Page 110 of Three Dark Kings and the Gilded Serpent

Maxim whirls on Antony, barreling into him, smacking both fists against Antony’s chest as he shouts, “What are you waiting for, Iron King? Take your revenge. Get justice for your brother.”

Antony lurches back a step, as if he’d evade a continued fight. It’s impossible to see his expression behind his mask, but his heartbeats are low and heavy.

“You said it yourself.” He snarls. “I can’t break you.”

“I’m already broken!” Maxim roars. “Tear off my head already! You can’t let me live. I’m a fucking menace!”

Antony snarls again but takes another step away.

Maxim stumbles, his naked chest heaving, his focus sliding to the serpent and then to me before he mumbles, “A fucking menace.”

Turning, he stalks away into the darkness, leaving us in a new silence.

My shoulders slump before I lift my lips to the serpent’s cheek and ask him the question that will determine my future choices, right here and right now.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Thyra

“You weren’t Miriam’s serpent, were you?” My voice is calm, even though my heart is thumping. I speak quietly enough that Antony won’t hear me, but Stellen will.

Nearby, Stellen casts me a curious look. I’m not sure if he knows who Miriam is. Certainly, it must seem mysterious that I’m asking the serpent about his original rider.

But I made an assumption about this serpent, and now I wait to see if it was wrong.

The serpent draws back a little and I’m certain he understood my question.

He gives me a firm shake of his head.

“Did you belong to Maxim’s mother?”

The serpent lowers his face to mine, a stern gleam in his eyes.

For some reason, it feels like I asked the wrong question…

But the answers no longer lie with this brave creature.

“I have to go after Maxim.”

Now, the serpent nods.

Stellen’s calm demeanor is reassuring. “Do you want me to come with you? My power is depleted, but you might need my frost.”

Resolutely, I shake my head. “The only way I have a future is if Maxim stops fearing his fire.”

Stellen grimaces. “His fear is rational.” His arms sweep around me. “As is my fear for you if you go after him alone.”

I tip my head back, resting my chin on Stellen’s chest. “I understand, but I don’t really have a choice.”

He lowers his forehead to mine. “Will you tell me what’s going on?”

“I will.”

The corners of his mouth tug up. “But not now.”

I can’t delay more than I already have. “You would have too many questions. As you should.”

Stellen opens his arms. “Bring him back, Thyra. But remember I’m here. If it sounds like you’re in trouble, I’m coming for you.”