Fireblood (Frostblood Saga #2)(81)
“I’m sorry, Kai, but I can’t. I’d love to, but I need to rest tonight.”
I hated to say no, but there was too much at stake to consider carousing in a tavern with Kai. As soon as I took my vows as a master, I had to find out the location of the book. Once that was accomplished, I could focus on breaking Arcus out of the north tower and getting him safely onto his ship. If I was lucky enough to have the book in hand by that point, I would go with him.
“Rest?” he scoffed, not seeming to notice my abstraction. “Please. You—”
“Really, Kai,” I said, gently but firmly, to prevent a lengthy argument. “I mean it.”
As we stepped into the dim stairwell, he idly created a ball of flame in his hand, the warm light carving shadows under his brows and cheekbones. I sensed a thread of hurt hidden under the surface, and I felt an urge to comfort him. But what could I say without revealing the plans I needed to hide?
“Hmm.” He gave a careless shrug. “After our initiation, then. You can’t argue we deserve a celebration.”
“Sounds… perfect.” At least that wasn’t a lie. It did sound perfect. I just wouldn’t be here to join him.
Maybe he heard the longing in my voice. He gave me a sidelong look and said, “I know you probably don’t feel like celebrating. You’re worried about him.”
I stopped. “You mean Arcus? You don’t have to dance around it, you know.” And yet, I couldn’t meet his eyes.
He extinguished the flame with a snap. “Maybe I’d prefer not to say the bastard’s name.”
“He’s never done anything to you.” I resumed my descent of the stairs.
He caught up to me and put a hand over his heart, gazing skyward dramatically. “Except steal your affection.”
How I hoped that gesture wasn’t genuine. The thought of hurting Kai made me sick. Covering my worry, I slid him a mocking glance. “Are you sure you should be covering your heart? Maybe you should cover your coin purse instead.”
“How insulting. But perhaps you’re right.” A mischievous smile curved his sculpted lips. “There are some things I value more than my heart.”
“I don’t even want to guess what part of your anatomy you’re referring to.”
He laughed heartily, and I relaxed, glad my attempt to diffuse the tension had worked.
He took my hand and tucked it into the crook of his elbow as we reached the south tower. A few courtiers passed, looking at us curiously and whispering as we disappeared around a corner. I could only imagine the gossip we inspired. At least no one was sending me hateful glances or trying to trip me as I passed. This wasn’t the Frost Court.
“I just want you to be happy,” Kai said with a note of sincerity that touched my heart. “As I am right now, knowing we’ve passed our trials. And instead, you’re moping over your Frostblood…friend.” His tone had taken on a bitter tinge.
I was sure he’d intended to use a different word. His censure raised my ire. “Forgive me for having feelings.”
“Oh, you never have to apologize for that. Only for the fact that they aren’t for your betrothed.” He looked down at me, making a woeful expression. “I’ll have to find a way to ease the pain.” He sounded so tragic that I had a moment of panic, until he added meditatively, “Perhaps the soft arms and softer bosom of a tavern wench… or two… will provide the necessary cure for my melancholy.”
I made a dismissive sound to hide my relief. “The day you suffer from melancholy is the day I become quiet and biddable.”
“So, never.”
I grinned. “Precisely.”
We climbed the tower stairs and reached the throne room doors. I turned to Kai, suddenly nervous. “You don’t think she’d execute me in there, do you?”
“No, she would definitely take you out on the balcony for that. She wouldn’t risk blood on the tapestries.”
“Funny.” I flapped a hand in a “later” gesture and entered the room. The Frostblood servant I’d seen before lifted a tapestry to reveal a door tucked into a corner of the wall behind the throne. To my surprise, the door led to an anteroom, where the queen waited. The space was small but inviting, with upholstered divans, large pillows scattered over the floor, and stained glass windows that tinted the sunlight. Lanterns with elaborately worked metal covers sat on polished tables in dark wood.
I sat across from the queen, my expression smooth, my hands loosely clasped, everything about me screaming dutiful princess and niece.
If I’d thought there was a chance of convincing her to let Arcus go, I would have argued until my throat was raw. But pleading or arguing would only make her suspicious of my intentions. Besides, I didn’t think I could plead his case without losing my temper when she inevitably refused.
It was vital that I keep my wits during this meeting. If I lost the queen’s trust, she might decide to have me guarded or followed, which could hamper my search for the book. If she suspected I was planning to break Arcus out, she could increase the guards on his room, or move him to the prison. I needed her to think I had come to accept her word as law.
As we made small talk over tea, her attitude was more conciliatory than I’d expected. However, a calculated retreat could precede an attack.