Page 63 of A Blaze of Fire
Jon said he and the others wanted change, which I interpreted to mean they wanted the pendulum to swing against the Unseelie King and presumably, the Seelie Queen as well. They were thesystem, so to speak. I just wondered why they had so much faith in this last dragon. Didn’t it disappear right when they were being hunted and at the verge of extinction? Why put your faith in a deserter?
I rolled over onto my other side and watched the flickering flame of the stubby candle on my nightstand, the blaze shimmering from the gentle wind that rolled in through the open balcony doors.
As if the dragon part wasn’t bad enough, then there was Kazimir and his cryptic words. Was he in on this … rebellion with Jon? It seemed unlikely since Kazimir was the King’s most loyal subject. But he obviously wanted me to be the dragon. Why?
“God, I don’t understand anyone!” I grumbled and rolled onto my back, where I stared at the ceiling.
And Ansel was stuck in the middle, trying desperately to save me from everyone. I wondered what Alec was doing. I knew he’d protect me, but if it came down to me or his brother, he’d choose Ansel in a heartbeat. No matter how much he’d deny it. I didn’t know their story, but a brotherly bond was still there, buried somewhere deep inside.
Either way, tomorrow was D-day, and I had no idea what was going to happen.
25
ALEC
Istared at my brother for a long moment, trying to keep the pity from my gaze. I knew he loved her. Loved her so much he’d throw it all away just to keep her safe. Unfortunately, I couldn’t let him do that. I’d done too much to keep him alive and carefree thus far to throw it away now.
“What are you planning, brother?” I asked, trying to keep my anger at bay.
He peered over at me. “You don’t have to get involved,” he said. “It’s better if you don’t know in case you’re asked.”
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. “Damnit, Ansel, just tell me what idiotic plan you’ve concocted!”
“It’s not idiotic; it’s a solid plan.” He glared at me. “I’ve received word from the Seelie Queen that she’ll give Vi sanctuary in the Seelie Court. She’ll be safer there.”
I groaned. “For the love of all fae, Ansel, you’ve involved theSeelie Queen?”
“I asked permission,” he argued. “You know she’ll be safer in the Seelie Court—”
“Actually, I know for a fact she won’t,” I cut him off. I scoffed, “You Seelies love to sit up on your high horse and pretend you’re the good guys, but you’ve got it all wrong, brother. All wrong.”
Ansel rolled his eyes. “Let me guess, the Unseelie are a bunch of little angels?” he said sarcastically.
I stiffened my spine. “I never said that, but at least we don’t pretend to be something we’re not.”
“You used to be one of us,” he gritted between his teeth.
I couldn’t stop the flinch at his words. I was a Seelie once upon a time, but all that changed because … because of Ansel. If only he knew.
“You used to be the poster boy for the Seelie!” Ansel nearly shouted. “So you don’t get to act all high and mighty when you know the Unseelie are a bunch of low lifes.”
I narrowed my eyes on him. “Low lifes, huh? Then I guess you shouldn’t go associating yourself with me since I’m so below your caliber.” I took a step toward him, stopping inches from his face. “And who knows? Maybe Violet might happen tolikethis particular low life.”
I saw him move before I felt it, but I didn’t move out of his way. Ansel punched me square in the face and I stumbled back, laughing as I wiped the blood from my busted lip.
“I guess I struck a nerve there, little brother.”
“Stay away from Violet! I’m warning you,” he gritted between his teeth.
I straightened and spat a wad of blood onto the castle’s pristine walkway. “And I’m warningyou, brother, don’t test my patience. You never know when I’ll decide to come out and play.” I grinned wickedly. “Trust me – you won’t like the outcome. So stay in your lane and stay away from Violet. She doesn’t need you playing hero.”
“And what are you trying to play at? Huh?” Ansel countered. “Are you thinking about being her white knight instead?” He laughed. “She’ll never see you as anything other than what you are.”
I glared at him, my jaw tightening and my fists clenched at my sides, but unlike my younger brother, I held myself back.
“You’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing, Alec, and she knows it,” Ansel spat before turning and walking away.
Once he was gone, I walked to the nearest pillar and punched it. My knuckles split open and bled profusely as I released all my rage in that one hit.
