Page 227 of The Fallen Fae King

Can I truly have that again?

My smile becomes cold. “Then let’s bloody rebel.”

I turn together with Lanlin to face the advancing guards, before we launch ourselves off the desk at them in a whirlwind of sharp bronze, feathers, fangs, and claws.

I howl in rage and exultation.

I lose myself in the fight but never lose Lanlin at my back.

To my surprise, however, the sound of the battle, the clank of swords and cries of pain, increases outside in the corridor.

By the Shadow Devils, who has joined the fight?

“Iggy!” I hear Bai call, excitedly. “You’re here.”

“I’m sorry that we’re late,” Ignatius replies. “I have brought the other cadets. Good job, Bai.”

I arch my brow. Then I sheathe my daggers.

I grab Lanlin’s hand, dragging him back to the desk. Then I lean against it casually, listening as Ignatius and his cadets slaughter the remaining guards with an ease that impresses me.

Maybe Bai is right to hero worship Ignatius.

He’s come through for me.

I doubted that Freya was right to trust that he would plot against his own cousin and kingdom.

Aurelius doesn’t know how close my friendship has grown with Ignatius, however, after our time together in the academy.

Ignatius helped to save my life after the brutal whipping that I suffered. The time that Freya and I spent together with Ignatius in those weeks bonded us.

I have been whispering in his ear ever since.

I knew that he would become a pivotal player for me.

Aurelius doesn’t understand that Ignatius has grown close to the featherglass, including Bai, railing against the unfairness of the fae being held as prisoners.

Bullies, when confronted with true tyranny, are often converts to justice.

Luckily, Ignatius has been converted to the cause of the featherglass.

Plus, Aurelius still finds it hard to read people because he barely understands his own emotions.

He has no idea how strong Ignatius’ ambition is. I clocked it, however, the moment that I met the poor, upstart fae.

I have promised that Ignatius won’t become a secretary in my kingdom, but rather, a noble at my court with his own private army in the cadets.

Aurelius has forgotten that I truly am a king in my own right.

He’ll regret that.

When Ignatius’ own Omega was charged with treason, when he was entangled in treason himself, I’d struggled not to laugh.

Didn’t Aurelius wonder why Ignatius had been so bloody forgiving? It’s not like Ignatius is a soft Alpha.

“Over here, Iggy.” I wave at him. “You too, Bai.”

I peer as Ignatius slowly appears through the blur of shadows around me, panting as he climbs over the piles of bodies, holding his bloody sword.