Page 8 of A Kingdom of Fire and Fury (House of Embers #1)

I felt like a carriage had run me over, and the feeling only grew stronger when Nimue barged into my room the next morning and threw a pair of clothes at me—training leathers.

The outfit was formfitting and practically melted against my skin.

But at least the material was breathable.

“You’ll be thankful when you ride your dragon,” Nimue said and gestured to herself.

“We gain a good amount of resistance to the cold but that doesn’t mean it’s not a bitch. ”

I grimaced. “Give me a moment to braid my hair.” I preferred a double yesenian braid—where I parted my hair down the middle. And on both sides I weaved three sections of my hair together, starting from the crown of my head to the nape of my neck. Nimue whistled when I finished. “You’re fast.”

I studied my work in the mirror, making sure there were no ridiculous lumps. “I’ve had practice.”

“I can tell. Your hair’s really beautiful by the way. I always wanted long hair, but I don’t have the patience to take care of it.”

I hummed and said nothing in response. My long hair was impractical, but it was something I liked, so I selfishly kept it.

Even if it did make me a little more identifiable.

Once I finished getting dressed, I followed her toward the dining hall.

As we walked, another sharp pang reverberated through my body, and I clutched my chest.

“You alright?” Nimue asked.

Alarm bells went off in my mind at the blatant concern in her eyes. “Why? What’s going on?”

Nimue grimaced. “You haven’t completed the bond with your dragon yet.

” When I glanced down at the new tattoo that sprawled down my right arm and went up to just over my right jaw, she shook her head.

“The bond isn’t secured until your first flight.

Her flames might have chosen you, but until you have the first ride… she could change her mind. You too.”

I raised a brow. “That’s possible on my end?”

Nimue shot me a look. “Your bond is the only reason you’re walking these halls. You really want to reject it?”

I scowled. “Obviously not. Just curious.”

She scoffed. “Don't be. That's what got you in this situation in the first place. And as far as we know, there’s no way to reject a dragon’s claim. You either accept it, or the sickness kills you. And your dragon can still reject the bond during your first flight.”

“You keep saying that, but what does it mean?” I got the feeling I wasn’t going to like the answer.

“If she decides you’re not worthy, she’ll fling you off her back. It’s happened before.”

“Lovely. How long does the king intend to make me wait to complete the bond? ”

Nimue toyed with the hilt of her weapon holstered against her thigh. “Usually, the first flight happens right after the bond. We’re in uncharted territory here.”

Of course. Another little game of Luther’s. Probably to punish me since he couldn’t kill me.

“Once Umara finalizes the bond, things will change,” Nimue assured me. “That’ll squash most of the, uh, criminal rumors. No one will talk bad about a dragonsguard. It’ll be a fresh start.”

I snorted. “Sure.” But even if somehow people were willing to overlook the whole ‘traitor’ aspect, I was still a commoner first and foremost. The lord and ladies across the kingdom were probably seething.

The dining hall was a huge room with four long rows of tables that stretched from the beginning to end of the room. At the far right side was a serving hatch where the cooks worked. The hall was still pretty empty, about a quarter of the way full. And of course, all eyes went to me.

“I’ll be nice today,” Nimue murmured. “I’ll get our food. Usually, we have servants bring our meals to us, but it’s important you know where the kitchens are. We’ll eat in a secluded spot I like.” She shot me a look. “But again, usually the dragonsguard eat together in our wing.”

Which I had no desire to do. But her tone wasn’t asking for my opinion. There was no real choice here. It was comply or get my sister killed.

When Nimue returned, we went through the windy hallways to a small nook tucked against the wall with a large window and two built in stone seats. Nimue passed the tray to me, and I set it on my lap, staring at the plate which comprised of a bowl of oatmeal, an apple, and glass of water.

“If you don’t like it, we can go back to the kitchen. But I will warn you, the cooks will be angry, and I’ll be a little peeved you waited until we sat down to change your mind.”

“It’s fine.” My cheeks heated. It’s so much. More than I was used to receiving for breakfast. I took a bite of oatmeal, and my tastebuds exploded. I shoveled more into my mouth.

“No one’s going to take it from you,” Nimue said dryly and took a dainty bite of her oatmeal.

“I know that.” I forced myself to slow down, but not by much. Besides, I could totally see the king limiting my food as punishment. He wasn’t a man known for his kindness.

“The food’s a nice bonus. The meals delivered specifically to us are even better. Almost as good as Luther’s, that stingy bastard.” Nimue laughed.

“I'm not a beast. I can’t be bribed by food. Even if it is good.”

Nimue's lips twitched. “I know.” She studied me carefully. “You probably have a lot of questions and lucky for you, I have some answers. Well, Gareth will give you some more in-depth information, but I can help you with the other members of the dragonsguard. You’ve met Kieran. He, uh, brought you in. ”

“He’s an asshole,” I snapped, tightening my grip on my spoon.

“Not arguing with you there.” She set her tray on the ground and tossed her apple between her hands.

“He makes a terrible first impression. I’m constantly amazed he hasn’t gotten a knife to the gut.

You’ve met Gareth too. The two of them get along real well, but Gareth isn’t an asshole.

He’s the one you need to get on your side.

But even if he dislikes you, he’ll still go to bat for you. Always.”

She took a bite of her apple. “Then there’s Aurelia.

She’s a real bitch. Don’t even try to be her friend.

She’s Luther’s fiancé, and he’s pretty much the only person she respects.

Though that didn’t stop her from sticking her tongue down my throat after a few pints of ale.

Then there’s Ben. He’ll fuck anything with a hole, but he’s harmless and easy to get along with.

Then there’s King Luther.” Her mouth tightened.

“As long as you follow his orders and agree with him, you won’t have a problem. ”

“And if I don’t agree with him?”

She met my gaze. “Bat your eyes. Soften your words. Praise him and criticize him in one breath. He’s like most men that way.”

I wrinkled my nose. “I’m not going to do that.”

Nimue shrugged. “Your loss. You have training later today with the rest of us, but after we’re done eating, you’re Gareth’s problem. He’s going to teach you court politics, history, etiquette—all that boring shit.”

As if I’m stupid. But I kept the thought to myself. “What’s the point in it? ”

Nimue looked up at the ceiling and muttered a curse under her breath.

“Your response confirms you need the lessons.” Her expression hardened as she met my gaze.

“Everyone looks at us to be their savior. The public relies on us. Our family Houses—maybe not in your case—rely on us to keep their needs in mind and be their ear to the king. We can’t afford to mess up and shake the public’s faith in us.

And you… you’re a commoner. They’re going to expect you to mess up.

Andova isn’t going to take Umara claiming you lightly.

If you survive the flight, they’ll come for you.

You need to show them you’re strong and make them see you’re not a weak link.

The sooner you perform like a true rider, the sooner you can see your sister. ”

She’s not my friend. Even her tone was dismissive. She looked at me like she was sure I wouldn’t be around. She thinks Umara will reject me. “Fine.”

Nimue softened. “Look, I don't like this as much as you do. I’m sorry about your sister. It sucks. It really does. But you have to understand. You’re lucky.

You committed treason, Selena. That’s not something that people get second chances on.

Luther would be a fool to trust you right off the bat.

And I know it’s awful you can’t see your sister, but if you truly love her, you’ll understand this is her best shot in life.

Family of the dragonsguard are protected, even after we die in battle.

” She clasped her hand on my shoulder. “It’s a lot to take in, but I am on your side. ”

After we finished breakfast, I followed her through the castle.

I couldn’t forget—there were enemies all around me.

I looked at the awed faces of the guards.

My own kingdom, Lusadia, didn’t trust me, and Andova certainly didn’t want me to stay alive either.

How the hell am I going to get out of this?

Nimue led me back to the rider’s wing where Gareth sat on the couch beside Kieran, the two of them whispering to each other. Kieran looked up just as we walked in and narrowed his eyes.

Heat flared through my body. I ignored his hard gaze and focused on Gareth. Nimue coughed. “Try not to bore her to death, Gareth.” She sent me a lazy wave and then slipped inside her room—the room right before mine.

Gareth rolled his eyes before standing. “There’s a room right outside our wing that we like to use.”

I followed him, heavily aware of the intense stare never once leaving my back. “He’s a creep,” I muttered.

Gareth laughed loudly. “He’s a worrier. Don’t worry, he’ll come around.” He tilted his head to the right and propped open the door. The room looked like a big empty classroom with three rows of tables and chairs right behind them. In the front of the room was a large chalkboard.