Page 7 of Wrath of the Dragons (Fear the Flames #2)
Chapter Five
Elowen
One day I’ll learn to limit my self-destructive habits, but today is not that day.
I stare out the window of the carriage, hardly absorbing any of the sights, but also not granting a glance to the man across from me.
He takes up more than half the damn carriage, but his presence alone makes me feel as if I’m pressed against the wall and starved for air.
I cross one knee over the other as the horses trot on, pursing my lips when Cayden chuckles. Oh, how the sound makes me want to scream. “Has anyone ever told you it’s rude to stare?”
“Has anyone ever told you that I’m rude?”
“Nobody had to. I caught on rather early.”
He chuckles again. “Why am I going to look at snow and buildings when I’ve been starving for the sight of you all day?”
Warmth floods my chest like someone spilled hot tea within me, but I force ice into my tone. “Flattery and flowers will get you nowhere.”
“I’m right where I want to be.”
I scoff and finally face him, not letting the pain slicing through me show on my features. “On my bad side?”
He pushes off the wall as if it were impossible to stay away, lazily twirling one of my curls around his finger, but he doesn’t answer the question.
We begin to slow and voices of citizens along the street filter in through the gilded wood, excitedly chattering about spotting the royal carriage.
I gasp as Cayden pulls me forward and catch my balance on his chest as he settles me on his lap.
His scent and warmth surround me, and I try to shove myself off though all I want to do is sink into it…
into him. I want to rest my head on his shoulder like I’ve done so many times before and forget the world, but I can’t let myself.
I’ve been used by my father and then by Ailliard, and though I knew Cayden and I were using each other in the beginning, I didn’t think we’d end up here.
He’s never hid his cunning nature from me, but I never thought I’d be a casualty of it.
I don’t even know if I am. I feel like I don’t know anything, and my own mind traps me in the dark.
How can you trust what anyone says when you can’t even trust yourself?
“If you think I’m going to let you touch me after you deceived me—”
“We have been apart all day and when that door opens there will be several citizens trying to get a glimpse of us,” he cuts me off, circling my hips with an arm and pressing me closer.
“If you wish to push the narrative of a happy couple then you need to take into account what I’d be doing.
” His eyes darken as they flash to my lips, and I can’t suppress my shiver when his fingers glide up the column of my neck before wrapping around the back.
I do my best to keep another tremble hidden. It’s not as if my feelings for him have disappeared. I wouldn’t be in as much pain if they had. Trying to cut him out of me would be like trying to rip my soul in half. “What would you be doing?”
His sigh caresses my skin, and he leans forward to graze his lips above the spot on my neck he knows I love. “I’d ensure space would be the last thing you wanted from me, and I’d take my sweet time proving that.”
My thighs press together of their own volition, but I shove my desire aside, lacing my fingers through his hair to pull him away from my neck.
His pupils dominate his eyes as I lower my lips to hover just above his, never granting him what he so desperately wants.
Uneven breaths dance within the small space as my chest both tightens and fills with butterflies. “This is not real.”
His hold tightens as the door is pulled open, looking ready to tell the driver to fuck off and lock us in here so he can savor the proximity for a few more seconds, but I whip my head toward the bashful man and slide farther up Cayden’s lap to brush my hips over his bulge, making his shoulders stiffen.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” I cover my mouth to suppress a laugh.
“I-I didn’t mean to interrupt, Your Majesties,” he stutters, flicking his eyes over his shoulder to take in the small crowd that’s gathered by the entrance of the restaurant. “Would you like me to take you back to the castle?”
“Nonsense.” I smile to ease his nerves. “We’ll be just a moment.”
“Of course, my queen.” He bows and swiftly shuts the door, allowing me to climb off Cayden’s lap. I’m thankful for the winter wind that filled the carriage and cools my flushed skin.
“Do you need me to leave so you can sort yourself out?” I ask in a sickeningly sweet voice.
He rests his elbows on his knees and drags his hands down his face, whispering my name a few times under his breath as he shakes his head. “If this is how you wish to play, then I’m happy to oblige.”
I narrow my eyes and tilt my chin up as the rush of a challenge fills me. Cayden shoves the door open once enough time has passed, offering a hand to help me down then sliding mine through the crook of his arm as he tosses two coins to the driver.
“A drink while you wait,” he says over his shoulder as he escorts me through a stone archway chiseled with swirling blue designs that glow as if a lantern were encased within.
I stay close to Cayden as he leads us through the small crowd, not entirely as a facade.
I’ve never liked being surrounded by people.
Ailliard told me I’d get over it as time passed, but I never have, and he never missed the opportunity to tell me how weak it makes me.
The shame that used to accompany his words has faded from a twisting knife to the sting of a slap.
I rest my head on Cayden’s bicep as the hostess rushes around the white marble podium to greet us, dropping into a low curtsy that makes her gown ripple around her like waves crashing on the shore. “Your Majesties, welcome to Starry Night. It’s an honor to serve you this evening.”
Cayden steps behind me to slide my coat down my arms and remove his cloak, handing it off to the servant awaiting them.
I’m thankful the gown I chose this morning is fit for an establishment such as this.
The sleeves widen below my elbows and drape dramatically, making the dark blue jewels and golden embroidery shimmer as I walk.
The hostess leads us through a parted set of curtains, and a staff thumps against the floor, vibrating the soles of my shoes as a man with a deep voice announces us.
“King Cayden Veles and Queen Elowen Atarah. The conquerors of Vareveth.”
Chairs scrape against the floor as all in attendance rise as we glide through the room.
I don’t let myself falter under their prodding gazes.
Every move, every step, every breath is up for scrutiny, assessed for weakness.
Those that remain loyal to Eagor are waiting for us to fail, but I’ll claw my way to victory, no matter the odds.
I will no longer be at the mercy of men, but they will beg for mine.
I grasp my skirts to keep from tripping as we’re led up a set of immaculately polished steps to a singular table on a risen platform.
Several ivy-covered columns circle the space to create the illusion of privacy, though we’ll be visible to the entirety of those gathered.
Golden candelabras cast a warm glow from where they stand in the gaps, making it feel incredibly intimate.
Cayden moves past a server to grip the back of a chair and slides it in behind me before filling the silent establishment with the sound of him slowly dragging the seat across the table closer to mine.
“I wonder, are you this obnoxious with everyone or do you reserve this charming attribute for me?” I whisper, despite the chatter resuming as people return to their meals.
“It serves no purpose with anyone else.” He leans back in his chair, draping an arm over the back of mine. “I don’t wish to be associated with them.”
“Vos essa un nunti tasuri.” You are a stupid man.
“Vet vos essa tesis mas ulessi ardama en Ravaryn.” He smiles so wide his dimples deepen in his cheeks as I blush. And you are the most beautiful woman in Ravaryn. “I see you’ve been studying the Ravarian texts.”
I’ve been devouring them for several hours. He left me books on both the ancient language and dragon lore, and each time I cracked one open I kept wanting more. They’re all packed safely in the carriage, ready for me to continue once we get back to the castle.
Ravarian is a forgotten language used only by the cults who pass it down orally and a few select scholars who meticulously record it and lock it away.
Mages often use it to cast spells even if they’re not in a cult.
It was the language spoken in Ravaryn centuries ago before we adopted the common tongue.
“You never told me you speak a second language.” My brows crease. “How did you even acquire the book?” The pages are yellowed with age and show signs of water damage along with smudged ink. Some pages are falling out, but none are missing, thankfully.
He shrugs. “I have many skills I’ve yet to reveal. As for how I got it, I was a thief before I was anything else.”
“Are you fluent?”
“Yes, sirantia.” The way he rolls the R makes me wish he’d say it again. His voice is deep and raspy. I’ve always loved it. It reminds me of how he sounds in the morning, but I quickly shove that memory aside. Gods, when will someone bring me a drink?
I clear my throat. “What does that mean?”
“I seem to have forgotten.” He continues grinning at me. “Tell me what you learned about the dragons.”
I purse my lips and fight the urge to roll my eyes as a servant finally begins ascending the steps. “I seem to have forgotten.”
I file the term into the back of my mind, prepared for a full night of hunting for the meaning of it. I turn my gaze to the approaching man in impeccable garb. “Good evening, Your Majesties. Can I get you started with some drinks?”