“The dragon decided close was not enough,” he says quietly. “I’m sorry. That is all I’m permitted to say.”
The weight of his words settles between us, brittle and sharp. There is a sorrow in him, like a man who has outlived his hope.
“Goodnight, my lady.” He bows, then turns and disappears down the corridor.
Safely inside my room, I stand before the mirror. My gown has darkened. Crimson veins crawl through the fabric like blood, like trees consumed in shadow.
Magic.
I peel it off and step into the bath Marb has already drawn for me. The hot water stings as it touches my skin, but I welcome the pain. At least it’s real. At least it reminds me I’m still here.
I sink deeper beneath the surface, letting the warmth soak into my bones, hoping it will leech out the ache buried beneath my ribs. Against my will, my thoughts drift to him. To the king. To the garden. To the invitation.
Meet me in the garden.
Part of me wants to go. Part of me wants to believe that whatever waits for me beneath the moonlight will help me survive the Trials. That maybe, just maybe, there’s more to him than shadows and silver lies.
But I don’t want to be his queen. I never asked for this. I never wanted to wear jewels like chains or be paraded around like a lamb for the slaughter. If my fate is to die, to be burned alive by his dragon and swallowed whole by some ancient curse, then so be it. But I won’t let him break me. I won’t let him claim me.
Not with his honeyed words. Not with that smirk. Not with hands that have touched too many girls before me.
He’s had six hundred years to perfect his lies. To seduce. To sway.
I won’t be one of them. Not tonight, not ever.
He called me Fire.
Then let him be the one who waits.
Let him be the one who burns.
Chapter 14
Weapons & Woes
Absolutely not.” I stare down at the fabric in disgust.
“Absolutelyyes,” Marb chirps, shoving the green tunic-dress back at me. “It’s tradition.”
“It’s impractical!” I argue, arms crossed. “I can’t fight in a dress! I need pants.”
Marb rolls her eyes. “Who said anything about fighting?”
“You did,” I snap. “You said we’d be selecting weapons for the Trial tonight. What else would we need them for? Weapons and dresses do not mix.”
She waves a hand like she’s brushing away a fly. “The first one isn’t that dangerous. More of a test. Quick and simple, no dragon involved.”
I narrow my eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” She pauses just long enough to almost sound convincing. “Besides,” she adds cheerily, “you need to look your best. The better you look, the better your chances of winning His Majesty’s heart.”
“I want nothing to do with that insufferable man,” I bite back.
Marb gasps, wings fluttering indignantly. “My lady Fire, you mustn’t speak ill of His Majesty. Should he find out—”
“What?” I cut her off, voice low and brittle. “What more could he possibly do to ruin my life? I have no intention of winning him over. So, if you please, I’d like to change into something less… glittery.”
The tiny fairy just stares at me, eyes wide with shock.
