Page 61 of Flameborne: Fury (Emberquell Academy #2)

“Good. Then go. You should have flown at dawn. I want these fucking men found and disarmed.”

“Yes, Sire.” I saluted and turned to go, flooded with relief at first. But it was quickly followed by a niggling sense of unease.

I drew up short as Diaan rose to her feet, clearly about to follow me to the door. I glared at her, then turned to face the unhappy King.

“Sire, I recognize I haven’t earned your goodwill tonight, but I do have to ask a favor of you.”

“What is it?” he asked darkly.

“I would ask you to keep this information in confidence.”

His eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“For two reasons: Firstly, I don’t believe she’s wrong to assume suspicious feelings from the men. Her raising was earned, but unorthodox. I don’t want to bring her capability into question.”

The King’s lips pursed. “Frankly, Donavyn, I don’t believe I’ve ever given two shits about what happens personally between the Furyknights.”

I closed my hands to fists at my side. “No, Sire. But I do. And perhaps more importantly, if their confidence in her is undermined, it could complicate our plan. On this point, ignorant ranks are effective ranks. And it may assist us in uncovering the mole.”

“How so?”

“Because, if they don’t know how closely she and I are aligned, those working with us—or contacts she develops—won’t see her as so completely mine. They’ll be more willing to open up to her, which could aid her in drawing back the veil on those who might be deceptive.”

The King stared for a moment. “I’ll think on it.”

Damn. “Sire, I’m not—”

“Donavyn, as you very clearly stated, your recent actions have not earned my goodwill. I trust your judgment—usually—and I will not breach this confidence for petty reasons. But will I give you my word I’ll speak nothing on it? That, I need to consider.”

“Yes, Sire,” I said, bowing again, a tangled mix of relief and unease twisting in my guts. “Thank you for hearing me out.”

Then I turned on my heel and marched from the room.

With a word to the guards outside the door, I stalked down the corridor outside, gritting my teeth when I heard the door creak again, and quick, slippered footsteps trotting in my wake.

The Queen.

I wanted to snarl at her to leave me. But the Palace walls had ears. So, I didn’t slow my pace, and didn’t turn.

She caught up, then fell in step, her skirts gathered in those tightly clenched hands because my pace required her to continue trotting to keep up.

I marched silently through the Royal wing until I turned down the library corridor where there were no servants or guards, because it was too early for the Royals to be accessing those rooms.

“Donavyn,” she murmured, slightly breathless because she was working to stay with me.

“Don’t.” I bit the word off and didn’t even look at her.

“Donavyn, please stop for a moment and let me—”

“You are my Queen, and I respect your crown. I honor your throne. You may give me any order for the purpose of the Kingdom and be certain I will fulfill it. But do not speak to me as if we are friends.”

“Donavyn,” she sighed. “Please—”

Halfway down that corridor, she took hold of my elbow, and I didn’t even think. I whirled on her midstep, yanking my sleeve from her grip and taking a step back to put space between us.

“Do not touch me,” I snarled.

She startled and stopped, eyes wide and wary. But then she dropped her skirts and smoothed them as she looked left and right to make certain no one was near.

“I’m sorry,” she said through clenched teeth.

“I recently learned I can’t trust your words,” I muttered. She met my eyes, and though hers held the shadow of shame, they were also flinty with pride.

I raised my chin and spoke down to her, something I’d never done before. “You came to me as a woman, not a Royal, you said.”

She nodded once and nervously wet her lips. “Yes, and I meant it, it was never—”

“Then perhaps the moment has come for me to do the same—to speak to you as a woman, not as a Queen. So, let me be perfectly clear, Diaan: I will never choose you over her. You hold no temptation for me. And it has only been my respect for your position that has kept me from setting you down earlier. But now it’s clear that nothing less will do, so hear me, and don’t doubt it: I am not your stud to be haltered and used for service.

I am not in any way yours to claim. And I never will be. ”

Her chin dropped, but her eyes remained locked on mine. “It was poorly done, I know. But you must see how—”

“No. I don’t,” I snapped. “Is there any need for this man to make the point more clearly to this woman?”

Her lips thinned. “No,” she said tightly.

“Good. Then please forgive my haste, Your Majesty, but I must return to my mate and my dragon, and find these fucking enemies before they get any closer to our border. Please reassure the King that I am as attentive to my duties as I have ever been. Good day.”

Then I turned on my heel and marched to the end of the corridor and opened the door, finally letting my shoulders drop when I didn’t hear her footsteps following.

But it wasn’t until I’d returned to Kgosi’s stable and found Bren waiting, her eyes bright with anticipation and a few nerves, and I could gather her into my arms and kiss her, that I could breathe.

“Are you well?” I whispered to her moments later.

She nodded quickly. “What did the King say?”

“He’s angry with me, but I’ve explained the need for discretion. At least for now, he’ll keep our confidence.”

She looked up at me. I didn’t hide my eyes—nor my admiration from her. After a moment her jaw tightened and she nodded.

I let my smile curl up on one side. “Now we focus on the future, right? You’re a Furyknight, Bren. And we’re on the path to destroy our enemies. Together. Are you ready?”

She finally smiled. “I am.”

THE END !