Page 132 of Flameborne: Fury
“Well then, there’s nothing more to be said right now. But this conversation isn’t over, Donavyn. I’m unhappy about Kgosi’s reaction last night. When you return from cornering our enemy, I’ll expect a full debrief—and from this point forward, you reporteverythingthat could impact the dragons, even if it seems petty.”
“Yes, Sire.”
“Good. Then go. You should have flown at dawn. I want these fucking men found and disarmed.”
“Yes, Sire.” I saluted and turned to go, flooded with relief at first. But it was quickly followed by a niggling sense of unease.
I drew up short as Diaan rose to her feet, clearly about to follow me to the door. I glared at her, then turned to face the unhappy King.
“Sire, I recognize I haven’t earned your goodwill tonight, but I do have to ask a favor of you.”
“What is it?” he asked darkly.
“I would ask you to keep this information in confidence.”
His eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“For two reasons: Firstly, I don’t believe she’s wrong to assume suspicious feelings from the men. Her raising was earned, but unorthodox. I don’t want to bring her capability into question.”
The King’s lips pursed. “Frankly, Donavyn, I don’t believe I’ve ever given two shits about what happens personally between the Furyknights.”
I closed my hands to fists at my side. “No, Sire. ButIdo. And perhaps more importantly, if their confidence in herisundermined, it could complicate our plan. On this point, ignorant ranks are effective ranks. And it may assist us in uncovering the mole.”
“How so?”
“Because, if they don’t know how closely she and I are aligned, those working with us—or contacts she develops—won’t see her as so completelymine.They’ll be more willing to open up to her, which could aid her in drawing back the veil on those who might be deceptive.”
The King stared for a moment. “I’ll think on it.”
Damn. “Sire, I’m not—”
“Donavyn, as you very clearly stated, your recent actions have not earned my goodwill. I trust your judgment—usually—and I will not breach this confidence for petty reasons. But willI give you my word I’ll speak nothing on it? That, I need to consider.”
“Yes, Sire,” I said, bowing again, a tangled mix of relief and unease twisting in my guts. “Thank you for hearing me out.”
Then I turned on my heel and marched from the room.
With a word to the guards outside the door, I stalked down the corridor outside, gritting my teeth when I heard the door creak again, and quick, slippered footsteps trotting in my wake.
The Queen.
I wanted to snarl at her to leave me. But the Palace walls had ears. So, I didn’t slow my pace, and didn’t turn.
She caught up, then fell in step, her skirts gathered in those tightly clenched hands because my pace required her to continue trotting to keep up. I marched silently through the Royal wing until I turned down the library corridor where there were no servants or guards, because it was too early for the Royals to be accessing those rooms.
“Donavyn,” she murmured, slightly breathless because she was working to stay with me.
“Don’t.” I bit the word off and didn’t even look at her.
“Donavyn, please stop for a moment and let me—”
“You are my Queen, and I respect your crown. I honor your throne. You may give me any order for the purpose of the Kingdom and be certain I will fulfill it. But do not speak to me as if we arefriends.”
“Donavyn,” she sighed. “Please—”
Halfway down that corridor, she took hold of my elbow, and I didn’t even think. I whirled on her midstep, yanking my sleeve from her grip and taking a step back to put space between us.
“Do nottouch me,”I snarled.
