Page 103 of Consumed By Fire

“What now…um…Sire?” the prince says. It looks like he has bitten on a sour grape when he says “Sire.”

“I would like a word with the Draiger before he is beheaded,” the king says.

“A word? A fucking word? I don’t think so.” The prince picks up the ax.

“If you so much as move, I will have the guards run you through.” Delivered with calm authority. I think I might like the king.

“Your own brother?” The prince’s eyes bug out of his skull. “You wouldn’t.”

“The king has given an order, and if you disobey, I will be forced to set a very public precedent. What will it be, Ice?” The king lifts his brows.

“Fine.” The prince sighs, lowering the ax. “But know I am waiting, Sire, and would like to continue as soon as possible…Your…um…Highness.”

“Noted,” the king says. “I will not keep you waiting too long; of that, you can be sure.” Then he turns to me. “Remove the shackles on his feet.”

“I wouldn’t—” the prince starts to say.

“Do it!” the king growls. “Now!”

A guard does as commanded, and I am led by several more guards through the same door the king will have used to walk onto the stage.

We walk in silence, our footfalls echoing around us. I’m about to ask where we are going when we reach a library, where we take a seat at a long wooden table situated between tall shelves filled with books.

“Give us some space,” the king says to the guards.

“Your Grace, I—” one of them says.

“Now,” the king insists.

The guards move back, but they’re still close enough to intervene if deemed necessary.

“Sit…please,” he tells me, gesturing to a chair. Then he sits on the opposite side of the table. “I want you to tell me everything. No lying to protect your female. I want to know all of it.”

I look into a pair of eyes similar to those of Prince Ice, only these are filled with interest and warmth. Perhaps a hint of humor, too. They’re the same, but very different. I instantly feel more at ease. I feel more like being honest.

I suck in a deep breath, and I tell him everything.

“I believe you,” he says when I’m done.

“You do?” I’m shocked, and it reflects in my tone. It must be written all over my face, too. I almost don’t believe his reaction.

He smiles. “I do. I’m glad you turned Ice down. Now,” he steeples his fingers, putting his elbows on the table. “I have a proposal of my own,” he tells me. “I will explain everything first.”

I lean forward, my eyes on the Red King.

32

Trinity

What just happened?

I almost can’t believe it. Everyone is talking at once as I am taken back to my cell. The king is talking with Octane. Why? What purpose would it serve?

Is Octane still going to be put to death? I can’t see the outcome being any different after a discussion.

I go and sit on my thin mattress. I clasp my hands together, feeling my baby kick and move inside me. For once, feeling my child brings no comfort.

I put a hand over my face.

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