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Chapter9
Ember
This is real.
Those three words run through my mind on repeat, a brilliantly illuminated marquee reminding me that I am no longer in control of anything that happens to me in this place. How can I be when I’m human and these damn things can fly?
“Stay close,” Flora warns as we reach the top of the stairs. She peeks out, and her hair becomes wispy in a breeze. “Come.”
I follow her out into the main hall, and we slow our pace to normal. As we walk, our leather shoes padding softly are drowned out by heavy footfalls just ahead.
“Follow my lead,” she warns as two men rush forward.
“Flora, I see you found our guest.”
“Joaquin,” she says as she drops into a curtsey. Now, I see the stiffness in her movements. She hates this—every single bit of it. “I found her wandering outside in the roses.”
His golden gaze shifts to me, and in it, I see disbelief. “Funny, we looked there.”
“Not hard enough,” I say as I gesture to my dirty gown. “I fell and hit my head on a rock. Flora found me.”
He smirks. “You’d do well to show more respect.”
“You’d do well to do the same,” I reply. After all, if they think I’m to be the queen, doesn’t that earn me some right to say what I want?
At that exact moment, Taranus and Conary round the corner. Taranus holds out his hands and takes mine. “Ember, my dear, what happened to you?”
“I fell in the rose garden. Hit my head. Flora rescued me.”
Taranus glances at Flora.
“It’s true, My King,” she says as she curtseys once more.
“Then I am grateful to you for a safe return of Ember. You may leave. We have matters to discuss.”
Flora looks reluctant, but I smile at her. “Thank you so much for rescuing me.”
“Of course, mistress.” She curtsies at me and moves quickly down the hall and out of sight.
Forcing my attention to Taranus, I swallow hard. It’s impossible to see anyone but a murderer now, but if I’m to get the key from Conary, I need to earn their trust. “I apologize for my quick departure. Flora explained to me that the rebels are looking to hurt you and anyone who is loyal to you.”
He arches a blond eyebrow. “Did she now?”
“She did.”
“I am grateful, then, that she was able to explain that to you.” He puts my arm through his, and we begin walking. Conary lingers behind, but I can sense his presence just behind us. “I do apologize for my crass nature, though. I was so afraid for your safety that I fear I lost my head a bit in there.”
“I appreciate your concern,” I say.
He guides me down another long hallway lined with windows. Just outside, I see a vast garden overflowing with bright blooms. Red, pink, and white roses shine beneath golden rays of sunshine. Heart in my throat, I allow Taranus to guide me outside. “Tell me, my dear, where did you fall?”
“Huh?”
He stops and turns me to face him. “I wish to see where you fell so we can prevent it from happening again.”
Shit, shit, shit.I turn from him and study the flower garden. “I was honestly disoriented,” I tell him as my cheeks heat. “I’m a bit embarrassed, to be honest.”
Taranus’s grin spreads, and I know, without a doubt, that both mine and Flora’s future depends on me convincing him of the truth in our lie.
