Page 38 of Song of the Heart Scale
“I dare much more than that.” Damien's stance was predatory, coiled with lethal intent. “Step away from my mate.”
Thorne's eyes darted between us, calculating. The scales rippling beneath his skin slightly receded as he straightened his posture, trying to maintain some dignity despite his bloody nose and torn clothing. “Your mate?” he spat.
I pulled myself to my feet despite the throbbing pain in my shoulder. I wiped blood from my lip and stood tall, torn dress and all.
Damien didn't take his eyes off his brother, but his hand reached back to find mine. The moment our fingers intertwined, our twin flame marks blazed with golden light, illuminating the garden with eye-squinting brilliance.
“The marks,” Thorne whispered, his face contorting with rage and disbelief. “So itistrue!”
“It was always true,” Damien said with a voice like gravel. “Father knew it. It was why he took away my dragon bones and… my heart scale.”
“So the exiled prince returns,” Thorne sneered, though he took a step back. “Breaking royal decree by leaving your exile could cost you your head. I let it go at the council meeting, but…”
Damien's laugh was low and dangerous. “Royal decree? From a dead emperor? I think not.”
“My word is law now,” Thorne countered. “If I say–”
“Go ahead, then.” I stepped out from behind Damien, refusing to cower behind my mate. “I dare you. Exile him and let’s see what the people think of their new emperor. You and I have already had this discussion. I’m not a VCR. I hate repeating myself.”
Damien frowned as he looked down at me. “A what?”
I waved him off. “I’ll explain later,” I murmured.
He nodded thoughtfully and looked back at his brother.
“She,” Thorne pointed at me accusingly, “ismine!”
Damien’s growl reverberated in his chest so loudly, I was certain it could be heard all the way inside the main house. “She… isnotyours. She ismine! I dare you to lay another finger on her. Just try it, brother, and I vow you won’t have any fingers left.”
Fury radiated off Thorne in wrathful waves, but he wisely kept silent. It seemed he didn’t have the energy to pick another fight, especially not against Damien, someone who could actually beat him.
“This isn’t over!” he shouted. Kicking his cloak out of the way, he whirled and stormed out of the garden toward his waiting carriage.
We didn’t move until we saw him climb into the carriage and it clambered down the street. Once he was out of sight, we each took a deep breath.
Damien reeled on me, gripping my upper arms and sizing me up and down. “Are you okay?”
I winced at the residual pain in my shoulder. “He got me good here.” I motioned to my shoulder.
“Let me see.” He started to pull my dress down when I stopped him.
“Damien!” I shrieked. “We’re in public!”
He looked around as if realizing his surroundings and nodded. “Apologies.”
“It’s okay,” I chuckled. “Thanks for coming to my rescue. Although I totally had him.” I winked.
Damien snorted. “Sure you did. He was ready to burn you to a crisp.”
I rolled my eyes. “I guess, but I’d totally go out like a Targaryen.”
“Like a what?” Damien furrowed his brows in confusion.
I sighed dramatically, throwing my head back. “We have so much work to do when we get to my world. First order ofbusiness, we have to bingeGame of Thrones. It’s a requirement if you want to be a citizen of the United States of America.”
“Really?” Damien’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Really. Trust me, I’d never steer you wrong,” I said solemnly as I patted him on the shoulder, wincing at the motion of my own.
