Page 108 of A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash

And he really could not understand how Mal was still standing there, nodding along as if she were actually interested.

How is she not bored of him?

As soon as Zahian turned to gesture towards a pillar in the distance, Mal flicked her gaze to Ash, stuck out her tongue, and crossed her eyes.

Ash nearly choked on air.

The instant Zahian glanced back, Mal’s expression smoothed into calm indifference, her head tilting slightly as if she were truly absorbing whatever nonsense the phoenixian prince was spewing.

Ash fought the urge to laugh. He had never seenthisside of her—not directed at him, at least. He had witnessed it in fleeting glimpses, in the way she teased her brother, but never when she was with anyone else. Was she letting her walls come down? Did she trust him, even a little? Should he be doing thesame?

The thoughts lingered only for a moment before a sudden shift in the atmosphere drew his attention.

At the top of the stone steps leading to the main entrance, his father stood with the queen at his side, lifting a hand to call for silence.

Ash frowned. He had not been informed of any announcement. This picnic was supposed to be a casual affair, nothing more.

A hand touched his arm.

‘Ash,’ Mal murmured, her voice tinged with something that made his stomach coil tighter. ‘Have your parents told you—’

But the king’s voice cut through the gathering before she could finish.

‘Dear friends, I am so pleased you are still here in time for me to make this incredible announcement.’

The words made Ash’s blood run cold.

His father turned to Queen Cyra, his smile warm, triumphant.

‘Our son was joined with Mal Blackburn of House of Shadows, forging a union we never thought possible. Two kingdoms, once divided, now bound together. And fortuitously, another kingdom will soon be joined with our House.’

Ash swallowed hard, confusion lacing his thoughts.

His marriage had already been arranged. There was no other alliance to be made.

Unless—

His blood iced over.

No.

No, they wouldn’t.

Would they?

A hush fell over the garden.

Ash barely breathed. His head snapped towards Mal, and in her eyes, he saw understanding. She already knew.

And then, like a puppet on a string, Alina stepped into view.

She stood behind their parents, her golden horns adorned with white daisies woven into her long hair. She wore a gown of white and gold, the embroidery a masterpiece of phoenixes and dragons, two creatures eternally locked in battle.

Ash’s heart slammed against his ribs.

No.

‘Congratulations to Prince Zahian Noor and our daughter, Alina Acheron, on their engagement!’ The garden erupted into applause. ‘To House of Flames and House of Sun—united at last!’

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