Page 56 of King of Fire and Flames

“Don’t worry, Zali,” said Azarn. “This won’t be the death of your friend. We have more… interesting plans for the orc.”

I nodded at the Fire King as if I didn’t give a shit about a one-eyed sailor who had recently risked his life to help me escape from the Light Realm. But nothing could have been further from the truth. I would spare no effort to find out where they held Orion captive. After tonight, I would do anything to see him released from his bonds.

Clearing my throat, I gently placed my wine cup on the table, knowing I couldn’t witness Orion’s torture without losing my stomach contents. I had to get out of the hall fast.

“May I be excused, Estella?” I asked. “I’m so tired and still haven’t recovered from yesterday’s fight with Arrowyn. Don’t think I’m quite ready to view another entertainment yet.” I put finger quotes around the word entertainment, and the queen smiled, pity simmering in her blue eyes.

“Of course, Zali. We must speak soon. I will call for you at an appropriate time.”

As musicians played cheerful music, reminiscent of a jig, I kept my head down and left the hall, unable to bear the sight of Orion’s suffering. All because of me.

Under the full moon’s glow, I took the route that wound past the fire moat, desperate to calm the turmoil of emotions tumbling through me. Near the sea cliffs, a fresh breeze blew off the ocean, chasing Taln’s sulfurous-sweet air toward the forest.

Crossing my arms, I took a deep breath. I’d often wondered what became of Orion after Captain Loligos and his men sold me to the Earth Realm soldiers. Now I knew. And I really wished I didn’t.

When I’d met Orion briefly in the Port of Tears, back then, I’d been vulnerable, with no memories, no idea who I was, and he had treated me with such kindness and risked his life to help me.

And now, he would pay a terrible price for his bravery, simply because Ari had asked a favor of him.

I had to find a way to get Orion out of Taln, even if it meant I might never be free myself. I couldn’t expect others to help me while I sat back basking in comfort. That would be unjust. Unfair. And I strove always to set an example for my people.

Friendship and loyalty were worth risking our lives over.

First, it was crucial I discovered where the fire fae kept their prisoners. Then I’d need help to form a plan from someone that knew Taln well. Ruhh would assist if I offered her something worthy in return, but since I’d failed to kill Arrow, I doubted she’d trust me again, which left Estella as my only option.

I was beginning to think the ghost girl wanted me dead instead of the Storm King so that nothing stood in the way of getting her bony hands on his impressive, but traitorous muscles. Hadn’t she realized I was mostly over him?

As I climbed the stairs to the tower room, I checked my inner pocket, feeling the soft cloth that contained the orchid petals. I had seven left, and for me, their effect seemed to last about an hour, not nearly long enough to break an orc free from prison and get him safely out of the Fire Kingdom. I wondered if using two petals would increase the duration of invisibility.

Fueled by fury about Orion’s plight, I performed my nightly exercises until my muscles shook and sweat coated my skin, then I took a bath, contemplating what Bakhur had told me about the mergelyn anklet.

Was it true Melaya could hear my conversations at times? Or was Bakhur trying to dissuade me from hatching plans with Zaret? And if Melaya could eavesdrop, was there a way to tell when he was listening?

Even subtle magic was detectable if you paid attention to the right cues. So from now on, I’d be on high alert for the signs, such as the sudden tingling of extremities, ringing in my ears, crackling of my hair, or unexplained nausea.

I desperately needed to speak to Zaret again. He could explain everything that had happened in Coridon since I’d left. Fill me in on the details of how Arrow had supposedly reformed the city’s slave trade, while betraying every fond memory I had of him and allowing the Sun Realm to capture me.

How had I ever let myself fall in love with a two-faced monster? A callous fae who thought nothing of tearing my heart to shreds?

I cleaned my teeth and brushed the long side of my hair, finger-combing the clipped side that grew longer every day, the whole time praying Melaya hadn’t let Orion suffer too long in the hall.

Yawning as I peeled back the bedcovers, three loud raps sounded on the other side of the door, followed by a male’s voice. Arrow’s deep voice. “Princess, open up.”

Dust. He had warned me he would visit tonight, but naively, I’d taken his words as a threat, an attempt to frighten me, nothing more.

“Wait a moment,” I said, slipping on a robe, the silk cool against my bare arms and legs. As I opened the door, my jaw dropped.

Flanked by two burly Fire Court guards, Arrow held an unraveled parchment between two fingers, jostling it in front of me. I flicked a sneer at the scroll, and then an eyebrow up at him.

He flapped it under my nose. “It’s a signed order from Azarn. You must read it.”

“I’m not in the mood.” I feigned another yawn and pushed against the door, but Arrow’s boot shot out, keeping it open.

“Oh, should I come back at a more convenient time?” he asked in a sarcastic tone.

“Yes, please. And let me think when that might be...” I stroked my chin, as though considering my non-existent schedule. “How about never?”

One of the guards took charge of the parchment as the small party hustled inside my chamber, and Arrow stared at me as the bearded fae began to read out loud.

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