Page 44 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

Eldrin bared his teeth and glared. “You wouldn’t dare risk leaving me.”

He had no clue how much I wanted him dead. If I left him here, I could come back and interrogate him after he’d had a few days here all alone.

“You overestimate your worth.” Lira placed a hand on my chest and continued, “You claim you have information we need, but we have no reason to believe you.”

Eldrin laughed bitterly. “Though your memories and magic have returned, speaking like that invalidates your position among Seelie royalty.”

The edges of my vision darkened, but Lira kissed my cheek and pushed some of her calm toward me.

If it weren’t for her, I’d have already allowed Eldrin to manipulate me into ruining the ruse that he was unimportant.

“Says the man chained and imprisoned.” Lira didn’t miss a beat, and instead of becoming angry, she laughed. “I’m still upset that what you know isn’t important, especially considering how you’re trying to get a reaction from Tavish.”

Even though Lira embodied a strong, confident woman, I could feel the impact Eldrin had made on her soul when he’d attacked her in the bathroom. I’d give anything to go back in time and prevent that happening. It was yet another regret and thing I needed to make up to her for the rest of our lives.

“Don’t play coy with me.” Eldrin lifted his chin. “I know what you’re doing. All of you are dying to learn what I know. Otherwise, you’re stuck marrying an ashbreath sooner rather than later.”

My body coiled for an attack, but Lira just rubbed her hand over my chest. She connected,Thorn, remember the plan. He knows threatening me is the way to get a reaction from you.

And he wasn’t wrong. Still, if I wanted the knowledge he had, I needed to remember the overall strategy. Thank Fate Lira was here. “This is your last chance.” I straightened my shoulders, spreading my wings wide and wrapping the edges around Lira’s body, making sure everyone saw the intimate gesture. “Carry the cù-sìth and ensure he isn’t harmed or get left behind. Those are your only options.”

Eldrin’s jaw clenched, and his eyes flashed with anger. I sensed he was bordering on losing control, which I enjoyed immensely.

“Fine, but you’re going to regret it,” he vowed.

Despite his threat, the benefit of his carrying Nightbane was that the beast would keep him in line. And he’d be so worn out from carrying him, his magic being drained, that he wouldn’t be able to cause trouble before we locked up his wings again.

Thewhooshingof wingbeats sounded from behind me, and I turned to find Hestia by the window we would be vacating from.

“Are we ready to leave?” She surveyed the thirty or so prisoners standing in the hallway. “The villagers are waiting.”

The last thing I wanted to do was release the chains from the prisoners’ wings, but I didn’t have a choice. They had to fly with us. Hating what I needed to say next, I inhaled. “I’d like to have twenty Seelie guards help mine keep an eye on the prisoners. We need to ensure that they don’t try to fly away or do something asinine, resulting in injuries.”

“I’ll make the arrangements now, but the king and queen want Lira to fly in the middle of the group with them where they’re protected on all sides. Of course, you’re welcome to join her.”

“I want her in the safest place as well,” I agreed easily. For now, the Seelie and I were aligned in wanting Lira safe and away from dragons.

Only if you’re with me,she connected, moving in front of me. Her long, wavy blonde hair hung over her light-gray dress. Aside from her vibrant blue eyes, she could easily be an Unseelie.Remember, we stay side by side.

My plan had been to keep an eye on Eldrin. However, I’d made a promise to my mate, one I never wanted to attempt to break even if I were able.I’ll join you, but I’ll need to take a few breaks to check on the prisoners.

She frowned but nodded, knowing what I meant.

Some of the tension ebbed from my shoulders and wings. It was time to return home after so long. “Remove the prisoners’ chains, and if any of them do anything that poses a threat, do not hesitate to kill them.” I tapped into my magic just enough that my words echoed against the walls, making sure that every guard and prisoner heard.

The Unseelie guards sprang into action, pulling out keys and unlocking chains while Finola handled Eldrin. She kept his chains in her left hand, ensuring her right was free. And then Finnian handed Nightbane to Eldrin.

Nightbane huffed and shook his fur, his drool hitting Eldrin’s face.

I’d always tolerated the beast, making sure I trained him to be vicious enough to keep the prisoners in line. Since Lira had come, I’d felt guilty for my treatment of the cù-sìth, and in this moment, I found myself warming to the creature. Anything that could irritate Eldrin made me reconsider my stance about it.

Concern pulsed through Lira. “Finola, I need you to stab Eldrin in the heart if he so much as looks like he’s contemplating letting go of Nightbane.”

“Don’t fret, Your Highness.” Finola bowed her head slightly. “It would be my honor to end his life for any reason.”

Lira’s breath caught, and surprise pulsed from her.She just called me Your Highness.

I did make it clear I plan to marry you and make you their queen, and you’re Seelie royalty.My people would bestow upon her the respect she deserved, like it or not. I’d kill anyone who insulted her from here on out.

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