Page 88 of The Oracle of Dusk

“Call it whatever you like. I woke to two paladins barging into the room to drag me off and you were nowhere in sight.”

He furrowed his brows.

“I don’t have to explain myself to you.”

“Then we have nothing to discuss,” she said, moving to get around him.

Theron shifted to intercept her. Goddess, if only she could properly control her magic, then she could do as she liked with ease, or at least without so many obstacles.

“Your Majesty—”

“Theron. I asked you to call me by my name.” He raised his chin.

She returned his scowl.

“AndIasked for an apology. It seems neither of us is getting what we want today.”

A vein at his temple began throbbing. Good. He should share in her frustration. He tried to glare her into submission but she wouldn’t bend.

“I was called to an audience by Queen Flora. Afterwards, she set her daughter on me. There was no flirting. There was barely even a discussion, merely a great number of threats. Now then, I have explained myself.” He crossed his arms, clearly put out that he had been forced to do so.

Now it was her turn to feel a little sheepish. That did explain why he wasn’t there when the paladins had come…but it didn’t excuse how he’d treated her afterwards. In fact, it didn’t explain a damn thing about how abominably he’d acted. So what if she’d been upset with him? He’d acted like she’d defaced his family mausoleum.

“I…fine. But what about after that? You treated me horribly for no reason.”

There again, that haunted look, quashed in an instant, replaced by another impressive scowl. What was he hiding?

“I… You made spurious accusations! How was I supposed to react?”

It was a weak excuse. She pressed forward.

“You could have told me what you did just now!”

“And you could have been more reasonable!”

She all but shrieked with indignation.Reasonable?!He’d expected her to be reasonable after the trauma she’d endured? He was lucky she’d been lucid!

“After everything that had happened that day and the night before, I wasn’t in my right mind! What’syourexcuse?!”

“Myexcuse?!Do you think you’re entitled to an explanation for my every word and deed just because you want it?”

Merciful Triad, spare her from arrogant swine.

“And you? Do you think you’re entitled to my forgiveness just becauseyouwant it?”

“I am aking,” he snarled.

“And I don’t give a damn,” she hissed. “If you want my help, you’ll treat me with respect.” She punctuated her point with a finger to his chest. He brushed away her hand.

“And what of the respect I am owed? What of your apology to me?”

Aurora curled her lip.

“Fine!” She stomped her foot, glaring at him and wishing she could burn a hole through his thick skull. “I’m sorry for thinking you owed me anything at all. I’m sorry for thinking you cared about anything more than what you could get out of me. I’m sorry for thinking you could be trusted. I’m sorry for thinking you were capable of true kindness. I’m sorry for thinking there was a man beneath your mask instead of a snake! Now get out of my way!” She pushed passed him, eyes misting with foolish, angry tears.

He grabbed her wrist, spinning her around.

“We’re not done here.”

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