Page 71 of The Flame King's Queen

I wish I knew more about dark spells so I could understand just how alarmed or upset I should be by what Ravenna is saying. A black mark is surely for life. A black mark could fester. Ravenna must be able to protect herself from Kane, but if she casts a truly dark spell on him to take vengeance on him, I worry about the consequences for her.

“Remember that you may always petition my mate if you seek justice or protection. Zabriel will never turn his back on you.”

Ravenna smiles. “And I thought we were speaking generally. You are uneasy about my situation, but be assured that I seek neither justice nor revenge while in the king’s castle. But I appreciate the king’s protection. Now, will you have some more tea? Please stay as long as you wish.”

I pull a book into my lap, but I don’t open it. I don’t want to paw through Ravenna’s books like a suspicious witchfinder who is hunting for evidence to burn her at the stake.

Later I findDad in the castle wing where he and Anise have been sleeping. There’s a room with a fireplace and some comfortable chairs, and a bedroom each for the two of them.

He’s got a chunk of wood and a small knife in his hands.

“What is that you’re making?” I ask.

“Oh. It’s not finished, but look.”

He shows me the figurine, and the shape makes me gasp in delight. “A dragon? You’re carving a little dragon?”

“Your dragon, for you. I’ve been watching you both compete, and she’s such a pretty creature. The wings are giving me some trouble, but I’ll get there.”

“It’s going to be beautiful.” The wings are taking shape, and there are even little scales along her flank. I take a deep breath. “Dad, I was speaking with Anise today. She was upset by one of the former witchfinders, and I found myself promising her something when I should have asked you about it first.”

Dad eyes me curiously as I explain that Anise also seems to be a witch, but she was so upset by the idea, and she’d rather be a wingrunner and ride one of the wyverns he’s seen flying over Maledin.

“Hmm,” is all Dad says for a moment, continuing to carve the dragon. “Anise said that, did she? And you promised her she could? Well, I suppose a big sister has trouble saying no to a little sister who’s crying her eyes out.”

“Thank you for being kind and not saying the Queen of Maledin can do whatever she likes.” He raises his arm so I can move closer for a hug.

“That would be a cold thing to say. You’re still my daughter, aren’t you?”

“I am,” I say, burrowing into his warmth.

“My daughter, with a baby on the way and a crown on her head. Your mother would be so proud if she could see you, once she got over her surprise. She would like the king, I’m sure of it.”

“Do you like the king?”

“He is very…” He trails off.

Very big. Very loud. Very strong. Very intimidating. Very kind. Very everything.

“He is, isn’t he?”

“He’s not the man I would have expected you to marry, but I don’t think I could ever have imagined who would be right for my Isavelle. He’ll be a good father to your little one, I think.”

His words are bittersweet because he hasn’t actually said that he likes Zabriel. But it’s enough that he’s happy for me.

“I’m sorry Anise won’t be coming home with you, if Captain Ashton accepts her. I hate to think of you in that cottage all alone. You can always move closer to the city if you wish.”

“No, Isavelle. I shan’t stay here.”

“Oh,” I say, trying not to sound as crestfallen as I feel.

A strained silence stretches between us, and I can’t help but feel guilty about how New Maledin has taken Dad’s entire family from him, one way or another. Waylen was so young, and no doubt Dad wasn’t ready to cease be a father to him or Anise so soon.

“Are you happy here, my girl?” he murmurs into my hair.

“I am,” I whisper.

“Anise will love her wyvern, and Waylen is in the skies. I suppose all my children were meant to be on the wing, one way or another.” He digs around behind him and pulls out another wooden figurine.

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