Page 83 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

“We aren’t asking for instant trust or friendship.” Tavish placed a hand across his chest. “All I ask is that we not fight or live in fear of each other. You are Lira’s people, and I love her with my entire being, which means that I bear you no ill will—unless you threaten Lira. If you threaten her, you’ll wish that I handled you as nicely as King Erdan did that blasting wildling.”

“And he was doing so well,” Finnian whispered loudly.

Finola chuckled quietly. “He’s still Tavish. That will never change.”

“True. Thank Fate for that.”

Remind me to stab him when we’re away from here.Tavish’s jaw clenched.He’s been driving everyone insane, including Brenin.

Father and Mother flew forward, and once again, the four of us hovered in a line.

“I support King Tavish and my daughter’s message. It is time to begin repairing the rift between our peoples.” Father arched a brow. “I will ask once more—are there any volunteers who will help the Unseelie harvest their land once again? They are down significant numbers, and this is a way we can show our support since it was us who forced them from their land.”

There was another pause, and my heart dropped. Tavish and I had both tried to connect with the Seelie, but it hadn’t been enough. I wasn’t sure how we were supposed to have the Unseelie and Seelie come together if they wouldn’t even try at the request of their king.

I deflated, though I tried to give off the impression I was unaffected.

Sprite, this doesn’t change anything between us.Tavish turned and kissed my cheek.I will not give you up for anything—dragons, betrothals, or even if the Unseelie and the Seelie remain enemies.

Why can’t Fate just give us—I started.

“I’ll help the Unseelie,” a woman called out from the back of the crowd. “I’m ahead of my numbers for the week.”

Both of our heads jerked back toward the people. Someone had finally spoken up. It wasn’t much, but at least it wassomebody.

A man near the front raised a hand. “I can help as well.”

One by one, more people volunteered. And each time someone new offered, the surprise in Tavish remained the same. He truly hadn’t expected anyone to help.

When it was all over, one hundred Seelie had volunteered. Even though that was a fraction of the Seelie numbers, it was a huge start.

“Excellent.” Father beamed. “The one hundred volunteers should leave once this meeting concludes and will be rewarded for their contribution.”

My breath stopped. I hadn’t expected Father to reward anyone who helped. I had merely been thankful for him doing what he had today.

A few hushed sounds came from the crowd, but Father and Mother turned and flew back into the dining hall. I followed suit, a sour taste filling my mouth when we flew over blood.

Greason’s fate would haunt me because my betrayal had led to his death.

His death isn’t your fault.Tavish landed on the smooth floor a few steps away.You didn’t make him attack you.

I did disgrace him, and his guard role was taken away.Castle guard was a coveted position since most guards were stationed outside to watch the borders. Even though the dragonswere supposedly our allies and the Unseelie had been kept out by the veil, my parents believed in keeping watch.

A server hurried past me, calling her water magic to wash the blood off the floor.

Father took a seat at the head of the table and gestured for the rest of us to join him. “Please sit. Let’s eat so we can discuss what you’ve learned before you head back and rest.”

Sorcha flew around the table, but Finnian chased after her, catching her arm. Her breath caught as she turned and faced him.

“What are you doing?” she gritted out, though I noticed she didn’t remove her arm from his grasp.

“Just wondering where you might be later.” He winked. “I thought before I head out to battle that maybe we could spend a little time together.”

“Thanks, but I’ll pass.” She jerked her arm away and spun around, retreating.

That was strange. She never acted that way around me.

Placing an arm around my shoulders, Tavish led me to the seat to the right of my father. Our connection sprang to life, generating the soothing buzz between us. As I sat, Nightbane lay at the end of the table between Father and me and huffed.

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