is a unique beauty,” Ren commented, his gaze flitting to the opened double doors and the enchanting night sky beyond.

“Is that so?” I asked, a smirk curling my lips. “This won’t exactly be a difficult task, then, will it?”

“What did I just say about nobody bedding her?” Ren replied with a laugh and a lopsided grin. “You are incorrigible, Blackwater.”

“You’ve got nothing to worry about, Ren. I will be on my best behavior.”

“I’m sure you will.” He rose from his seat across from me. “Will you try to get some sleep tonight?”

I rested my head back against the chair, my black hair curling against my neck. “I always try to sleep, Ren. That isn’t the problem. The curse simply won’t allow it.”

“Did the new tonic from Azhar help?” he asked, hopeful.

“No.” I shook my head. “Same as always. Though it hurts now more than it ever has in the past. It took so much out of me merely to fly over Stormgaard and Southgate—I imagine if my body will allow it, I will fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow.”

Ren bit his lip, pensive.

“There is nothing you can do for me, Rensford. The curse will take what it takes until there is nothing left. There is nothing any of us can do about it.”

Ren held my gaze. “I can try to find that mage again—”

I shook my head. “You needn’t waste your time. We never found her the first hundred times we went searching for her. She simply…disappeared. You and I both know the only way to break this curse…and it’s a long shot.”

“Maybe you’ll get lucky and your new betrothed will be your mate.” Ren’s smile was wistful.

“I highly doubt I will be that lucky,” I replied through my teeth. “Though the fact that anyone is willing to marry their daughter off to me, let alone a princess in her own right, is a godsdamn miracle.”

“Tell me about it,” Ren jested. He moved to the door but stopped with his hand on the knob, his back to me. “Just tell me one thing.”

“What’s that?” I asked, rising to stand.

I was exhausted. Bone deep exhausted.

The first day after taking Azhar’s poison had me bedridden, but I hadn’t truly been able to rest. I had been thrashing wildly, hot with fever and agitated.

“Promise me you’ll at least pop out an heir before that curse kills you.” He turned his head and his gaze fell to my side, as if he could see the wound through the material of my tunic. The curse was sucking every ounce of energy from me as we spoke. “Your brothers—though I love them—cannot rule this kingdom.”

“I’ll try, Ren.” I paled as the room before me began to shift. It took a moment for me to realize I was wavering on my feet. My hand fell to my side as I attempted to right myself.

“Do you need—”

“I don’t need help, Ren. I’m fine. I’m just going to go to bed.”

Ren nodded. He clearly didn’t believe me but was unwilling to push further.