Page 70 of Flameborne: Fury
I turned, stilted, wobbling as I took the first step towards the door and Donavyn fell in step with me, letting his voice drop to a low mutter.
“Tell Ronen what’s happened. And I’m to be informed the moment they’re ready to raise you.”
I nodded, grieving that we had to walk so quickly. Even in the King’s massive chamber, we’d be at the door in seconds.
“Don—I mean,Sir,I’m—”
“Nothing has changed, Bren,” he breathed, dropping his gaze to stare at me from the corner of his eye. “Our duties call and we will fulfill them. Butnothingelse has changed. Do you remember your orders?”
Pack your bags… move into my apartment… you’re not spending one more damned night in that stable.
I nodded quickly. “But, the Raising—”
“Prepare what you can until it’s ready. Finish other tasks afterwards. These are incredible, important times, but we keep moving. Yes?”
“Yes,Sir,”I said quietly.
His step caught, but he plowed on, leading me to the door, taking hold of it like it was a prison cell, pulling it open and ushering me through—though he didn’t follow.
There was a moment, only a moment, to stand at his toes and look up, to see the care and ache andlovepooling in his gaze, to feel the rush of him in the bond. Then he nodded.
“Go,” he whispered. “Before I bend you over the royal lounge and scandalize the King and Queen.”
I spluttered as he winked, then he was closing the door, the King’s voice rising behind him, grabbing his attention so he turned away and the wide, wooden, ornate door closed between us with a decisive thunk, leaving mealone.
For a moment, I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. But I was very aware of the Guards behind me in the hallway, watching me curiously. So, I straightened my dirty jacket, combed my fingers through my hair, and started down the corridor, pretending my heart didn’t pound with panic.
It would only be hours until we were together. He wasn’t leaving without me. He’d told the King I was needed. He’d commended my conduct.
He loved me.
Every fiber in me shrieked to find a reason to go back, to reunite, tocling.But I gritted my teeth and forced myself to keep walking away.
‘Your mate is safe, and well, and yearns for you as deeply as you yearn for him. Be at ease, Little Flame.’Akhane’s sweet voice was tempered with her own agitation. I was touched that she made room to think of mine.
‘Thank you. Please tell Kgosi to pass on that I am eager to see him again as soon as possible.’
Akhane gave a little huff.‘Oh, he knows. He sends that you’ll find a key to his apartment under the potted plant in the alcove on his floor. Make certain no one sees you retrieve it. And…’
There was a hesitation from her, then suddenly, in Donavyn’s voice, the growled instruction,‘After the ceremony, wait there for me.’
I stumbled, biting my lip, simultaneously overjoyed and frantic, because Akhane had heard Kgosi’s memory of Donavyn speaking the words, and passed it to me.
27. No Loss
~ DONAVYN ~
Leaving Bren at the door and walking away felt like tearing off a limb. The ache was so acute when I felt her moving away, I stumbled a step.
Diaan gave me a raised brow, but Alexi frowned. “How many days has it been since you slept?”
“I’ve slept. Just not enough. But don’t worry. I’m fine.”
Diaan looked sharply at her husband. The King ignored her. “I’m certain you are—but I insist you sleep a few hours tonight. I need you sharp. It’s too late to launch an offensive before daylight, anyway.”
I frowned. “You’re taking this very calmly.”
Alexi scowled. “I’m not calm. I’m furious. Iknewthat rat-bastard was planning something.”
