From what I’d read in the library about monarchies and courtly traditions, protocol dictated that the king should remain seated on his throne to show his authority and status, even when approached by his queen.
With a smile teasing across his face, Merrick rose and extended his hand my way. “Reyla. Welcome.”
A guttural roar echoed in the room, and I spun. A man raced my way, a blade in his hand. His magical golden threads snapped toward me. They snaked around my neck and tightened, holding me in place and choking off my air.
With a growl, he lifted his blade and gouged it down toward my chest.
47
MERRICK
Rage poured through me like molten lava, boiling and fierce. Every bit of logical thought went up in flames when I saw a high lord lunging at Reyla, his magic coiling around her neck, and his blade glinting under the grand chandelier lights. My breath hitched, a growl clawing up my throat. This wasn't the first attack on me or Reyla, and it wouldn't be the last, but fuck, I would destroy anyone who came near her with bad intent.
I snapped out with magic, but I could not drag the blade from his grip.
Surren flung out his sword, but it deflected before hitting the high lord. What kind of ward could withstand the magic I’d infused into her guards?
Reyla pulled the blades at her sides and flung them with eerie perfection. They would’ve hit him square in the chest if his wards hadn’t deflected them.
I’d never seen this high lord before in my life. Was he an unknown within my own court or was this yet another attack from one of the other kingdoms? It didn't matter now.
Flinging myself off the dais and onto the marble floor, I yanked a blade from the sheath at my side. It felt cold in my grip, and it begged to join the battle. I merged my elemental magic, wrapping it tightly around the steel. Fire surged in, hot and vivid, while ice coiled around it, creating a spine-tingling shimmer.
Reyla called shadows, and they strained to get between her and the high lord’s choking bands.
Time slowed, blurring the faces of the spectators who gaped, some in shocked dismay, others with glee. With both magic and blades slashing, her guard struggled to approach her, to get between her and the threat.
Bellowing, I rushed toward her. Reyla's eyes met mine, widening in terror as his strands constricted around her throat, choking off her air. I wouldn’t let this stand. Not again. Not ever.
She sent shadows gliding across the floor to attack the high lord, but he slashed through them with his magical strands.
Every ounce of my soul screamed in fury as I hurled my magically enhanced blade at the high lord. It exploded as it struck him, a churning mass of heat and frost slicking through his wards to drive into his chest. He staggered backward, the impact knocking the breath from his lungs but not taking his life.
No, I would not kill him yet.
Farris broke free of Reyla’s grip and followed my blade,leaping onto the lord, sending him slamming onto the floor. Snarling, the nyxin ripped at the man's throat.
Gasps erupted around the room, some in horror, others showing how thrilled they were with the latest entertainment put on for their view. I seethed. How dare any of them wish my wildfire pain? How dare they not help her!
Her gaze met mine again, panic swirling in the depths. She clawed at the magical bands, her breath hitching with terror.
“Merrick,” she strangled out. That single word cut through my fury.
Rushing toward her, I flared my magic, tugging in water droplets from the air, combining them with the dirt coating a few spectator shoes. I flung the magic at the magical strands. They shimmered and melted away like wax in a fire. A sharp gasp escaped Reyla as she sucked air back into her lungs. The fear in her eyes made my inner beast roar.
I wrapped my arms around her while searching her expression. “You’re alright?”
She jerked out a nod, her hands scrambling across her florid throat.
I tightened my arms around her. “You're safe now.” My voice came out low and intense, and everything inside me softened as I cupped her face in my palms. Her pulse pounded beneath my fingertips. “No one is going to hurt you again. Not while I draw breath.”
Farris snarled and scrambled, trying to bite through the high lord's hands clutching his throat.
“Come,” I said. Farris’s gaze met mine before he reluctantly leaped away from the high lord's chest. He bounded over to us,his fur bristling, and nudged Reyla’s side as if to tell her he would protect her with his own life too.
Relief spread through me, filling in the gaps in my fury. Safe, but for how long? I had to end this, though the tools I needed were not in my possession.
She stroked my cheek. “I'm alright. He . . . didn't hurt me.”
