Page 22 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

Finola had slipped the key into the lock when Tavish said, “Stop. Don’t open it.”

Of course, that made Eldrin smirk even more. I’d never experienced the amount of hatred in my life that I held for this man. I wouldn’t put it past myself to dance over his dead body once we were relieved of his vile breath.

Stepping back, Finola placed the key back into her pocket and glanced at Struan. A strange expression crossed between them.

“What are your terms?” Tavish lifted his chin, and disgust seeped through our bond.

“No one kills me.” Eldrin shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. “I get to live for eternity with the protection of Unseelie guards of my choosing.”

Tavish laughed loudly and bitterly. “Like that will blasting happen. Your presence is a disgrace to every fae alive. You don’t respect our magic or how the system works.”

“It’s the only agreement I’m willing to make.” Eldrin shrugged. “Kill me now and spend what little bit of time you have left with yourfated mate,or allow me to live and have her by your side for your time here in Ardanos.”

I didn’t miss that he didn’t mention anything about obeying Tavish. If the pompous ass remained alive, he’d never stop trying to steal Tavish’s throne from him and would continue to pit Unseelie against Seelie, keeping the cycle of hate and distrust going.

“You don’t even have the king’s sword, Tavish.” Eldrin wrinkled his nose. “The Seelie are taking everything from us one day at a time.”

He was trying to get into Tavish’s head. He’d been gaslighting him his entire life.Tavish, he’s manipulating you.

I know.Tavish smiled, though it didn’t meet his eyes. “Well, I’ve heard enough.” He folded his wings into his back and held out his hand to me. “Let’s go get breakfast with the Seelie king and queen.”

I swallowed my laughter, loving the words he’d tossed out just for Eldrin’s benefit.

Obliging, I strolled away from the cell and took his hand, and the two of us headed back to the main castle.

“Enjoy it, Tavish, while you can,” Eldrin called. “Because one day soon, you’ll be desperate for this information.”

Wrapped in Tavish’s arms, I could feel my magic pulsing stronger within me. We had two people who could benefit from the healing that might be enough to help.

The two of us enjoyed the walk, making sure that Eldrin could hear us move farther and farther away. Something he wouldn’t be able to do for a long time. Finola followed us, and Struan and the other guard stayed behind to keep watch over Eldrin.

As we passed the bedchamber, I stopped in my tracks, catching Tavish by surprise. I turned to Finola and smiled, thankful to see her a little closer to her normal self. “Do you mind standing guard for a while? I need to be alone with Tavish.”

We should eat, but I do believe I can hold off for a few more minutes.Tavish’s eyes lightened to the light gray they did when he was alone with me.

I’m glad.I winked, knowing exactly what I planned to do when we got behind closed doors.

“Yes, of course.” Finola took her usual spot by the door as the two of us entered.

As soon as the door shut, Tavish pulled me against him, leaning down to kiss me.

Nightbane huffed, making his displeasure known. He wouldn’t have to worry about that for long.

I spun Tavish around and shoved him against the wall, letting him feel the frustration and anger boiling inside me, making him realize he’d misread the situation completely. “Because what you did earlier isnotacceptable.”

He winced, preparing for the inevitable.

8

LIRA

Maybe I should temper my frustration with him, but I couldn’t bring myself to even attempt to do that. Instead, I found myself pressing a finger into his chest and hissing, “You left me behind so you could face a threat alone. What thehellwas that?”

Nightbane jogged to my side, growling faintly. I could hear the confusion in his voice despite him not saying words. He had accepted that Tavish was one of my people, even if it had been begrudgingly, and he wasn’t used to us fighting like this anymore.

He exhaled, his breath hitting my face. “Sprite, I had no doubt Eldrin was behind this when Struan mentioned the woman was dying. I don’t want you anywhere near the wretched man.”

“And you think I want you near him?” I dug my finger in a little harder, wanting to make a point in any and every way possible. “I thought we were equals and going to stand beside one another?” My voice cracked as my heart sank.

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