Page 53 of Oath of War
The ambassador raised an eyebrow, unfazed. ‘I already told you, Shen’ra. It is not your decision to make. But you are welcome to issue a challenge. I haven’t fought a duel in years, but I’m sure I still remember how to wield a dagger.’
‘This is absurd,’ Talena snapped. ‘She is not your lara’mei, and there will be no challenges.’
Annika let out an exasperated sigh and stepped forward, hands on her hips as she glared at the gathered nobles.
‘I’ve had enough of this nonsense. I’m not sure what you’re all playing at, but you willallcalm down, or I swear I’ll make you regret it. I’m tired, dirty, and my body still aches from all the beatings I’ve been put through. I have no interest in two men measuring the size of their ... daggers, and I’vereallyhad enough of you, Empress.’ Her voice sharpened as she addressed Talena directly. ‘You’ve hated me from the moment you set eyes on me, and you know what? I’m a gnat’s nose hair from sorting this out right now and putting you out of the misery of your existence.’
I pressed my lips together to suppress the laughter that threatened to escape my control. Annika was magnificent, even if she looked like a furious cat hissing at her enemies.
‘My lady—’ Valaram began, but Annika cut him off with a raised hand.
‘Enough! You’re old enough to know better. And you—’ She whirled on Alaric, who suddenly looked sheepish. ‘If you want to play soldier with Valaram, be my guest. I’m going home, and I’m sleeping with the dragon tonight. He’s the only one with any sense left.’
I lost control of my laughter, my sides fit to burst as I looked at Talena’s horrified expression. Annika gave me an accusatory glare before storming down the stairs, Alaric hot on her heels, his face bright red.
My expression sobered once they’d left, my gaze hardening as I turned to the empress. ‘Will you keep your word and fight with Dagome?’
She hesitated, then sighed. ‘Yes. I didn’t expect her to return, so it must be the Dark Mother’s wish that I ally with you. Dagome will have the support of the Care’etavos Empire, though I’ll leave the fighting to my brother,’ she said before gesturing to her guards and nodding to the king as she left. ‘Send a message to Valaram when you’re ready for the war council.’
‘Good,’ I said grimly. ‘Roan Fortress has been obliterated. Dragons, soldiers, civilians—everyone. The place is swarming with spectrae. That’s why I was late. The war has already begun, and we must confront them before more lives are lost.’ I turned to Reynard, gritting my teeth at the still-raw grief. ‘Shall I meet you at the palace to plan?’
He shook his head, his expression sombre. ‘No. Go home, Orm. Be with your family. We’ll need you rested and clearheaded when the council convenes. Just be ready to come when I call for you.’
I nodded, relief washing over me at the reprieve. Ari had anchored Annika, and I was curious to find out what that meant for us. I needed time with my family. After nearly losing them both, I realised my fear was not only for her but also for a roguish fae who’d stealthily stolen my heart.
Isent someone to fetch us some horses and hurried after Annika. When I saw her cuddling Vahin’s neck and stroking his scales, I couldn’t hold back my smile. Gone was the threat of death and destruction, the fury melting away like last year’s snow under her touch.
Alaric rested against the dragon’s paw, his eyes closed and a peaceful expression on his face. The scene was so idyllic that even as Vahin noticed me, I urged him to stay quiet as I crept up behind Ani and swept her off her feet.
She squealed, fire sparking in her palm before vanishing when she realised who it was.
‘How are your injuries, sweetheart?’ I murmured, needing to hold her close.
‘I’ll be fine, Orm,’ she grumbled, though I caught the note of pleasure in her voice. ‘You can put me down. I’m not made of glass.’
Alaric opened his eyes, his crooked smile as familiar as it wasdevastating. ‘No, you are certainly not made of glass,’ he agreed smoothly. ‘Glass would’ve shattered under such duress. You are a pure diamond—precious and unyielding—meant only for those strong enough to hold you.’
Ani blushed, suddenly preoccupied with combing my hair with her fingers. ‘Sweet talker. You think buttering me up will earn my forgiveness after challenging Valaram?’ she asked, but the gentle rebuke did nothing to hide the soft smile she gave him.
‘A hint of jealousy is the spice of life,’ Ari replied, his grin entirely unrepentant. ‘Does it make me a wicked man if I can’t stand how he looks at you? You are mine, Annika.’
‘Oh, she is?’ I quipped, raising an eyebrow, and the devilish man rolled his eyes.
‘Fine—ours. But I’m the only dark fae she’ll ever love.’
‘Really?’ Ani teased. ‘Maybe I’ve acquired a taste for older men. Valaramisa silver fox. All that scheming and charm ...’
‘No, listen to your Anchor,’ I interjected with mock gravity. ‘Alaric is right. And if you want someone older, then look no further than Grandpa Dragon here. His scales are a much better colour than any silver fox.’
Vahin’s tail thumped the ground, startling Annika into clinging to my neck in alarm. ‘I’m notthatold, puny human,’ he rumbled.
With exaggerated solemnity, I bowed. ‘Of course, you aren’t, O eldritch terror born at the dawn of time.’
Vahin’s roar filled the air, his lips pulling back to expose the rows of sharp teeth while unbridled amusement radiated through our bond.
‘You’re a menace, Ormond. A pimple on my arse I tolerate only because you make my Little Flame happy.’
I smiled. ‘And yet you chose me when I needed you most,’ I said, meeting his brilliant blue gaze as he lowered his snout to touch my cheek.
