Page 12 of Her Ivory Flame

“We can figure it out as we go.” His smile gave her a little bit of relief but was still full of anxiety. “We are almost there.”

She followed his gaze just up the road, the large castle in clear view.

It sat in the middle of the city, its building surrounded by another high stone wall with one gate to access its inner grounds. She sucked in a deep breath and counted to five before letting it go.

“Here goes nothing,” she breathed as they came to the final gate before her life changed forever.

Chapter 6

Voices sounded from the other side of the large wooden door as she and Silas took long deep breaths together.

The king and a few of his court members were in the throne room having a meeting according to one of the guards and they were just about to interrupt without warning. They both knew these next few minutes could be the difference between life or death for treason.

“Together?” Silas whispered.

“Together.” She nodded and followed him as he pushed the door open.

She flanked his left side as they walked towards the end of the great hall, the king’s throne seated across the room. It was a giant room, but she dared not look around and have her hood fall from her face that currently shadowed it. She wanted to stay hidden foras long as possible so Silas could explain a few things before her sudden appearance.

Her sword hung on her hip still under her cloak along with her axe and a few daggers strapped to her leg. She had high doubts they would attack her, but if they did she was going to be ready, rusty or not. With Silas at her side, she knew she had at least one ally.

“Silas.” She could hear the familiar voice of King Emris echoing through the room. She kept her head tilted down and could see the king through her upper eye lashes. He sat with his blue scaled wings tucked behind him and his gold star shaped crown atop his head. His cut jaw line was clenched in annoyance and his black hair falling around his shoulders.

Three other males stood around him but she could not see who they were, only their massive silhouette. One she could tell was Declan from the familiar scent filling her nostrils , which meant he might have sensed her as well.

“What are you doing here? I thought you were off seeing family and would be gone another week?” Emris’s voice was flat, obviously uninterested but felt the need to ask.

Confusion struck her for a moment, remembering Silas saying he was expected back quickly but it was obvious the king either didn’t care or it was a lie. She pushed it out of her mind, knowing the king had a lot going on and didn't pay attention to many of the small things or lesser soldiers.

“I think I have found a way to win this upcoming war.” He held his voice firm, gesturing to her beside him.

“Her?” The King balked. “We don’t need any assassins or mercenaries, we need soldiers.”

The tone in the king's voice made her blood boil, the itch to throw a dagger next to his head almost overwhelming her as she flexed her fingers at her side.

“She is neither.” Silas continued. “There is a long story behind what you are about to learn, so please give us time to explain before reacting.”

“I don’t have time for this Silas, I have a war to win.” The King barked loudly and she felt her fists clench.

“I remember you being a stubborn ass, but blowing off one of your best generals when he brings you your greatest weapon doesn’t seem like the Emris I remember,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“That is King Emris to you,” he snarled at her.

“You are not my king, never have been and never will be.” She stepped forward, Silas placing his hand on her arm to keep her still but she shrugged him off.

“That's a bold thing to say in my throne room.” Emris said weary, his eyes studying her as he stood.

“Maybe.” She scoffed. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Silas, and from what I hear you need me morethan I need you.” She relaxed one of her legs, her arm moving her cloak and resting her arm on the hilt of her sword.

She could faintly see the males around Emris tense even with her head still tilted down but none of them moved towards her.

“Who are you?” Emris demanded, his wings flaring slightly.

She smirked under her hood at his irritation, that taste of satisfaction on the tip of her tongue and she let the silence linger for a moment.

“I fought death and won, does that give you any hint?” her voice was unwavering.

“Enough with the games,” Emris shouted with anger. “My patience is running thin and I won’t hesitate to punish you for wasting my time.”