Page 62 of A Kingdom of Fire and Fury (House of Embers #1)

“You’re simply stunning,” Lord Taro Markos said, appearing by my side the moment Kieran and I returned to the heart of the festival. “That red rouge of yours is practically begging to be kissed off.”

“Hello, Lord Taro.” It took everything I had not to scowl at the older man.

Despite looking exactly like Ben but older, the pair couldn’t be more different.

For one, when Ben flirted with me, it was sincere, and I knew his proposal was meant for us both to get pleasure from it.

Lord Taro was only interested in himself.

When he looked at me, he didn’t see me. Like with all other women, he probably only saw a set of holes.

“Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?” Taro purred. So gross. I wanted to tell him to go fuck off but held my tongue. “I was utterly devastated when I thought I missed the opportunity to dance with you.”

And I’m devastated you’re here. Heaving a sigh, I accepted his hand, though I made sure to keep as much distance between us as possible. Already, I wondered if I messed up by deciding to be responsible. I should’ve kept playing hooky with Kieran .

But this was the right move. I needed the Noble Houses to back off. Them seeing that I was willing to play their game would help. I couldn’t help but scan the room. How many spies were here at this moment? What would they report to Raven? Was Raven here?

Taro kept trying to lower his hands, and a few times, I even had to grab his palm and bring it back to my waist. The man had absolutely no respect for me, and he clearly wasn’t used to rejection. Umara growled in the back of my mind, and I was sorely tempted to unleash her on him.

“I would love to make you my first wife,” he murmured in my ear.

I almost vomited then and there. “Gross.” The word slipped out before I could force myself to be polite. I froze, and though I couldn’t see Umara in my mind, I felt her increased attention shoot down the bond.

But Taro laughed, an even more infuriating action. “I’m not distraught by your tone, Selena. It isn’t your fault you grew up in the streets. Believe me, I’ve seen much worse cases than yourself. No matter how pretty you dress a stray, they remain wild in spirit. Some might even say dirty.”

My blood boiled. “Listen here—”

“My turn to dance with Selena!” Ben called, appearing between the two of us. His jaw flexed as he stared Taro down.

Lord Taro broke into an easy smile. “Of course. I’m not interested in chasing anyone who isn’t interested.” Finally, his hands slipped away. “But if you change your mind, send a raven. We could have a lot of fun together, you and I.”

I wrinkled my nose and watched as he disappeared into the crowd. Once he was gone, Ben turned to me. “We could dance so no one else bothers you. Or I could help you escape if you need some time to cool off.”

I smiled. “It’s fine. I can’t do anymore sneaking away or Luther will pitch a fit.” I offered my hand and after searching my eyes, Ben took it. “Your dad is so gross.”

Ben grimaced. “I know. I’m sorry about him. Just be careful. Dad won’t complain to Luther, but if the wrong person complains to him… Luther’s not known for his compassion. Bit of a dick, that one.”

I groaned. “I know. But in this case calling Taro gross was justified. He wants me to be his first wife. Not even his exclusive wife.”

Ben stiffened. “He’s an idiot. He always has been. Besides my dad, how’s the event been?”

I glanced over Ben’s shoulder and scanned for Kieran. “I, uh, took a break. So I need to do some shmoozing before I can leave. Preferably not with another asshole.”

“You’re out of luck. They all suck. I used to think the Caddels were decent, but how they treated Kieran is…

awful. No child should be punished for something they couldn’t help.

” The ferocity of his gaze surprised me.

But given his history… all those sisters that went unclaimed…

it made sense. “It’s the same nonsense every festival, though.

They bitch about their problems, so they feel important.

Our job is to shut up, look pretty, and smile.

” His lips quirked. “I don’t mind that, but I get the feeling you do. ”

“Damn right I do. It’s degrading.”

He laughed. “Of course it is, but it keeps the kingdom running. Besides, I’m rather fond of looking pretty. Or do you not think so? Careful—there’s a wrong answer.”

I rolled my eyes but found myself smiling. “How’s the event been?”

“House Benson has made demands all day. Luther’s been as polite as he can, but even he’s getting annoyed,” Ben murmured in my ear.

“Taro’s demanded more dragon transport to expedite the mining supplies he needs.

My family’s specialty is in the natural goods along the various caves as well as fishing exports.

They have a lot of requests, so my brothers have come as well.

” His expression darkened. “They’re disgracing the name as always. ”

“I’m sorry.”

Ben smiled tightly. “Don’t be. You didn’t force them to be jerks. They chose that for themselves. That’s why they’ll only ever be confined to Markos Province. They know they call the shots there and can get away with a lot more.”

“How have the families been?” Ben knew more than I gave him credit.

“House Caddel is worried. It’s not unusual for gryphon attacks to occur in their province more than the other regions, but the frequency that it’s occurring is alarming.

And these attacks are migrating toward the capital of House Caddel—where they live.

I’m sure we’ll be called to go on a scouting mission not long after this.

” He twirled me. “House Kalimera has been the best behaved. They haven’t asked for anything. ”

I raised my brow. “Really?”

“Nimue’s father will soon though. Usually, it’s for her to go on more missions.

The more fame she gains, the more tourists he receives.

People can’t get enough of Verity—her title convinces the common folk her upbringing and home must’ve been righteous, so that’s where a lot of people flock to.

” Ben shook his head. “Their family is all business.”

It left an uncomfortable feeling in my gut.

I glanced over Ben’s shoulder once again and spotted Kieran with Queen Nasreen.

I was scowling before I even realized it.

Nasreen’s attendant had made herself scarce leaving the two of them alone.

Both of them smiled at each other with a closeness I did not like, and Kieran’s hand lingered on Nasreen’s arm.

After all that bullshit he spouted at me, he was pulling this.

“Does he sleep with every woman he talks with?” I couldn’t hide the annoyance bleeding through my tone.

Ben followed my gaze and smirked when he caught the two of them, letting out a slow whistle. “Nah. He’s surprisingly picky. You don’t have to worry about this one, Selena. He’s not sleeping with her.”

I flushed. “I—I’m not… How are you so sure?”

Ben hummed. “Because the two of them only get together to keep diplomacy going. Queen Nasreen doesn’t have a husband. The two like to pretend he has a shot. He doesn’t.”

“What kind of backwards logic is that? And why the hell does Luther encourage it?” I’d seen his smug smiles whenever he spotted them .

“Because she’s talking to us rather than Andova. A marriage would never happen. Lusadia will never hand over one of its dragons and weaken our power. But this charade benefits both kingdoms. We know we have Raghnall’s continued support, and they have ours.”

“That’s so stupid.” I shook my head, trying to ignore the relief that flooded my body. Except even knowing that, that didn’t mean their chemistry was fake. “But that doesn’t mean they’re not fucking.”

“Your jealousy is showing.” He laughed when I pulled my hand back to smack him. “Kieran doesn’t do complicated. He only hooks up with women he knows he’ll never see again.”

If that’s what he normally does then why…

why did he make that proposal? My stomach flipped.

Maybe he’s not trying to manipulate me. Maybe he genuinely likes me, and it’s not just lust. But I immediately dismissed the thought.

Kieran was too calculating. It had to be a plan of his, a way to guarantee I’d work with him and remove any doubts he had.

“You promised Nimue you would distract her parents, right?” Ben asked, cutting through my thoughts. “Now’s the time to act. Her dad’s headed her way.”

“Shit. Thanks for the heads up.” I weaved my way through the crowd, searching until I found her father.

Fuck. I shouldn’t have abandoned her. I’m such a shit friend.

I promised I’d stay by her side. Mael Kalimera was already too close to Nimue for comfort.

Beyond their blond hair, they couldn’t be more different.

Mael’s expression was harsh and closed off, leaving no warmth.

He held himself stiffly and throughout the festival, he’d continuously scanned the crowd.

He was just as calculating as Kieran but not nearly as skilled at hiding it.

I slid between them. “May I have this dance,” I asked Mael.

Mael narrowed his eyes. “I’d be remiss not to talk to the newest rider.” He glanced at Nimue. “You should go speak to your mother, Nimue. She misses you.”

Nimue cleared her expression and jerked a nod, not saying a word as she slipped back into the crowd.

I knew she wouldn’t listen to her father.

Not that I blamed her. He screwed with her inheritance.

If I were her, I’d cut his ass off. The last thing I wanted to do was make small talk with this sexist bastard, but I’d do it for Nimue’s sake.

“Thank you for agreeing to dance with me.” Really killing it with the small talk.

He snorted. “I know what you two are doing. It’s childish of her to evade me. Just because I had to choose the best heir for my House doesn’t mean I don’t love her.”

I clenched my jaw. “She is the best heir. Nimue’s amazing. Don’t undervalue her.”