Page 69 of A Blaze of Fire
The King grunted and laughed. “If that’s what you believe, then you’re more naïve than I thought. That halfling is a viper.” His pale eyes flashed and he leaned forward, clutching the armrest of this throne.
My mouth fell open in shock. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! Then I realized neither Kazimir nor Ansel was defending her, when surely, we all knew how innocently human she really was.
Was I naïve?
WasIthe foolish one?
I looked over at Ansel and watched as he stood still, staring stoically at the King without a glimmer of passion. Not a twitch in sight. Was I, Alec, the one getting overly emotional? I couldn’t believe this! What the hell happened to me?
“I think what the boy is trying to say, Your Highness,” Kazimir started with the barest trace of a smile, “is that she doesn’t pose a threat as of now. She’s like a slab of clay, Your Highness. Mold her to your will.”
“Hmm.” The King hummed and considered the words of his most trusted general. I remained quiet, even though I grew angrier with each passing word as they discussed Violet’s fate. “Very well,” the King answered. “I’ll keep her alive for now.” He glanced at Ansel as if they had an understanding, then turned his attention back to Kazimir. “We’ll continue to train her, but I want you to keep a close eye on her. No funny business.”
Kazimir bowed. “Of course, Your Highness.”
“Andyou,” the King pointed at me, “remember where your loyalty lies.” He glared at me with a knowing look. There was more he wanted to say but couldn’t because Ansel was in the room. But I understood the threat clearly.
“Yes, Your Highness.” I bowed stiffly. The King dismissed me with an imperious wave and I turned to exit, then noticed I was the only one leaving the throne room. “Ansel?” I called after my brother, preparing to rip him a new one the instant we were out of earshot.
He looked over at me hesitantly. “There’s something else I need to discuss with the King. I’ll be out shortly.”
I frowned but kept quiet. I was in no position to pry in front of this audience. I walked out slowly and closed the double doors behind me, straining to hear the words being uttered but failing dismally.
What could Anselpossiblyneed to speak to the King and Kazimir about?
29
VIOLET
Islept far longer than I was supposed to. According to Rosemary, who had stayed by my side, I was out for twenty-four hours. Rook had maintained a steady presence outside my door. I felt bad that they had to go without sleep to keep me safe, but I was also extremely grateful that someone was there when I was at my most vulnerable. I wished there was something I could do or give them to show how much I appreciated everything they did for me on a daily basis.
As her last chore before transferring babysitting duties to Alec so she and Rook could get some rest, Rosemary was helping me get dressed. “You need to look extra pretty today,” she noted.
I raised a skeptical brow in the mirror as I glanced down at the crimson dress I wore. The flimsy material plunged in the front and exposed my entire back, stopping just short of the two dimples above my ass. The material was skin-tight and gossamer thin, which meant I couldn’t wear any undergarments. I was practically naked.
Confused, I asked, “Why? Frankly, I don’t feel up to being on display like this today. I’m still a bit weak.”
Rosemary frowned. “I’m sorry, Lady Violet. I wish you could have more time to rest, but the Unseelie are anxiously awaiting your arrival. Plus, the King has a party scheduled today in your honor.”
I sighed. “They all believe I’m this long-lost dragon,” I mumbled. “But I’m not.”
Rosemary stood before me, her peculiar eyes blinking rapidly as she offered a sincere smile. “Whether you are or aren’t, it doesn’t matter, Lady Violet.” She gingerly grasped my hands in her tiny ones and patted them gently. “You arehope. And that’s all the fae need right now.”
Her statement confused me. As a Low Fae, Rosemary didn’t have elemental magic. So how did this affect her? What did this so-calledhopemean to her? I wanted to ask, but before I could, there was a knock on the door. After giving her hands a gentle squeeze and a promise to finish our conversation later, I called out for my visitor to enter.
Alec entered my room dressed in his finest clothing and dress coat, ready to escort me to wherever it was I was supposed to go next. I’d had breakfast and lunch in my room, so I assumed we were heading to the party the King was throwing for me.
Alec took me in from head to toe, his eyes raking up my body in a slow, appreciative perusal. “Are you ready?”
His gaze made me feel more naked than I already did. I fidgeted. “Yeah, I’m ready.”
Rosemary adjusted the curls in my ponytail one last time before declaring me finished and ready to go. “You look beautiful, Lady Violet. Enjoy your evening.”
Struck by the sincerity in her smile, I couldn’t help but smile back. “Thank you, Rose. I hope you and Rook get some rest.”
Alec gestured for me to lead the way to the door, then held out his arm for me to hold onto as he escorted me down the hallway toward the throne room.
I was surprised I hadn’t heard anything from my room, because once we hit the hallway, the castle seemed to be in an uproar – but in a good way. Music and laughter rang through the halls and a boisterous celebration was in full swing. It reminded me of the nights when Alec used to take me to the village to let off some steam.
