Page 96 of Flameborne: Fury
‘I love you too, Bren.’
She said it so simply, so earnestly, and with no self-consciousness, it stopped me in my tracks. I was only halfway up the first flight of stairs in Donavyn’s building, and I had to take a moment, blinking back the pinch and blur of tears, and breathing through the tightness in my chest, before I mounted the final staircase and reached the door into the third floor where Donavyn’s quarters were housed, right at the top of the building, and one of only two apartments on this wing.
As I swung that door open and stepped into the wide, dim hallway beyond it, I let the thoughts of all the complications and questions fall away. I was about to return to my mate’s arms. And his bed.
My heart thrilled and I hurried down the corridor towards Donavyn’s door. He was home now, Kgosi said, and asking for me. My heart pattered against my ribs. I smiled, thrilled to be back with him and have an hour or two to—
As I reached the alcove a few feet from the entrance to his apartment, his door opened with a creak. I beamed and hurried forward, expecting the shadow within to coalesce into Donavyn,only to stagger to a halt as a smaller, thinner, hourglass form slipped out of the door and turned to close it behind her.
My heart stopped.
My head stammered that it was simply a servant, someone who’d been sent to help him. But when the woman turned towards the stairs and caught sight of me standing there, she drew to a halt as well, her divided skirts swinging because she’d stopped abruptly.
I blinked, as she arched one brow in a measuring glance that I didn’t understand, but felt to my bones.
She looked familiar, but I couldn’t place her.
Ruin’s girl?my cursed mind tentatively offered.
My heart hammered, but no. She was older. Her dark hair fell in loose waves down her back, and she wore very fine clothes.
It’s a riding habit,my mind provided.For riding horses. Like the one Ruin’s girl wore when—
She tilted her head and her lips pulled up on one side in a patronizing smile and I gasped as recognition hit.
The Queen.It was the Queen. Here. Without guards. In Donavyn’s apartment.
I blinked and my mind catalogued the details in a flash.
Flushed cheeks. Bright eyes. Hair down. Plain clothes.
“Your M-Majesty!” I stammered, dropping into a wobbling curtsey. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t recognize you!” I hushed as I straightened, keeping my eyes low. “Please forgive me. I was given orders to report for flight early this morn—”
I heard her sigh heavily. “No need to lie to me, Bren. He told me your secret. I know why you’re here.”
The words doused me and stole my breath like winter river water. Without thought I looked up at her in horror.
Shesmiled.“Don’t worry yourself. I’ll keep your confidence—for his sake, and for yours,” she drawled with a dismissive flap of her elegant hand. “Regardless of your humble beginning,I want to see a woman show these men a thing or two. And it appears you have some very real skill. I hadn’t even planned to tell you that I knew. But perhaps it’s for the best that you know he keeps nothing from me.”
I gaped at her, ribs crumbling, leaving my heart exposed and singing with pain.
Her smile grew sharp. “I’m glad that working in a man’s world hasn’t dulled your womanly wiles. Yes, your instincts are correct. But don’t let it worry you too much. He’s convinced himself that his loyalty has shifted to you.” She gave me a dismissive glance down her nose and her smile grew tight. “A young, nubile body will do that to a man. For a time.”
She was inches taller than me and leaned down then until our noses were level, giving me a clear view of her reddened cheeks and the wisps of hair that had been loosened from the twist over her ears. She made a point of looking over her shoulder and over mine, checking that no one else had approached, then gazed at me like we shared a secret.
“I know you’re young, and likely inexperienced with men. Especially men of power. So, for your own sake, take my advice: his heart will only ever be on loan to you, dear. But I encourage you to enjoy it while you can.”
The bondscreamed,humming like glass under pressure, threatening to shatter as the fear and anguish rose within me and I fought it.
“H-he’s a good m-man. He wouldn’t—”
The Queen made a quick, dismissive gesture with one hand and I flinched, cutting off my words. “Something you’ll learn about powerful men is that they grow bored quickly. The King? When we were courting, his bloodblazedfor mine. He couldn’t look away. He vowed he would give me the world. And he has. And he continues to. No matter the toys he might have, it is I whom he trusts and I whom he protects. The young ones comeand go. I remain.” She smiled at me like I was a child. “Still, it’s also true that the fire between us haseased.”
Then she straightened again and looked down her nose at me, and instead of the pride and excitement I’d felt moments ago walking across the Keep in my fresh leathers and new pin, I felt like a dirty, scruffy, child in a farmyard under the eyes of the Queen. Her lips pursed and she tipped her head as if considering whether to speak further.
Then she did, and I wished so desperately that she hadn’t.
“Donavyn is taken with you at the moment, and I am practical enough to share. I have my toys too,” she said casually, flipping that graceful hand like the detail was a fly buzzing at her ear. “Don’t worry about ill-will. While I wouldn’t bother with a youngmanin your position, as a woman, I want to see you strive and win. Therefore, I’ll help you on this path. And my first offering is the benefit of my wisdom and experience, child: use this time. Use his power while you can. Advance yourselfnow.Because in a few months he’ll tire. By then, you need to have established your place apart from him—and don’t take it personally when he comes to me. It’s not your failing. It’s what men do. Remember that.”
