Page 79 of Flameborne: Fury
~ DONAVYN ~
Something happened.
I didn’t know what. I only knew that as I accompanied the Queen back to the King, my mind was barely on my duties because I was washed in elation and pride and delight for my mate.
But some time later, when we had walked almost back at the castle, the warm rush pulsing in Bren turned cold and something jolted through her fiercely enough for it to stabmyheart.
I stutter-stepped and almost tripped, instinctively gripping Diaan’s arm tighter to my side to help me balance.
She gave a small laugh and patted my forearm with her free hand. “Are you sure you’re well, Donavyn?” she asked good-naturedly as I straightened, my heart thudding hard against my ribs. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you lose your feet—”
“I’m very sorry, Your Majesty. I’ve just remembered… a critical misstep. I have to go back. To warn the squads and… Please, forgive me.”
Diaan looked startled as I pulled away, her hand tighteningon my arm, but I muttered another apology as I turned so she couldn’t see my eyes, barking for the guards that had accompanied us to close tight around the Queen.
She, of course, had no reason to remain specifically with me. Her guard would keep her safe for the walk back to the Palace. And their presence required her to maintain the cool façade she so carefully cultivated. But I saw the question in her eyes.
“I’ll return as quickly as I can—please assure the King that I’ll attend no later than the Council at midnight as he requested,” I said formally, walking backwards from the circle of guards now hovering over her.
“Of course,” she said graciously through her teeth. “But Donavyn, you’re pale. And you stumbled. Is there anything wrong?”
“No, Your Majesty. Just weariness and a forgotten duty that is… necessary, and timely. Thank you for your concern. I’ll see you shortly.”
I turned away and trotted off before she could insist that I explain, back to the Academy. Only to frown the moment I was out of sight around a building, because I couldfeelBren. Feel her agitation and fear andprotest?Yet, she was moving.
I stopped walking, to pause and concentrate. The bond was still new, still finding its place. I didn’t have the precise sense of her that I had of Kgosi. Her location was far more vague to me. Yet, when I closed my eyes and focused…There.
I opened my eyes to find myself facing a line that I knew would return me directly to the stables.
She was running home.
But that wasn’t her home anymore.
Was she running to pack? Or had something happened that made her frightened? And afraid of whom?Of us?
Gritting my teeth, I reached for Kgosi to see if Akhane knew anything, but he was too far away to reach with words.
I was torn for a moment—Bren and I couldn’t risk discovery. But my mate was hurting. Angry. Afraid. And I needed to know why.
Had one of those fuckers hurt her?
I found myself running before I’d given it another thought.
The sense of her grew clearer as I drew closer. She must have been running too, because I should have gained on her much faster. But I weaved between buildings, only certain she headed for the stables because there was precious little else in this direction.
By the time I entered the main aisle of the stables, my sense of her was clearer. She’d remained far ahead of me. Shemusthave been running.
When I reached the stable, the dragons hadn’t yet returned, so I threw the main door closed—a sign to others not to enter—then sprinted across the stable and shoved open the door only to go still, panting, as Bren whirled to face me.
She must have felt me approach, because she didn’t question why I was there, or tell me why I wasn’t needed. Instead, she launched into a teary tirade.
“No matter what happens,” she whisper-screamed, her body shaking visibly. “No matter how good or wonderful it is,everythingis ruined by this blind fuckingpanic,”she hissed, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “It ruins everything, Donavyn!”
I started towards her. “What happened?” I demanded.
“Saul kissed me—or tried to—”
My head snapped back as a crackle of rage andvengeancejolted through me.
