Page 17 of A Blaze of Fire
“Alec, please,” I pleaded, staring into his incongruent hazel and green eyes. “Ansel can’t come here.”
His jaw tightened and he released my chin. “It’s too late, Vi. All we can do now is prepare. That’s why I told you and didn’t let you get blindsided.”
I blinked in confusion. “Prepare? How?”
Alec gave a casual grin. “Obviously you and Ansel can’t be all snuggled up together like you were in the human realm. If the King finds out about you two … well, you don’t even want to know what he’ll do.”
I gulped. “I’ll keep my distance.”
“I’m not as worried about you. I’m worried about my brother.” Alec plucked a red rose and slid it behind my ear. “But I’ll keep him in line. Don’t you worry your pretty little head.”
* * *
After our strollaround the rose garden, we entered the castle and Rosemary and Rook were back on our heels. We entered the dining hall, which was filled with various fae milling around eating. Their eyes tracked our every move, not flicking from us until we found a table in a darkened corner and took a seat.
“I’ll get your meals,” Rosemary volunteered quickly, then bolted away without waiting to hear our agreement.
“Is it really necessary for her to serve us like that?” I asked hesitantly. “It feels weird.”
“It’s her job, Violet.” Alec placed a crimson cloth napkin on his lap. “Everyone here has their place. So do you.”
“If I didn’t have the orb, I’d just be another halfling languishing at the bottom of the totem pole,” I grumbled.
Alec nodded. “Probably.”
“That’s such elitist bullshit!” I exploded.
“You might call it elitist, but it’s the world we live in.” Alec turned his curious gaze to me. “And it’s the privilege you have.”
I scoffed and opened my mouth to say something brilliant and cutting when Rosemary showed up with our plates.
“Both have been tasted, and they’re safe,” she whispered in our ears.
My eyes widened at the thought of someone poisoning my food. I glanced at Alec, who had already started eating without a care in the world.
“Well, look who we have here.” Sage took a chair across from where Alec and I sat. “Don’t you two look adorable?”
“Cut it out, Sage,” Alec grumbled around a mouthful of food.
Sage grinned and rested her elbow on the table, placing her pointed chin in her hand. “I mean, when do you have the time, Alec? You’re absolutely insatiable. I mean, you’re in bed with me at night, then strolling the castle halls with her during the day! You’re a busy, busy man.”
Alec glared at her but said nothing.
“I’ll have to try not to wear you out. Since I’m sharing you and all,” Sage laughed.
“That’s enough, Sage!” Alec slammed his utensils on the table, drawing the eyes of those nearest our table.
We all jumped a little at Alec’s outburst. He was fuming, but I didn’t understand why he was so mad. From what Ansel told me, everyone knew about Alec and Sage’s little fling. I had no clue what he saw in her, but whatever. That wasn’t my problem. No matter how much she taunted me.
“Someone’s a little touchy,” Sage murmured with a smirk as she leaned back and crossed her long, lean legs. She looked pleased, as if she’d accomplished exactly what she set out to do.
“Rosemary, take Violet back to her room,” Alec commanded, his eyes never leaving Sage.
I was mid-bite in the most heavenly confection I’d ever had the pleasure to ingest. I looked at him incredulously, not sure whyIwas getting the boot whenshewas the one behaving badly. “What? Why? I’m eating!”
“You can eat later,” Alec snapped, then yelled for Rosemary to hurry.
Rosemary grabbed my arm and tried hauling me to my feet, but I was bound and determined to shove as much food as I possibly could into my mouth before leaving. Finally, I dropped my utensil and plate and let Rosemary guide me out of the dining hall. The gathered fae watched me go, leering behind bejeweled fans and whispering about my unseemly behavior.
