Page 6 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

I sucked in a breath. He’d proclaimed I was to be their queen. Even though I wanted to be with him in every way, for some reason, being queen hadn’t actually crossed my mind. And in that moment, I realized it was because I suspected that the Unseelie would never acknowledge me that way. Yet Tavish stood here, emphasizing exactly what he saw my future role to be.

He placed an arm over my shoulder and turned me, wrapping his wings around me affectionately.

He continued, unfazed, “I cast the illusion magic, but only on the traitors. If an arrow was shot, it should have been aimed at me. That would’ve been wiser than attacking my beloved.”

Whispers shot throughout the village as everyone turned, searching for the person who would face the wrath of their king.

“The woman who is responsible, come forward now or face a more painful punishment.” Tavish quieted, letting the echo of his voice resound.

But then there was silence.

Can you pick the woman out?Tavish asked.

I could, but I can’t fly to search for her.The village wasn’t large, but walking it on foot would take significant time. If I could fly, it would be easier, but my wings were too damaged to chance that.

“If someone doesn’t point the woman out or she doesn’t come forward herself, the entire kingdom will be punished.” Tavish clenched his jaw, making sure he slowly scanned the entire crowd so the people all felt like he was looking right at them. “Attacking Lira will always be a punishable offense.”

“I know who it was.” A man flew upward from the center of the village. “I can bring her to you.” He turned, racing toward the sea near where I’d been shot, which added credibility to his claim.

The next few minutes felt like an eternity, and then three men dragged the woman who had attacked me toward us.

Is that her?Tavish linked.

I nodded.But we should question her before doing anything rash. Find the stash of weapons that Eldrin hid to use against us. They’re still out there and need to be recovered before someone else is injured.

The woman tried to yank free from the men holding tightly to her wrists. A woman flew behind her, holding a dagger in case she tried to escape us once more.

Finally, they landed on the first step in front of us. The lady scowled at us, showing no fear.

“Do you feel remorse for what you’ve done to my mate?” Tavish arched a brow, watching her every move and expression.

“She’s a Seelie wildling. I don’t feel anything but hatred toward her!” The woman spat at my feet.

Tavish removed his sword from his sheath and stabbed her in the side. “Your punishment is death, but not until you’ve felt more pain than Lira has endured tonight.” He gestured to the windows. “Take her to a different cell from Eldrin. The two of them shouldn’t share with anyone else if it comes to grouping people together. I want to enjoy breaking her, and then I’ll return to assist in taking care of this.” He gestured to the dead bodies on the ground.

I glanced at each person who’d died in vain, especially the seven the dragon prince had burned without any remorse before grabbing my sister and flying away. My breathing grew shallow.

Finnian’s and Lorne’s charred faces surged into my mind. And Caelan, hauling Eldrin into the castle with his injured wingso that Tavish could go after Eiric—er, me. So many people that I cared about could perish, and I couldn’t access my healing magic. I needed to do something, even if it was only to help give them water.

Let’s get you tended to,Tavish connected tenderly.Blood is still dripping from your wings. It’s one reason that you’re weak and struggling.

He wanted me to take care of myself, and the benefit of doing that was that I could help the others. Caelan and Finnian already knew my secret, so there was no increased risk in healing them.

As I readied to follow my mate’s instructions, the Unseelie began to shout, “Fates, no” and “Blighted abyss” and, “Princess Lira, please protect us.”

My stomach dropped. Had Pyralis returned to get me?

However, when I spun around, I saw a sight that made me even more heartsick.

3

LIRA

Out of every possibility, of course this was when the Seelie would arrive.

Two people flew in front, leading the massive army. In the darkness, their golden armor and appearance looked comparable to the Unseelie guard, further proof that we were similar people who merely held different sorts of magic.

I had no doubt that the two in front were Mom and Dad, but from this far away, their features weren’t easily distinguishable.

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