Page 66 of A Blaze of Fire
My heart raced as I realized what I’d just done. I’d become a traitor.
See you on the other side, brother.
27
VIOLET
That night, I barely slept a wink. Right when I finally managed to drift off to sleep what seemed like seconds later, there was a sharp rap on the door and I was hurriedly dressed before being ushered to an arena outside the castle walls. For the first time since I’d arrived, Rosemary dressed me in the Unseelies guards’ customary all-black tactical gear that I’d seen them wear back in the human realm. Although a few here and there wore it while strolling around in the Unseelie Court, the fae here usually dressed in formal tunics and dresses.
I hadn’t seen Ansel or Alec since I was hustled out of my room that morning, but Rook was glued to my side. To say I was nervous was the understatement of the year. I was more than nervous; I was terrified. But on the outside, I played it off like I wasn’t bothered by anything happening around me. I refused to show them how scared I was. Any sign of weakness would be used against me, and I already had too many disadvantages.
The arena was a mile outside the castle walls and the walk there gave me plenty of time to think … about a whole lot of nothing. Truth be told, instead of centering myself, I was mentally freaking out.
Rook placed a strong hand on my shoulder and gave a comforting squeeze. “You’ll be okay, Lady Violet.”
“Not if they stone me to death,” I moaned.
“There won’t be any stones for them to throw. And if there are, I’ll protect you,” he stated calmly.
“Thanks,” I mumbled. “But I don’t want you getting hurt.”
“It’s my job to get hurt, Lady Violet.”
I peered over at him. “No. We’re officially changing your job description.”
Finally, we arrived at the arena and Rook escorted me through a tunnel that led to the center of the arena where my demonstration would take place. The seats were already filled with a jostling crowd of Unseelies from all over the Court. I searched the crowd in vain for a glimpse of Ansel or Alec but didn’t find them anywhere. My worry mounted and I thought back to the conversation they had yesterday after I was dismissed to go to the dining hall. I didn’t want them fighting, much less about this.
Or me.
“I’ll be over there,” Rook said, pointing to the sidelines, “so if you need anything, just know I’m here.” His voice was uncharacteristically caring, and I was slightly taken aback. Maybe I was growing on him.
I stood in the center of a grassy field with several levels of stadium bleachers ringing the arena. Thankfully it wasn’t as large as a football stadium back in the human realm, so I didn’t feel like I was being scrutinized by millions, but it was still unnerving knowing everyone’s attention was riveted on me. I watched as the Unseelie King and Kazimir took their seats in what I assumed was a VIP section. Once the crowd quieted down, the King stood and addressed the spectators.
“As many of you are aware, rumors are floating around the fae realm that the last dragon has returned.”
When whoops and cheers rang out through the stadium, a flicker of irritation flashed on the King’s handsome face. Impatiently, he raised a hand and the crowd quieted.
“Unfortunately, although I hate to be the bearer of bad news, these are unfounded rumors.” Rumbling murmurs rippled among the crowd. “The one at the center of this rumor is our newest guest to the Unseelie Court, the lovely Lady Violet.” He nodded at me. “She has been gracious enough to agree to perform a demonstration today to prove that she isnotthe last dragon you all believe her to be.”
Shocked whispers spread and the crowd became agitated. They came here today because they wanted to see the dragon, and now they weren’t getting what they thought they were promised.
My hands were clammy, and I felt sick. I scanned the rowdy crowd again before my gaze landed on the King. Drifting to a spot over his left shoulder, my eyes widened when I saw Ansel sitting in the VIP section.
How could I have forgotten? As a special guest of the King and the Seelie representative to the Unseelie Court, it was his privilege to sit with the King. I was surprised I’d missed him earlier.
My eyes trailed through the crowd again, searching for Alec. Suddenly there he stood beside Rook. He must have just arrived. I spun back around to face the King and waited for his signal.
“When you’re ready, Lady Violet,” he urged with an imperious wave of his hand.
I knew what he was saying …Begin. Show us you’re a fraud.
The crowd quieted and I glanced down at my hands, rubbing them together nervously. “Okay. Let’s do this,” I murmured to myself.
Shaking out my last jitters, I set my hands ablaze and let the inferno slide up my arms. In one swift motion, I shot fire out of my hands, angling a stream across the arena. I opened my mouth to allow the flames to pour out, but all I did was cough. I felt silly. There was no way I could make fire come out of my mouth, even if I wanted to.
The crowd was impatient and unruly, voicing their displeasure. What I was showing them was child’s play. Any fire elemental who knew the basics could do what I was doing. There was nothing special about me.
Fighting my rising panic, I attempted again. Nothing came out.
