Page 65 of A Blaze of Fire
The King laughed. “Your brother – what’s his name?” He looked up at Kazimir.
“Ansel,” Kazimir answered flatly, his eyes never leaving the wall in front of him.
“Ah, yes, Ansel. He’s not your father’s son.”
I froze in place, not knowing what to say or how to answer. I shook my head. “You’re lying. Ansel looks just like my father,” I murmured as if trying to convince myself.
The King placed a delicate hand on his chest. “Icannot lie. And there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for why he looks like your father.” He smirked.
“No,” I answered firmly. “There’s no explanation that would make sense—”
“He’s your uncle’s son,” he cut me off.
I stumbled back as if I’d been slapped in the face. My uncle … my father’s brother … the only traitor in our family who had decided to become Unseelie in his choosing ceremony. But … it was against fae laws for Seelie and Unseelie to fraternize! How?
“This can’t be …” I peered down at my perfectly tailored dress coat, suddenly feeling like a fraud.
“Oh, but it is,” the King said. “But have no fear, Alec. Your family’s secret is safe with me. I’ve also taken the liberty to ensure your uncle’s lips are sealed so he doesn’t say a word. In exchange … well, you know what I want.”
My frown deepened. “But why me? Why does it matter if I’m Seelie or Unseelie?” I regarded the King unflinchingly.
The King sighed. “You really don’t know, do you?” He shook his head in dismay. “Not only are you a fire elemental, but you’re the best the scholars have seen in centuries. No wonder you’re your father’s pride and joy.”
Suddenly, it was like a row of light bulbs went off in my head. “You think I’m the last dragon, don’t you?”
The King’s upper lip twitched, but he kept the placid smile locked on his face. “It’s better to keep you close … just in case.”
I ran a hand through my neatly styled hair, no longer caring about it being perfect. “I’m not the dragon!”
“You don’t know that,” Kazimir argued. “But until we know for sure, it’s better if you come with us.”
“I’ll keep your family secret safe, Alec,” the King promised. “Your mother and half-brother won’t be executed for their misdeeds.”
“My brother did nothing wrong,” I growled.
“Just him being alive is a crime,” the King countered shrewdly. “So what are you going to do?”
I didn’t know what my mother’s story was and I couldn’t ask her now. But one thing was certain: I had to protect Ansel at all costs. If that meant betraying my family and choosing to join the Unseelie Court, that was what I’d do. But if I was going to be branded a traitor, I might as well do it right – cut ties completely. There was no better way than to make him hate me.
“Fine,” I said with resolve. “I’ll defect to the Unseelie Court. Under one condition.”
“Name it,” the King said greedily.
“I want you to guarantee my brother’s safety. No matter what the circumstances.”
The King tilted his head and watched me.
“If the Queen finds out and decides to kill him, there’s nothing we can do—” Kazimir started.
“Even if the Queen wants to kill him, save him!” I yelled, my voice echoing in the small room.
The King gave a throaty laugh. “Very well. I accept your condition.”
“Your Highness!” Kazimir gasped, but the King held up a hand to stop him.
I knew what he was thinking. I hadn’t guaranteed my own safety, but that was okay. I wasn’t worried about myself.
“See you in the Unseelie Court, Alec.” The King winked and stood from the stool. He walked out of the room with Kazimir silently trailing behind him. They were gone in seconds.
