Page 42 of A Touch of Iron
Kazimir tilted his head and smirked. “Are you sure about that, little halfling?”
“Yes,” I replied adamantly.
He chuckled. “You’re still young. Naïve sentimentalities like that are what get you killed. Look at the Alec boy. His ardent attachment to his family enslaved him to the Unseelie Court and his family hates him for it.”
I furrowed my brows, not understanding his implications. “What do you mean?”
“I won’t be the one to tell you if he hasn’t told you by now,” Kazimir said. “Family is a weakness whether you choose to admit it or not. Look at how the King used your mother against you.” He raised his hand. “Speaking of which, you should know he’s pissed that you sent her away.”
For the first time since arriving in the Fae realm, I actually agreed with Kazimir. My mother’s presence here was a vulnerability that had been used against me, forcing me to jump through hoops to secure her freedom and sacrifice someone who was important to me in the process.
Kazimir gave me a knowing look. “You know I’m right.”
“Maybe,” I grumbled. “Doesn’t mean I like it.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “So why didn’t you tell the King the truth about me when you had the opportunity? I’m sure you hated me enough to kill me at that point.”
I snorted. “Glad you know my true feelings.” I shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know why I kept it a secret. Maybe I was afraid of the same things you were.”
He nodded and took a drink. “So you’re notcompletelyclueless. That’s good to know.”
I rolled my eyes and tried really hard not to flip him the bird.
“I heard that you have something in your possession,” he continued, ignoring my irritated expression. “A very valuable item.”
I frowned, and it took me a moment to remember the necklace. How did he know? “Why do you ask?”
“Is it somewhere safe?”
“Yes.”
He dipped his chin. “Good. You don’t want that falling into the wrong hands.”
“What do you care? I thoughtyouof all people would be dying to get your hands on it.”
My father smirked. “I, of all people? It makes sense that you see me as an adversary. But have no fear, little halfling, I have no desire to control you. I’m confident you’ll make your own conclusions that will benefit me.”
My brows furrowed in confusion. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Kazimir took a long swallow, finishing the rest of his drink before slamming the glass on the table. “You will be approached soon by that fellow, Jon. He’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse.”
Visions of mobster movie reels played in my head and my stomach dropped. If it involved Jon, I was pretty sure it had something to do with the rebels. But I couldn’t figure out what connection Kazimir, the King’s right-hand man, had with that group.
“What’s this so-called offer?” I asked skeptically.
Kazimir shrugged. “Freedom. What else does anyone really want?”
I gaped. “Youwant freedom? Freedom from what?”
He waggled a long, skinny finger at me. “That’s not for you to worry about. Just know it’s an offer you should consider taking.”
I edged away from him, as if putting distance between us would remove me from the seditious conversation we were undoubtedly having. “I don’t care what the offer is; I refuse to get involved with the rebels. They want to turn me into something I don’t want to be.” I shuddered. “Everyone wants the last dragon, but I think they have the wrong person. I’m not special. I feel very … plain.”
He laughed and cocked a brow. “Are you supposed to feel special? Because if that’s what you think, you’re sorely mistaken.”
Now I was thoroughly confused. Why were they making such a big deal out of me, then? “So there’s nothing special about being the dragon reincarnated?”
He leaned back against the booth and crossed his arms over his chest. “Do you know the story of the last dragon?”
