Page 24 of Iris of the Crowned Flame

Ethan and I laughed. “He never won any favor with my mother, and we certainly haven’t been on the best terms either. Perhaps you’d be able to help me tame him.”

We switched back to our small talk, and it finally felt easy to talk with Frederick. I suspected that he was worried that I respected his distant cousin, and that was why he was so careful with sharing with me.

Once our plates were cleared, we sat back with an after-dinner drink and settled in for some more chatting. Or at least, I thought we had. Frederick cleared his throat and asked me if I would take some advice from him. I placed my fork down, sensing that this would be both interesting and serious. I nodded as I dab my face with my napkin.

“I appreciate you listening to me. I’ve been sitting on this since last night, unsure of what to make of it. Ultimately, I think the risk of sounding ridiculous outweighs the risk if my fear should come true.” He paused, as if to consider how to share the next bit of information.

This was about Egan. My choice of that man was starting to seem like a mistake. I really needed to figure out why Lord Denenbaum brought this person to my home. I glanced at Ethan, and his face wore a look of irritated weariness.

Frederick started again. “When I tackled Egan to the ground, he made that weird sound, do you remember?”

I nodded.

“He also did something weird. Very strange. I don’t know how else to explain it other than it felt like he struck me with lightning. I know that sounds impossible, and trust me, I wish it were. I have a char mark on my arm from where he was touching me, and I felt… whatever it was, enter my body.”

He rolls up his sleeve to show the bright pink burn mark, zigzagging across his forearm.

“I don’t know what to make of this, but I would be dismayed if he hurt you in the same way. I need to make sure you take all the precautions that are necessary, so sharing this seems like the best way for you to be prepared.”

I looked at Ethan, and he looked as sick as I felt. Immediately, I knew we both were considering the mark on Mother. “Frederick, thank you.”

I reached my hand out to his. “I certainly understand your confusion and concern. Thank you for sharing that with me. Have you seen the physician for this?”

Frederick shook his head no. “I’m afraid I haven’t. I’m not sure what they could do. It only hurt in the moment; it’s merely a mark now.”

“Ok. I am afraid that these dinners may change, though I’m not sure in what way. I don’t want you to think that it’s punishment for you for sharing this. It will be purely to maintain a sense of fairness while I figure out how to maintain my security, considering this behavior.”

Frederick nodded. “I understand. I will miss your company in the evenings, but I will always want your safety ahead of my pleasure.”

“I certainly appreciate that, and the courage it took to share something that would sound outlandish if one wasn’t there to witness the scuffle. Thank you.”

He stood, tucked his chair into the table, and then moved behind my chair to help me stand. I took his hand, and he leaned in to kiss it. “If I may be so bold as to request a kiss goodnight?”

Ethan cleared his throat. “I don’t think that’s a wise idea.”

I bit back a smile, appreciative of Ethan speaking up before I had to reject him.

“Oh–oh yes, yes, of course. My deepest apologies. I did not mean to be disrespectful.”

“Thank you. I received no disrespect. However, I must unfortunately end our evening. I have an early meeting in the morning.” I tried to give Frederick a simple escape, which he took.

Frederick bowed and left. “I look forward to the next time we have this opportunity, and I truly hope it’s not too long.”

I offered him a smile as he left. As soon as the doors closed, I turned to Ethan.

“Ready for the next meeting?” I smiled wryly.

Ethan held his elbow out and replied, “When you are.”

With that, we walked to my chambers to meet with Spencer, Ivy, and Amyra.

We were the last to arrive at my chambers. It felt right to walk in and see Spencer, Amyra, and Ivy sitting around a table, talking in a relaxed way. I realized that if this ended up being the rest of my life, people I cherished would surround me. It would be a good life.

As Ethan and I sat down, Spencer wasted no time, asking as soon as the door closed, “Have you found anything useful to understand what I saw last night?”

I could see the anticipation in his eyes and the apprehension in his posture. Frederick said nothing happened today, but I wondered if something did. “Yes, and no.”

I prepared myself a cup of tea before sitting down, knowing this conversation would be heavy and I needed something to grasp in my hands.

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