I hear a scoff escape Octavian’s lip, unsure if he’s impressed or pissed that I am not standing down. I don’t owe them anything. I don’t oweheranything.
“I am your Queen, whether you like it or not. You are in Azure, and I am the ruler of all the Realms. I have the power in my hands whether you live or die. Whether your sister livesor dies.”
“Then why haven’t you killed me!”
“Because I believe those stones map out exactly what the Gods wrote for us. I believe the message is inside those stones, the map to lead us to vanish the curses for good. I need you, as you need me!”
“I need to see Florian.” My fingernails dig into my palms the longer I lock eye contact with her dark emerald eyes. “I must see him.”
“You will see him when I allow it.”
“I need to know what this is!” My throat burns by my scream as I point towards the stone. My palm drips blood down against her floor. “I believeI sawmy memories. But I don’t remember any of it!”
“The stones would have never shown you that.”
I stride towards her with rage. “And how the hell would you know that!” I hiss, rage scorching the depths of my throat as my veins bulge against my neck. My eyes burn as they widen, and I can hear the clinging of metal from the guards' suits hustling towards us but the Queen holds out her burnt palm, ordering them to stand down.
“Because those stones are from the Gods of the Realms. When the last Deskyiara fell, the stones were in the hearts of each horse that fell from the sky that day. A power that courses through them for only the Prophecy Queen. Why would the stones ever hold memories?”
“You believe in that shit too?” My nostrils collapse as I suck in a deep breath. “It's a children’s tale, Koen told me it's all a lie.”
“And you’d believe Koen over the Queen of Azure?”
“I trust Koen over you. Yes.”
“Are you sure about that?” A brow of hers rises, and walks around me, her dress gracefully gliding over the floor, smearing my blood. “I’d suggest… you come with us to the oracles once I hear from them. I promise, we might find the answers we both seek. Trust me on this.”
I’d never trust this damn Queen.
“That’s what Koen said as well.” My chin follows her path. “I don’t want the language of the flames on my skin, and I have yet to receive any answers I am looking for.”
“And yet you still trust him.” She halts at the door besides Octavian.
My chest constricts. “He has protected me.”
“But has he?”
The knot inside my throat grows with each word.
She straightens her back, chin lifting high. “We can protect you, if you work with us. For us. I know that curse of yours can help the Realm.” Her lips slightly form a smile. “I promise you the oracles can help you. Help us understand what this is. Let's work together.”
My boots beat against the floor as I stride towards them. “I will come, but I will not let them burn me. Do you understand?”
She nods.
“But also, only if you promise to allow Koen or Florian to travel back to the archives in the Ice Nation.” I suck in a deep breath. “And if you promise to never make Florian shift ever again.Do you understand?”
Her eyes widen in pure amusement at my words. “My,my… Florian was right about you.”
“What did he say about me?” I hiss, swallowing all the pain I feel away.
“You have a hot temper. Not afraid to speak your mind.” Her brows lift. “I suppose this is why the brothers admire you.”
Of course he said that.I ignore her words on purpose. “Do we have a deal?”
She grunts, her finger gliding along her chin in thought. “I will allow this. They have one trip to find what they need and for Florian, as long as you do what I say with the oracles and what I say in the games, you have my word.” She nods, her handgesturing outwards as Octavian strides through the doorway. “I’ll have Octavian fetch you when we hear from the Darklands. Go on, it’s time for you to learn how to ride for the next battle game, can’t have you dying on me before we understand the truthofwhoandwhatyou are.”
Chapter 27
