Page 190 of A Fate in Flames

He ducked with ease, laughing as he slipped out of the room and disappeared down the hallway.

I groaned, flopping back onto the bed.

The silence that filled the room after Theo’s departure pressed against me from all sides.I curled my fingers into the sheets, bunching the fabric as I pressed it against my face, fighting to calm my racing thoughts.

Zaheera had sent me here with clear instructions to betray Dalkhan, but now I was contemplating the unthinkable.

Betraying her instead.

I rolled onto my side, drawing my knees toward my chest.

Not now.Not yet.

I forced the thoughts down, locking them away behind mental walls built of determination and necessity.

The door hinges squeaked.

I bolted upright, hastily arranging my features into a composed mask.

Mira swept into the room, her presence so light—so oblivious to the storm brewing inside me.She flashed a smile full of warmth and mischief, but I hardly had the strength to return it.

She hovered by the bedside, curiosity shimmering in her gaze.

Mira had seen it all.The way Dalkhan had laid claim to me.The way his power rippled in warning at anyone who dared look too long.

Unable to contain herself any longer, she perched on the edge of the bed, lowering her voice to a whisper.

“Did you…” Her cheeks flushed crimson, spreading down her neck.“Sleep with the king?”

Her eyes widened, a hand flying up to cover her mouth as if she could push the question back in.

I couldn’t resist.

I crooked my finger, beckoning her closer.She leaned in eagerly, her ear nearly touching my lips.I drew in a deep breath…

“YES!”I bellowed, loud enough to shake the walls.

Mira yelped, her whole body flinching before she erupted into laughter, clapping her hands together in pure delight.

“I knew it!I knew it!”She bounced in place, gripping my arms and shaking me.“The way he waslookingat you… Elira, I have never seen anyone look at someone like that.Like he would burn the whole world just to touch you!”

I grinned.Dalkhanhadtouched me like I was something sacred.

Mira settled in more comfortably, crossing her legs beneath her skirt.She flicked her braid over her shoulder and launched into detailed descriptions of Theo’s exploits at the gathering.

I nodded at appropriate intervals, arranging pillows behind my back while she chattered.

“And Jasila!”Mira’s hands flew up.“You should have seen her with Tavrik.I’ve never witnessed her so…” She searched for the word, twirling her fingers in the air.“Captivated.Completely unlike herself.”

Warmth spread through me at the thought.If anyone deserved a chance at happiness, it was him.

Filtered sunlight broke through the leaves as we ventured back towards the ceremonial grounds, our footsteps crunching on fallen leaves and twigs.Mira wasn’t able to join in, so it was just the three of us.

I pressed a hand against the rough bark of an ancient oak.The forest held its breath around us, as if sensing the weight of the secrets I was about to reveal.

I told them everything.

Dalkhan’s past.