That insufferable smoke would be the first thing I poisoned.
I stifled a laugh, tilting my glass higher. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
The smoke circled his glass rim, testing, tasting. Then recoiled from the recognition of the poison.
His eyes snapped up, green gone lethal dark. “You naughty girl.”
My knees wavered at the remark, just enough for him to notice.
Luckily, he didn’t press as he let his power swallow the glass, dragon heat burning it away in silence. Any trace of poison now depleted as the flute shattered to mist.
Smoke hovered around my throat, my cheek, then deeper around my ear until I shivered, dipping with the bow of my throat.
Ronan moved slowly, not saying another word as he melted back into the crowd, leaving the ghost of fire in his wake, and the certainty of one thing—
That the game had only just begun.
Only when I was certain that I could no longer feel any trace of him, I exhaled, tilting my glass against my lips.
The flute was drained in a gulp, eyes searching for Mina in the mass.
I needed a lot more wine.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Ronan
THE THRONE ROOM BLAZED GOLD AROUND HIM, mirrors and molten light stretching the king’s shadow across the marble.
He sprawled on his throne, looking down to the world as though it bent to keep him comfortable.
Ronan’s boots struck the ground in measured rhythm as he approached the dais. He bowed, low enough to mock, and let a smile slash across his mouth.
“Your Majesty.”
Obrann’s chin tilted, silver eyes sliding over him from head to toe.
“Prince Ronan,” he said smoothly. “Luamis is honored by your presence. Even after your dragon’s tempered display.”
Ronan’s smirk curved. “What kind of ruler would I be if I allowed my kingdom to earn the reputation of refusing such a gracious invitation?”
Obrann’s laugh came edged, humorless. “And yet you’re satisfied with it being remembered for reducing my town to cinders?”
“A misunderstanding,” Ronan said. “I’m sure you’re familiar with the word.”
Obrann clicked his tongue. “So, not a king and no control over the beasts bred in his realm. Perhaps you should have sent a more rightful ruler in your stead.” A slow, poisonous smile unraveled. “Tell me, whereisAero these days?”
Silence—Ronan let it hang.
Satisfied with the weight of it, Obrann leaned back. “That’s right, he’s reigning your kingdom for you.” At the king’s side, Ira snickered, clothed in white robes, his black eyes flashing.
Ronan’s glare slid past him to the smaller throne beside Obrann’s, sitting empty. “I’m curious, your heir isn’t at your side nor on the floor celebrating his bride.” He gave a small tilt of his head. “Where is Perseus?”
Obrann waved a jeweled hand, false indifference dripping from the gesture. “Perseus finds his own entertainment. He’ll appear when it pleases him.”
Ronan’s teeth flashed. “A dutiful heir.”
Ignoring the jab, Obrann motioned to a servant waiting by his feet, letting an oily smile leak across his face.
