Page 60 of Wild Flame

“We’re leaving as soon as possible,” Rakim answered.

Rin eyed him. “King Malik asked us to come,” she clarified. “We have some business with him before we leave. So probably another few days.”

“What are we discussing?” another voice suddenly interrupted.

A ripple of awareness lit up my skin as Malik stepped up beside me. It was as if, after last night, my body was even more attuned to him than it had been before.

Completely oblivious to how I was suddenly having a hard time breathing, Rin greeted Malik warmly. “It is good to see you again, Your Majesty.”

“You as well, Rin.”

Her smile grew teasing. “The crown suits you.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” Malik grinned back with his usual endearing arrogance.

“I’m surprised you could get it to fit,Your Majesty,” Rakim said in all seriousness, not even bothering to hide the implied insult or the contempt in his stare as he glared at Malik.

Malik didn’t take the bait, however. He simply nodded at the other rider with an almost amused resignation. “Hello to you too, Rakim.”

The tension between the two men was palpable. And I got the feeling it was more than the fact that both men had been leaders in the only recently ended conflict between their countries. No, this tension seemed personal. Though I couldn’t imagine what it could be.

Rin rolled her eyes. “You two.” Then she shot me a commiserating look that clearly said,Men!

“Actually, as much as I would love to verbally spar with you, Rakim, I need to speak with Princess Leida.” Malik glanced at me before returning his gaze to them. “So, if you will excuse us? Enjoy the rest of the ball.”

I didn’t have any time to protest before Malik took my arm and led me off to a slightly more secluded section of the ballroom. A large pillar afforded us some privacy from prying eyes.

He finally released my arm and turned to face me. “We need to talk.”

I clasped my hands in front of me, making sure my face remained serene. “No, Malik, we don’t. I don’t want to talk about last night. What’s done is done. There is no need to bring it up again.”

“This isn’t about last night,” Malik said in frustration. “I’ve been wanting to speak with you all day, but there simply hasn’t been time.”

I blinked in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

He stared at me. “I’ve been trying to—”

“Malik are you ready for the announcement?” the queen asked. She stood at Malik’s side and acknowledged me with a nod before turning fully to her stepson.

I had been so absorbed in talking to Malik that I hadn’t even noticed her approach.

Malik took in a deep breath before turning to her. “Yes, I am. I will be there shortly.”

The queen eyed us both as if she had just realized she had interrupted something. A hint of worry pinched her elegant brow, but she said nothing and simply nodded before stepping away again.

“What announcement?” I asked Malik as he turned back to me.

He sighed. “That’s what I’ve been trying to talk to you about.”

The realization hit me. Announcement.The Announcement.Malik was to announce his betrothal to his future queen. To Priya.

My stomach dropped. This was why he wanted to talk to me. Sadness and hurt swelled inside me, followed quickly by white hot anger. But my pride would not allow me to let it show.

My back stiffened. “There is no need to apologize, Your Majesty. As I said last night, it meant nothing.”

Malik's brow furrowed, and he reared back slightly. “Apologize?”

I nodded. “There is no need for you to feel guilty about what occurred in the garden. I don’t want or need your pity. Especially not in light of what’s about to happen.”

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