Page 29 of Wild Flame

As if in answer, the woman began convulsing on the tile floor, foaming at the mouth. No one moved, and everyone simply stared down in shock as the assassin finally released a long breath and went still.

Less than a quarter hour later, I found myself sitting in a chair in a small room just down from the Healing Pools. It appeared to be a small office of some kind. I was still wrapped securely in my robe, my wild, partially dried hair still in its loose braids, trying not to feel self-conscious as Malik leaned against a wooden desk, contemplating me. Sura stood off to my right, her eyes on her king. She wore only her robe, and her long dark hair was down, but she didn’t seem bothered by her state of undress. And Malik didn’t seem aware of her appearance at all.

Malik had arrived mere minutes after the assassin’s death and had taken the situation firmly in hand. After he had assured himself that Zara was unharmed, Malik had told his sister to go rest in her room, to which she had vehemently protested, but had eventually conceded. But not before coming over to give me a tight hug and thank me for saving her life. After she left Malik directed his men—and the guards who had arrived too late to help—to handle the body and confiscate the knife. Then Malik had motioned to me and Sura to follow him into this room so he could get some answers.

“How did you know the dagger was poisoned?” he asked me now. The teasing man from earlier today was gone, and in his place was the ruthless rider, king, and elder brother I had gotten mere glimpses of before now.

I bit my lip and curled my bare toes into the rug beneath me before I answered, very conscious of what I said as I did. “At first, I didn’t; I just noticed that there seemed to be something off about the servant. Then I saw the knife. I just . . . reacted.”

“And the poison?” Malik pressed.

“Nakki poison,” I explained, well aware I was divulging one of The Order’s greatest secrets, but I knew I couldn’t lie. They had the dagger, and I had to explain how I knew it was poisoned. I also found that I didn’twantto lie to them. To him. I was thoroughly caught in that dragon’s stare.

“Nakki poison?” Sura repeated. “What is that?”

Clearing my throat, I tried to keep my voice level as I explained. “Nakki are rare sea creatures native to the oceans of Halmar. Their toxin is one of the most lethal substances in Palasia.”

Malik studied me. “How do you know so much about it? I have never heard of it before.”

I shrugged. “It is common enough knowledge in Halmar. But the creatures are scarce enough that I’m not surprised youhaven’t heard of them. The poison has an oily, multicolored sheen that is very distinctive. I noticed it on the blade. That’s how I knew.”

Malik and Sura shared a look.

I looked between them. “What?”

Malik stared at Sura for a moment longer before he shook his head. “I suppose there is no harm in my telling you. This is not the first time there has been an attempt on Zara’s life.” He sighed. “Just before you arrived, before the funeral rites began, Zara and a few other trainees were on assignment in Viraj with one of their instructors. They were sent there to investigate an incident that happened in a nearby town.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I thought it would be good experience for her and the others, since Taj believed the claims were unfounded, anyway. One of the local lords offered her a place to stay in his villa. I thought she would be safe . . . and she needed the distraction after our father’s passing.”

It finally made sense why Zara had been in the distant city . . . how Silvanus would have known. I wondered faintly if he had paid off the nobleman to offer up the specific room.

“What happened?” I asked, trying not to show any reaction to his words. I purposely relaxed my hands so my fingernails wouldn’t dig into my palms.

“While she was there, someone broke into her chamber and tried to assassinate her.” A muscle ticked in his jaw. “The coward had a knife and attempted to kill her in her sleep, but Zara woke and caught the assassin standing over her before they could finish the job.”

Outwardly I remained calm, but inside I was trembling. My mind was roiling with guilt and a good dose of self-loathing.Unlike Malik, I knew exactly who the coward had been.

But of course, I couldn’t tell Malik any of this. So instead, I just sat there and acted as if I was hearing all this for the first time.

“Do you have any idea who is behind these attempts?” I asked, hating myself for having to pretend. I comforted myself with the knowledge that I didn’t actually know who had ordered the assassination, just that Silvanus was attempting to carry it out.

Malik shook his head. “The poison is our only lead. And one that isn’t all that helpful if it is as rare as you say.”

“What I want to know is why the assassin chose now to make another attempt?” Sura asked. “There were other ways or means that would have been much easier, when she could have gotten away with no one the wiser.”

“Dragons,” I realized, speaking aloud. “There were no dragons here. And Mesmera rarely leaves Zara’s side. The princess being free of her guardian must have been too strong a temptation to pass up. The assassin saw her opportunity and took it.”

“Well, I don’t plan on giving them another one.” Malik nearly growled the statement, and I knew from the determined fire in his eyes that I no longer had to worry about Zara’s protection. Malik had that well in hand.

Malik looked to Sura. “Make sure all the women are interviewed, including the servants. I want to know if anyone saw or noticed anything out of the ordinary. Even before today. Any information could be useful.”

Sura nodded and straightened, but before she left, she surprised me by putting a hand on my shoulder and meeting my eyes as I looked up at her in surprise.

“Thank you,” she murmured low, her tone sincere and full of quiet sincerity. “Thank you for saving her.”

I swallowed hard and nodded. “Of course.”

I watched her leave, then turned back to face Malik. The realization suddenly hit me that we were alone.

I stood. “I should . . . go.”

---