Page 58 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

“What?” Tavish blinked and shifted when there was a click of the lock.

My pulse raced. “Don’t open—” But before I could finish, the door opened, and Finnian rushed inside.

Tavish sat up, completely naked, and his eyes widened as he took in that I was across the room and Nightbane was standing at the edge of the bed.

“Getout,”he shouted.

Finnian froze. His head tilted back, and then he belted out laughter. “Nowthisis a surprise. Nightbane watching and without Lira. What would she—” He followed Tavish’s gaze and saw me standing in front of the closet.

Even though I had my bits covered, the tunic hit midway down my thighs.

Finnian scratched his head. “Okay, with NightbaneandLira watching. I don’t understand.”

Face flushed, Tavish rolled from the bed and landed on his feet. His nostrils flared. “Get the blast out of here before I kill you.”

“I mean, that’s not going to end the entire list of questions I have.” Finnian smirked, rocking back on his heels. “In fact, it might give me even more. Like, what else are you trying to hide here?”

When Tavish’s rage slammed through the bond, I had to do something. I hurried toward Finnian, which caused Tavish to snatch his sword from the floor and aim it at Finnian’s neck. “Get out of here, or I will kill you. Lira isn’t fully dressed. Be glad she’s covered, or you would already be dead.”

“Whoa.” Finnian lifted both hands. “No need to be harsh here.” He smirked like he truly had a death wish.

Wings flapped, and before I could reach the door, Caelan dashed in. “Finnian, what’s taking—” His words died, taking in the situation, now even worse, with a naked Tavish holding a sword at Finnian’s throat.

“Get out of here and shut the blighted door,” Tavish yelled.

Caelan clutched Finnian’s arm, dragging him back into the hallway. Tavish slammed the door. I hurried over to him, needing to calm him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got dressed and tried to finish killing Finnian.

“Tavish, Finnian was supposed to come get you. We have a problem,” Caelan called from the other side of the door. “One that requires both of you immediately.”

My heart sank.No. Not something else. Not again.

20

LIRA

Tavish’s jaw clenched, and I could feel the frustration coming through. “Is it the dragons?”

“No,” Caelan responded.

“Then it can wait.” Tavish resheathed his sword. “It’s early, and I need more time with Lira before the day officially begins.” His gaze landed on me, and he linked,You look blasting sexy wearing my shirt. I think when we do sleep with clothes on, you should wear this and not a nightgown.

Need knotted in my stomach, and I closed the distance between us.

“It can’t, Tav,” Finnian answered. “We just learned how the dragons knew that we would be here.”

My feet stilled, and the floor seemed to tilt underneath me. “What do you mean?”

“At least I have Lira’s attention,” Finnian grumbled. “Tavish has been a slave to her—”

“Are you wanting death?” Tavish bit, his head jerking to the door. “Because if you finish that statement, even our friendship won’t save you. You won’t disrespect Lira that way.”

Something akin to a smack sounded from the other side of the door, followed by Caelan gritting out, “If he doesn’t kill you, I will. Now isn’t the time for your mouth to run rampant. Be quiet.” His voice then grew louder. “We found someone trying to sneak into Aetherglen on the Cuil Dorcha side. We thought the two of you would want to interrogate him before we put him into prison.”

I could read between the lines. They meant before they put him in the same place as Eldrin, who this person must be loyal to.

Must everything disturb our time alone together?Tavish rubbed his forehead and rolled his shoulders. “Finnian, be useful and go find Lira a gown to wear from Mother’s closet. Hurry, and when you return, knock on the door, andI’llopen it wide enough to retrieve it.”

If we hadn’t learned that a traitor had returned to our land, I would’ve found this moment comical, but not right now. We needed to know what this person told Pyralis and everything else that he knew before Eldrin could fill his mind with more propaganda or have him killed.

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