Page 129 of A Fate in Flames

“Tonight, we offer thanks to our king.”She looked at each of us in turn.“You will approach, bow, express your gratitude, and return to your seat.”

Theo huffed and rolled his eyes.

Jasila’s glare could’ve cut through stone.

I had to bite my cheek to keep from laughing when he flinched.She turned on her heel, and we followed her lead.

The throne room was packed, a sea of people pressing forward, eager for their turn to offer thanks.The firelight cast twisting shadows over their bowed heads as they stepped before Dalkhan, murmuring words of reverence.

One by one, women approached his throne.Their movements were slow, backs arching in displays of submission.Fingertips lingered as they traced along his arm, as if seeking to imprint their touch onto his skin as they whispered intimate confessions of gratitude into his ear.

Dalkhan indulged in each offering with a wicked smirk.He allowed each touch, each sultry glance to continue as long as they dared.

Fury burned through me, each brush of their hands another strike against my patience.

Tavrik and Theo stepped forward first, bowing stiffly in a display of forced obedience.Their words of thanks were clipped and devoid of emotion, delivered through gritted teeth.Dalkhan hardly spared them a glance as they swiftly took their seats.

Then it was my turn.

The moment my gaze met his, the world around us faded.

Dalkhan reclined in his throne, exuding effortless dominance.The firelight carved shadows across his face.The tip of his tongue flicked out, wetting his full lower lip.

I didn’t mean to catch the movement, but my eyes betrayed me, lingering a fraction too long.

A slow smirk pulled the corner of his mouth.He had trapped my weakness—snared it between his fingers.

The rhythmictap-tap-tapagainst the arm of his throne sent a shiver through me.

“Well?”he asked, voice low.Though he appeared relaxed, there was nothing idle about the way he watched me, the way his hands flexed, as if resisting the urge to reach out.“What are you thankful for?”

The space had gone silent.Dozens of Jinn were waiting.Watching.

He was testing me.

If he wanted a game.I would play.

I stepped forward, letting the movement stretch between us.Leaning in, I lowered my voice to a sultry whisper.

“I’m thankful for yourtongue.”

Dalkhan inhaled sharply, his entire body going still.The flames licking at his knuckles flared.

The amusement drained from his expression, replaced by raw hunger.

Though he didn’t physically touch me, Ifelthim everywhere.

Power curled around my body like smoke, ghosting over my skin.A whisper of sensation trailed along my collarbone, teasing my sensitive throat.His invisible grip slid over my waist, down my thighs, parting them just enough to make me shudder.

Pleasure rushed though me as his touch brushed over my most sensitive place.

A deep, approving rumble vibrated through his chest.

Asshole.

He was enjoying every second of my torment.

Before he could unravel me completely, I turned away.His attention was a searing heat tracking my every movement—every sway of my hips as I slid into my seat, directly in his line of sight.