Page 42 of A Kingdom of Fire and Fury (House of Embers #1)

“Are you ever going to cut your hair?” Nimue asked suddenly. She smiled when I looked at her in surprise. “It’s past your butt right now. I have to admit, I’m curious. Ben thinks you’re going to keep it until it goes down to your ankles.”

I snorted. “I need to trim the ends, but”—I grabbed the ends of my locks and fiddled with them—“I can’t bring myself to cut it just yet.

” Childishly, the length was a point of pride for me.

“I know it’s impractical. It was back then too, but I don’t know.

I like it.” It’d definitely made me more identifiable which was why I’d taken to wearing wigs or putting my hair in a bun to make the length appear shorter.

I didn’t stress too much about my face framing bangs at the time, since they were still in style.

They’d gotten a bit longer—now reaching the tips of my jaw, and I’d need to cut them soon.

I had no intention of letting them grow out. I liked them too much to do that.

“It suits you.”

We shared a smile. “So does your hair. I could never pull off that look. I tried to when I was younger, and I looked like a boy.” Nimue’s snort brought warmth to my already warm body.

“I’m sorry for being so snippy these past few days.

I just… I thought Kieran and I were in a good place.

When he said he’d let me see Clara, I believed him.

And now… now I don’t know if he still means it.

” I expelled a breath. “I don’t want to be rash, but it’s hard. ”

Nimue sat upright. “Don’t do anything crazy. Whatever Kieran’s going through, he’ll get over it. And I promise you, Kieran won’t break his word. He might be a little cold to you right now, but he has your back. He’s our captain. Trust in that, okay? That means something for him.”

I hated that she was right. And I hated that a part of me still believed Kieran wouldn’t betray me despite his current actions speaking otherwise. Was I being stupidly na?ve? “Enough about Kieran.”

“Says the one who keeps talking about him.”

I splashed her and laughed when she splashed me back.

“Do you have any hobbies?” I couldn’t stop thinking about Kieran’s advice.

If everything was alright with Clara, I’d make this place my home.

But he was right. I needed something beyond just being a dragonsguard.

And for the first time, I had the opportunity to want and make it a reality.

“I like chess and archery.” She cocked her head to the side. “Why?”

I blushed and avoided her gaze. “Because I need something to do that’s not just being a dragonsguard. I’m surprised you like archery.”

“Because I’m a Lady who must’ve spent all my time playing dress up?” The edge in her voice was unmistakable. “Just because I’m a noble doesn’t mean my childhood was entirely restricted.”

I winced. “I’m sorry.”

Nimue studied me before inclining her head. “It’s fine. It’s just—a touchy subject.”

“Still, I—I shouldn’t have assumed. You’re right.”

“You’re damn right you shouldn’t have assumed.

You need to be careful. As a dragonsguard, everyone will be looking at you for answers.

Luther won’t be so forgiving if you stick your foot in your mouth.

” She softened. “Sorry for snapping. It’s hard sometimes.

I always loved archery, even before I could hold a bow.

But once I got replaced as heir, everyone questioned everything I did.

When I kept up the practice, people assumed I was trying to compensate for something when I merely loved the sport. ”

I reached forward and squeezed her hand.

Nimue squeezed back. “I’m fucking amazing at chess, too.

I’ve won national competitions and became a grandmaster at chess at eleven.

When I faced Luther at thirteen, I kicked his ass.

I didn’t give a shit if I risked the stocks, because I wasn’t going to let a boy—even if they were the prince—win to protect his pride. I won’t lower myself for anyone.”

“You’re amazing.”

Nimue blushed. “I know I am, but it’s nice to hear it from someone else.

” She set down her mug and wrapped her arms around her thighs.

“It bothers me sometimes. The Noble Houses used to be pretty progressive, but in the last hundred years, so much of that has been undone. I hate being helpless to stop it. ”

“You’re not helpless, and you’re not alone.” I bumped our shoulders against each other. “I’m here for the long haul. We’ll fight that front together.”

Nimue’s smile was so bright, it outshined the sun. “I look forward to it.”

My heart swelled, and I grabbed my mug so I’d have something to do. “You know, I’ve never played chess before.”

“When we have free time, I’ll teach you.”

“Do we ever actually have free time?” I used to think the dragonsguard sat on their asses all day. My first week proved how wrong I was.

She snorted. “Of course we do. You got recruited at a busy time. Things will cool down in a bit, though. Hopefully. If we could just end those gryphons all at once, we’d be set.

” She sighed. “But that’s a fantasy I refuse to entertain so I get my hopes up.

Instead, I’ll look forward to the day you beat someone in chess. Not me though because I’m a genius.”

And for the first time since I arrived, I felt settled.

Damn you, Kieran.

He’d be so fucking smug when he realized I took his advice.

Or he would be if he stopped hating me.