Page 21 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

Not hesitating, I stepped into Tavish’s side so the guard could see me. A tiny part of me knew that I should tell him to stop, that we could use this man for something, but I couldn’t make myself say the words. Instead, I said, “I want to make sure the last thing this nightfiend sees is me, seeing as he thinks so highly of the Seelie.”

I hated that Eldrin still had people close to him who would obey his commands. We needed to kill him.

Fuck what he claimed to know about the dragons.

Mercy was appropriate at times, such as Tavish’s actions yesterday. He’d given the people who hadn’t spoken out againstEldrin’s supporters one more chance. This was different, and I understood that.

Wrapping his left arm around my waist, he pulled me to his side and connected,You’re making me want to devour you right now, sprite. Those words were the sexiest I’ve ever heard you say.

Of course, it would be threats that would get my fated mate going.Keep it in your pants, thorn. You won’t be getting anything from me for a while after what you just pulled back there.

I won’t regret trying to protect you. And I’m comforted by the fact that I was able to kill the man who murdered your attacker.His eyes narrowed as he dug the blade deeper into the guard’s throat.We don’t know everyone who’s loyal to Eldrin.

Eldrin wants you as a prisoner so he can be free and rule. For some reason, ever since my memories came back, he doesn’t seem as intent on killing me.I hadn’t put that together until now. But with Eldrin telling Malikor that he couldn’t kill me, just make me bleed for the veil, and then Prince Pyralis showing up, he had to be working with the dragons. That had to be how he knew something about them that we could use to our benefit.

Tavish kissed my forehead, making sure the guard saw the tender moment pass between us; then he sliced the rest of the way through the guard’s neck. Blood spattered Tavish’s shirt, blending in with the dark color, and after a moment, the guard crumpled to the ground.

“Clean this up,” Tavish barked, glancing at Struan. “Finola, make sure you or Struan are watching Eldrin all the time. Obviously, he’s trying to cause unrest among us, and I want only the guards I trust watching him. Once Lorne is healthy enough, he can join the rotation. No one besides you three, do you understand?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Struan said from his spot outside the cell.

Let’s get you out of here.Tavish tightened his arm as we walked down the hallway, with Tavish closest to Eldrin’s cell. He continued,Don’t pay Eldrin any attention. That’s what he wants, and I refuse to give in to him. We need to continue to make him feel worthless.

As we passed by his cell, Eldrin shuffled his feet. The two of us didn’t even twitch, pretending we hadn’t heard a noise.

“Clearly, this hasn’t taught you the lesson needed,” Eldrin drawled loudly.

Tavish stiffened, so I pushed comfort through our bond, wanting to ease his turmoil.You didn’t expect him to stay silent if we didn’t acknowledge him, did you?In reality, Eldrin had a hard time remaining quiet. He liked hearing himself talk way too much.

That doesn’t mean I want to kill him any less.Tavish’s nostrils flared, but he didn’t move back.

“If you keep ignoring me, I’ll be forced to take more drastic measures. Maybe even have someone attack the Seelie princess.”

Before I could say or do anything, Tavish snapped. He released me, spun around, and headed back to the prison cell. His chest heaved, and his wings spread out, blocking Eldrin’s view of me. He snarled, “Do not threaten Lira again, or I’ll remove your tongue myself.”

“You speaking to me was all that I wanted, Tavish.” Eldrin chuckled. “If you’d just come last night or even first thing this morning, then maybe I wouldn’t have been forced to get you down here.”

I refused to be cut out of this conversation, especially since Eldrin had gotten exactly what he wanted. I stepped into the unlocked cell next to him so I could see the vile man once more.

“I’ve always suspected you were a toddler demanding attention.” I smirked, tilting my head, wanting him to see that I wouldn’t hide behind Tavish. I never had and wouldn’t begin now, even if that was what my mate wanted. “Does your bucket need emptying; is that the issue?”

Eldrin scowled. “This is between my cousin and myself. I won’t waste time speaking to someone so inconsequential.”

“Yet I’m not the one in a prison cell vying for your king’s attention.” I batted my eyes, wanting to push him the way he tried to goad Tavish. “If it helps, no one has asked about you or your well-being. In fact, I doubt anyone cares about your existence.”

“You stupid wildling.” Eldrin’s hands clenched at his sides. “I have more allies than you’ll ever know.”

Tavish snapped, “Unlock Eldrin’s cell. There’s no reason to keep him alive.”

“That would be foolish.” Eldrin straightened. “I haven’t yet told you how Lira can get out of the agreement with the dragon prince. Or is saving her from an eternity with him not worth keeping me alive?”

There it was. The piece of information he’d continue to dangle in front of us. I wanted to watch the bastard bleed to death. Maybe even drain him like he’d wanted to do to me.

“I don’t believe you.” Tavish stepped back so that Finola could unlock the door. “You’re playing with words, trying pathetically to save your life. If you truly know of a way to save Lira from the agreement, tell us now.”

Eldrin smirked like this was what he’d wanted all along. “I know things that would most definitely make the vow that the Seelie princess will marry the dragon prince void. I’m the only fae aware of this fact, and if you want a chance to have a future with your sunscorched beloved, then there are certain vows that I need made by both you and the Seelie king and queen.”

A sour taste filled my mouth. He’d made sure his words were clear and precise so that Tavish wouldn’t dare risk killing him.

---