Burn by Penelope Fletcher

Finding no other solution, she cringed. “I don’t have much choice, do I?”

  “The Houses will not stand for a wanton Chosen. They will grudgingly accept a ravished one. Even then I expect repercussions.” After a pause, Daniil nodded, confident. “It will be possible to mitigate. I shall prepare.”

  “What business is it of theirs anyway?” Switching to rubbing her temples, she felt a migraine coming on. “How will they even know?” At his wince her stomach clenched. “Wait. The results of these tests aren’t announced, are they?”

  “If I say yes will you hit me?”

  “Ugh.” Gnashing her teeth, she spun a circle. “We need to go over this again.”

  “Do not worry, I shall take care of the details. Relax and–”

  “Not good enough. I can’t keep relying on you to do these things for me. You’re my friend, not my lackey. I just need time to process. You’ll meet me at my apartments later?”

  Easing from behind the pillar, Daniil caught and rubbed her shoulders. It was mostly to hold her still in case a servant walked past and saw her spinning like a madwoman. Rumours run amuck during such a large gathering of Houses. No one needed to hear of her being so openly upset.

  “Of course. Forget it for now. Try to enjoy your meal. Smile so the Courts do not suspect you are troubled.” As her scowl deepened, he rubbed with more vigour. “Come on. Smile. You have waited for an opportunity to see Koen all day. Take comfort from him.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Entering the feast, Daniil whispered encouragement at Marina’s back. They separated, heading to opposite ends of the food-laden table snaking through the vast hall, seating hundreds dignitaries, Dragon Lords and their mates.

  Marina dropped into her seat and bobbed polite nods at the nobles in her direct line of sight. She fiddled with her water goblet and silverware trying not to look ‘troubled’ as Daniil put it.

  She only had three more deadly quests in Aver to complete. Assassins hunted her. Unexplainable, a lusty, growly voice spoke inside her mind at inconvenient moments. She had no clue how to protect her inquisitive best friend at Court, the hostile environment resembling bloody, shark-infested waters. Her son was adjusting, but kept doing weird things that drew unwanted attention like making sharp objects disappear from sight on his person. Starting tornadoes that tore through his rooms leaving behind devastation. Slicing off the thumb of a boy from an opposing House, calling it an accident, and then acting confused when everybody was upset. His rebutting argument when accused of going to far a simple “He will learn to write with the other hand.” On top of this, her meddlesome Sire tried to make up for over two decades of missed parenting and wouldn’t take no for an answer. If one more jewel encrusted necklace appeared on her dresser she was going to hit the roof. She obsessed over a surly Dragon King whose tempter was about as predictable as dynamite. He made her so hot thinking about him derailed her concentration at the most inopportune of times making her seem thick as a brick. Oh, and she was about to be declared to all and sundry as ‘impure’.

  Why, there was nothing at all for her to be ‘troubled’ over.

  Koen leaned closer. “You look white as a ghost.”

  “That’s because I’m no longer a virgin,” she hissed back.

  He grinned slyly. The happy emotion invoked by the memory of their frantic coupling died at her tight expression. He did not understanding why this made her upset.

  Regent Myron was seated opposite. He smiled indulgently at the couple. “Marina, my physician and I will call upon you at midday tomorrow. That is agreeable?”

  Her return smile trembled. “Uhhuh.” Hand shaking, she picked up her goblet and took a gulp of cool water.

  Koen studied her, not sure what was going on. She didn’t look sick, just upset. “Are you unwell?”

  Paling, she shook her head.

  His eyes narrowed. “Then why do you need a physician?”

  Lord Tyr sniggered. “Surely you jest, my King. The chastity,” he leered, “of the First Chosen is being assured.” He eyed Marina with evil glee. “You look peaked, Lady Zar.”

  “Princess,” Myron corrected. His gaze sharpened on Marina then flickered in realisation. His expression turned wrathful. “Withhold your insinuations, Artur. This is a celebration.”

  Jaw clenching, Koen’s sun bronzed complexion leeched of colour until he looked as sickly as Marina felt.

  She raised her glass in sympathy. She took another greedy mouthful, wondering where the wine bearers where at. “At least I’m not the only one surprised,” she muttered. Turning to the Dragon Lord seated beside her, she held out her hand. “I’m Marina. You are?”

  No older than fifteen the male stared adoringly. He took her hand in his then squeaked.

  He turned crimson.

  Marina’s lips twitched. “I’m sure that’s not your name.”

  “Ryu.” The boy seemed relieved to have spoken normally. His words were hindered by a sigmatism, and made worse by a nervous stammer. “Viktor of House Ryu.”

  Koen’s voice was low and hoarse in her other ear. “Marina, I did not realise this would be a problem. When we are on Earth I had no expectations of you following me here. Forgive me.”

  Smiling at Viktor, flashing a palm to request he wait a moment, she twisted in her seat to glare at Koen. “Forgive you?”

  “I never intended to cause you shame.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry about.” She was annoyed at this arrogant ‘male’ reaction. “It takes two. Don’t worry, Koen. Daniil has a plan.” She softened, realising why he’d felt compelled to apologise. “Sorry for snipping at you. I was stunned and took it out on you.”

  “I should have remembered.” He rubbed the nape of his neck. “I avoid Aver. I am usually scouting for hiding places at this stage of the tournament.” His jaw clenched. “You should not have to go through this.”

  Fighting the urge to dip her fingers in a pitcher wine and scrawl the letter I for ‘impure’ on her forehead, Marina settled. She gave Koen a genuine smile. Dramatics wouldn’t help the situation, and her reaction was making him volatile. “It’ll be fine. Daniil’s all over it.”

  “Regardless, I shall come to the examination and explain. Myron will listen.”

  “Throwing your weight around isn’t going to help.” She hesitated. Decided he better know all of it sine he’d be asked to verify or deny her claim. “We’re going to say you ravished me. I doubt you’re going to want to be in the same Kingdom let alone the same room when Mikhail and the Regent witness my hysterical sobbing.”

  “That,” he began slowly, fighting laughter, “is a dreadful plan.”

  She grinned relieved he wasn’t offended. “I suggested telling the truth but Daniil thinks the Courts will look more favourably upon a set upon woman than a wanton one.”

  The noise at the table had kept their quiet yet intense conversation under wraps. However their shared laughter and warm smiles drew attention.

  Eyes began to turn their way.

  Marina steered the conversation to safer waters then left Koen to ponder their latest obstacle.

  As she spooned a mound of delicious smelling fish onto her plate, she remembered the Dragon Lord patiently waiting. She offered him the serving ladle. “Smells good, doesn’t it?”

  Viktor took the spoon. He flushed deeper as their fingers grazed. “It is my favourite.”

  “Tell me,” she airily waved her fork, “how come you’re sitting up at this end with the old folks instead of down there with the young cool people?”

  “My Sire.” He sighed. To Marina that forlorn sound said it all. “He wishes me to make connections. Be seen. I am his heir. It has been a long time since our family was connected to the upper Houses.” He shot her an indecipherable look. “Not since the days of Emperor Mikhail and his Treasure Almeria.

  Marina nodded politely. It sounded as if there was something else she was supposed to take from his words, but she refrained from asking. It was a pleasant conversation and sh
e wanted it to remain so. “You’re from the Ice Realm. Are you liking the Fire Kingdom?”

  “It is hot.” He ran his finger under his collar, easing it away from his throat. His pale, almost colourless hair was damp on his brow, and his milky skin flushed. “Loud. Busy.”

  “The Wyvrae Court is that different?”

  “There are fewer of us. Compared to the Drackai we ice breathers are smaller in stature and number. There are only a hundred and seventy Houses compared to the three hundred and eight of the fire breathers.”

  She blinked. “Has it always been that way?”

  He nodded.

  “Hold on. The Dragon Lands have gone to war countless times, right?”

  Taking a bite of food, he nodded again.

  She dropped raw vegetables onto her plate then shook her head. “I’m sorry. It’s confusing me. Do the Wyvrae have more soldiers than the Drackai, but less nobles?”

  He sipped watered wine before replying. “No.”

  “Then how the hell is the Ice Realm still standing as a separate sovereignty?”

  The young Lord drew himself up. Savage pride blazed in his indigo eyes, belied the sweetness of his boyish face. “We are fiercer. Better fighters, and ruthless in battle.” He inclined his head to nod down the table. “You know Lord Daniil, yes? He is considered the finest battle Lord aside from King Raad. His warskill is legendary and he has not even yet chosen to pass into the shadows of the afterlife.” Shifting in is seat he gave Marina a tentative smile. “I understand why First Chosen aim for the Crown, but if I may be bold, I wish you to choose the Wreath.”

  “Why?”

  Viktor glanced around catching people listening.

  Lord Tyr in particular leaned over his bowl until his hair swam in his stew, beady eyes probing.

  Narked over the scrutiny, Viktor gave the older Lord a curt look then lowered his voice. “You are not afraid to be different. To be heard. You seem ... trustworthy. Liars run abound in these lands. An honest Queen would be a great blessing to the Realm. She would be cherished. It has been so long since we could love our Queen.”

  Fork poised over her plate, Marina stared at him in dismay. The guilt trip she suffered was so heinous she physically felt nauseous.

  An honest Queen.

  There was no way she could lie to Myron and cover up the truth about what happened between her and Koen.

  She’d felt uneasy with the idea in principle, and would have had to fortify herself to carry it out, but weighted with the knowledge that young Lords like Viktor viewed her as a chance for a prosperous future that eradicated the treachery rife within the Dragon Courts convinced her she’d fall flat on her face while lying.

  She’d end up sobbing a confession. It would screw matters more than they already were.

  The truth was Koen Raad hadn’t seduced her. She’d been an eager participant the entire way. Hell, she remembered ripping parts of his clothing off with her teeth.

  “Your integrity inspires me.” She leaned forward whispering, “I would be proud to have you in my Court.” Settling back, she winked, and tucked into her food.

  Viktor beamed. He raised his goblet silently toasting the goddess as he drained it.

  Perhaps his prayers had been answered.

  The rest of the meal continued without drama.

  Marina found her mind occupied with thoughts of the Ice Realm and its people. She was more certain than ever the Wreath was meant for her.

  Would the Wyvrae welcome her differences as sincerely as Viktor? What if they refused to accept change?

  Marina was vaguely aware of Koen making attempts to talk, but even his presence couldn’t disperse her cluttered thoughts. Sitting next to her Dragon King was less enjoyable than she thought it would be. Eyes were upon them at every moment and it was kind of stressful.

  Shovelling tasteless meat into his mouth, Koen grew irritated with Marina’s emotional distance. He eventually became more frustrated with his inability to draw her out of it. He had ideas, but the quandary was how to drag her across his lap and kiss her senseless without drawing additional attention to their end of the table. Not really possible. Worse, he couldn’t offset his desire to feel her mouth pressed to his with seductive teasing or lingering glances. Their chairs were too far apart, and the table too low for any sly caresses.

  He ended up satisfying himself by inhaling the delicate notes of her scent, enjoying the richness of her laughter when the youngling to her other side made witty observations about the pretentiousness of the Drackai Court.

  Koen had nursed suspicions Marina developed a fascination with the Ice Realm for a while.

  Her pointed questions about the land and its ways confirmed it.

  Truly, he didn’t know how to feel about her preference. He’d come from a House of fire breathers. Though he was a Phoenix with the combined abilities of fire and ice, he knew he primarily relied on dragonfire. While his Dragon knew every dip and curve of the Fire Kingdom the Ice Realm was completely unknown to him. He could barely remember the last time he visited the Wyvrae Court or paid address to any of the noble Houses. Daniil kept him informed of any serious issues from that part of Tzion.

  He’d never seen a problem with the arrangement until Marina showed interest in the Wreath.

  Could he live so far from the Kingdom he considered home? All the Dragon Lands were his territory, so his Dragon should thrive in the Realm as well as in the Kingdom. Could he be so unfeeling as to ask Marina to vie for the Crown instead of the Wreath? She already did so much for them, for him. To ask anymore would be heartless. But surely she didn’t wish to live on a flat of ice where there was nothing but freezing water and frigid wind?

  Koen peered into his goblet and mulled over his future. He abruptly fought a smile. Come fire or ice, he’d follow his Treasure anywhere.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Marina paced her chamber. Her gaze repeatedly darted to the transparent screen that led to her private hallway.

  Disapproving, Cathryn crossed her arms under her bosom. “I find all of this suspicious. Have you ingested any strange substances? Did the Dragon King give you any strange foods? Have you blacked out for interminable periods of time?”

  “Koen isn’t drugging me, Cat.”

  “Well, can’t say I feel sorry for you then. You brought this on yourself.”

  “Don’t preach to me. Didn’t you pop your cherry five years ago?”

  “That’s different.” Pink dusted her cheeks. “Geoffrey and I were in love.”

  “Please.” Marina rolled her eyes then stiffened. “Wait. And you think I’m not in love with Koen?”

  “I think you’re besotted.”

  “And him?”

  “Infatuated. Blindly.” She paused. “The man looks at you as if the sun shines out of your arse.”

  “Oh, but it does.”

  “You’re funny. I would have said he wants to get in your pants, but you didn’t exactly make yourself unavailable. You kind of stalked the bloke across dimensions.”

  “Is it against the law to want someone so badly you’d do anything?”

  “Not where we’re from. Apparently it is here when that includes forgetting common sense and doing the nasty on the side of a mountain like a pair of randy goats.”

  Marina opened her mouth to deliver a bitchy retort. Stilling, she snapped it shut. Cathryn had struck upon an utterly simple and brilliant truth.

  Missing Marina’s epiphany, Cathryn fussed with the silver embroidery decorating the overlarge sleeves of her dress. “I can see why. He’s tall, sickeningly good looking, and he has a magnetic quality. All these Dragon Lords have an eminence that captures the soul of a woman, but even I admit the Dragon King has an extra special kind of sexual allure. Well, maybe except for, um....”

  Marina stared at her friend. A crafty smile split her face. “You like somebody.”

  Panic streaked across Cathryn’s features. “Don’t even.”

  “You’ve fallen into crush.”


  “Have bloody not. I’m not crushing on anybody. Zip it.”

  “Oh, Kitty Cat. I’m so onto you. Who is it? Daniil?” Tapping her bottom lip, Marina dismissed the notion. “Too obvious. Nikolai? You realise he’s a slag, right? Totally lovable, but ruts with any female whose skirts aren’t nailed to the ground.”

  “Shouldn’t you be focusing on the problem of your missing hymen?”

  There was a discreet knock at the screen. It slid open. Daniil slipped inside closing it behind him. “Have you perfected what you’re going to say? Oh.”

  Brow quirking, Cathryn shot a suspicious look between them. “Sneak into this room often, do you?”

  Pulling up short, Daniil rearranged his face into a coolly formal expression. “Apologies for the intrusion. I was delayed by an unexpected engagement, or I would have visited at a far less conspicuous hour.” He paused. “I assumed the Princess was alone.” His blue eyes flashed a questioning look at Marina then returned to rest on the other woman. Annoyance tightened his lips. “I shall return later.”

  “No need. Cat’s my friend. She can hear it all.”

  “Best friend,” Cathryn added, flicking her hair over her shoulder. Her eyes sparked with challenge. “So it’s perfectly acceptable for me to be in this room alone with Rina late at night.” Her tone inferred the reverse concerning him was not true.

  “As Marina’s battle guide, royal advisor, friend, and close family member,” Daniil laid it on thick, his accent deepening with his rising anger, “I am well within rights to be here. At any hour of my choosing.”

  “Somehow, I don’t think the Dragon King would agree.”

  “Koen is aware of my special relationship with his Treasure and the concessions such intimacy requires.”

  “Intimacy? Exactly how ‘special’ is this relationship you have unlimited night time access to his fiancés bedroom?”

  Overlooking the hostility between her friends, Marina sprawled out on the bed.

  Was it sexual tension?

  Even if it weren’t, they would simply have to get along.

  There was too much other stuff going on for the people of her new and old life to vie for points in pissing contests.