Yet he had. Anger snarled through me again, fueling my rage. I stalked toward the high lord pinned to the floor by Surren's magic. Blood trickled between his fingers as he pawed at his torn throat. My blade remained embedded in his chest, shifting with each of his sharp inhalations. Tension hung in the room; the air heavy with titillation.
“Who sent you?” I snarled, towering over him.
A twisted smile crept onto his face, and satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. “Yes, myking. Wouldn't you like to know?” Each word he choked out dripped with malice. “Your birthday’s coming quickly, is it not?”
“Tell me,” I bellowed, though I had my suspicions already.
He shuddered and focused on drawing in his next breath. Gold bands whipped out of him, but instead of attacking me or Reyla, they plunged into his chest beside the blade, others latching onto the hilt, shoving it deeper.
A shockwave rippled through the room. His eyes widened before they stilled, staring past my shoulder at nothing.
The room erupted around us, but I focused only on Reyla. Frustration churned through my veins. No closure, no answers. Who thought they could end things before I was given this final chance?
I returned to her side, wrapping my arms around her againas she tried to steady her ragged breathing. Heart racing, I poured my warmth into her body. Placing my fingers gently against her throat, I gently glided healing magic into her flesh. The redness disappeared, and her breathing became easier.
With infinite care, I lifted her into my arms. My insides lashed, twisting and churning, shredding their way through me. Carrying her up onto the dais, I walked to the throne that was my future if I could find a way to hold onto it. The weight of my crown tugged on my brow. When I settled into my seat, I held her on my lap, shielding her from any further harm.
Her eyes searched mine, still shadowed with fear from the attack. If only I could take away the terror she'd experienced today. Anger boiled through me as I thought of the high lord who'd tried to end her life. I wanted to revive him and strike him down again. I scanned the room, but other than feverish excitement on a few faces, I found no further threats.
“Are you truly alright?” My voice came out soft, my snarls replaced with bitter concern. What had I condemned this woman to? Was it too late to turn back?
“I am.”
Surren rushed over to us, concern wedging his brow. “I’m sorry, my king. I should’ve—”
“No.” My voice cut through his words like a blade. “I should've anticipated this attack.” My hope had distracted me.
“It’s my duty, my honor to serve our queen.” His gaze sought hers, his face tight with dismay.
“He used sophisticated magic.” Magic none ofmyhigh lords possessed. The other courts? They must. “You couldn’t fight it, though I know you tried. You and the others aren't toblame.” Seething, I looked down at the woman in my arms. Holding her eased the fire snarling its way through me, though only a small bit. It would lash across my soul for a very long time. “Remove the body.”
Surren lifted his hand and attendants rushed to the man, magically lifting him and taking him out through a side entrance. A sweep of his hand, and Surren removed the stain from the floor.
But the taste of the man’s foul magic still hung in the air, making me fume.
Reyla's ladies hurried up onto the dais, twitching around us like moths smacking against glowing glass.
Moira handed Reyla a goblet filled with water, her hand shaking so badly, the water nearly slopped over the rim. “Please, take a sip.”
Faelith brushed a lock of hair from Reyla's forehead and replaced it with a damp cloth. “My queen. My queen. Are you alright? Breathe. Please breathe.”
“You should return to your suite.” I told Reyla, rubbing her back while the court around us whispered and churned with gossip. Fuck them all. “You’ll be safer there.” But was she truly safe anywhere?
She handed the goblet back to Moira and struggled in my arms, fierce determination glowing in her eyes.
“No.” Her shaking limbs told me how frightened she was. She eased off my lap and stood in front of me, her expression unwavering. “I won’t let them win.” Resolve quavered through her voice. She plucked the cloth from her face and handed it to Calista. With steadier legs, she walked to her throne and sat,gazing out at the crowd still watching each installment of this event with anticipation.
I took her hand and brought it to my lips, kissing her knuckles. “You're sure?”
She gave me a pert nod before glaring at the room in general. “It’s time.” Command came through in her voice. “Time to elevate my ladies, Moira, Calista, and Faelith, to high lady status.”
My heart swelled with pride. Here she was, standing strong in the face of what happened, not letting fear drive her away. My wildfire was incredible.
The room buzzed, shock and disbelief mixing in with a spattering of applause. Those who stood against her would resent this decision, but this was essentially her court now.
This woman would always make her own rules, and because of that, I loved her even more.
She’d stand up to everyone who got in her way—even me.
