A Ruin of Roses (Deliciously Dark Fairytales #1)(34)

Pain lanced my heart. Not just for him, but for all of us. I wished someone could explain the curse to me so I could figure out a way to end it. So I could do more than fuss around with finicky plants.

“What would happen if I’d killed you?” I asked, walking closer to him.

“The curse would end and the demon king would finally rule. After that, he’d likely turn everyone into servants or just kill them outright. I don’t know.”

The breath left me. “Well…” I stood and looked down at the plants for a moment, hopelessness welling up. As always in my past, I only let myself dwell for a moment. I let the feeling sink in, and then I rallied. “Where there is life, there is hope. You’re not dead yet, and neither am I. We can find a way. What happens if we kill the demon king?”

He straightened and turned, his beautiful eyes devoid of anger for once. “The power he wields over us will be transferred to the next in line for the demon throne.”

“And if we kill them all?”

A grin worked at his lips. “We don’t have the resources for that.”

I braced my hands on my hips. “I’ll figure it out. There must be something that can be done.”

“Would you sacrifice your life to save this kingdom?”

His voice was thick, and it sounded like a trick question. Regardless, I didn’t need to think about the answer.

“Of course,” I said. “I thought I was sacrificing my life for my family. To do it for the kingdom would be an honor.”

“As easy as that, huh?”

“Yes. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’d be scared out of my mind, and I’d try to run and escape like I did last night, but in the end, I’d do it. Of course I would. Anyone would.”

He sneered. “Not anyone. Some people aren’t as honorable or selfless as you claim to be.” He squared up to me, rage once again burning brightly in his eyes. Something else glimmered there as well. Pain. “You should be more careful when you make such claims, princess. You don’t know of which you speak. There are worse fates than death.”

“Like being disfigured?” I met his stare. “Like losing your wings? At least you can change into your animal. Most people long to do that and can’t. What woman would love a wingless, scarred dragon? A woman who doesn’t give a shit about appearances, that’s who. Why don’t you ask what you’re really afraid of—what woman would like you for you? You’re not a noble anymore. You’re not a dragon anymore. You’re just as fucked as the rest of us. Sure, you prance around this castle and patrol the royal grounds, but the demons run this place. You’re in make-believe land if you think otherwise. The demons run your life as surely as they control the rest of us. The lines between commoners and royals have been blurred. Now it’s just you and me and everyone else. So, no, you’re not worried about being disfigured—you’re worried about the ugliness of your personality being the only thing people have to judge you by.”

“You dare to speak to me that way?”

“Tell me I’m wrong.”

His fists opened and closed, and his temper broke. Suddenly he was storming toward me, rage and power let loose. He stopped in front of me, still careful of the everlass plants but not careful of me. A fast movement, and his fingers curled around my throat. I didn’t have my knife. I did have my foot.

I hopped up so that he would take my weight, all of my body held up by one of his hands. My air completely cut off, but I didn’t waste the opportunity. I swung my foot as hard as I could.

My boot smacked between his legs. His breath swooshed across my face with the impact. He squinted in pain and nearly crumpled, groaning as he lowered.

My feet hit the ground, and then I threw his hand off me. Normal people would’ve run away, but normal people didn’t have a kingdom resting on the strength of these everlass plants.

“Keep standing,” I commanded, and my animal swirled within me, lending power to my words.

His wobbling knees locked straight, jerking him upright. His upper body still bowed, though, as he cupped his balls.

“Do not crush these plants.” I hooked my arms around his middle, and he draped over me, his weight a bit more than I could comfortably handle. “Get a hold of yourself. It’s just your dick. Deal with the pain.”

He issued a shaky laugh before coughing. “That was a damn good kick.”

One of his big, scarred hands rested on my shoulder, and he straightened up painfully. He looked down at our feet before pulling one of his back a little, giving the everlass plant more room. His gaze then tracked up my body, searing heat following in its wake. His smell delighted my senses. His other hand traveled up my arm and over my collarbone to the base of my neck.

“So fierce,” he whispered, tracing his thumb across my heated flesh. “So strong.” He breathed out, our breath mingling now. His fingertips brushed my jaw line before applying pressure, making me look up at him as he bent. “So powerful.”

I braced my hands against his chest to push him away even as my eyelids grew heavy and desire curled through me.

His lips neared my ear. “Do you want me to touch you, Finley?”

His tongue traced the edge of my earlobe, and I shivered.

“Tell me,” he commanded softly, and my stupid animal surged power through me. Tried to take over.