Awakening the Dark Flame (The Dark Throne #2)

29. Chapter 29

Chapter twenty-nine

I made my way to her room, not knowing what I was stepping into. I knocked on the door and Atalee allowed me through. Gen sat at her vanity, combing her hair as if nothing had happened. Her face was somber and her eyes blank. I moved in, glad not to see Tryverse Feynar lounging across her bed.

She set down the brush and turned towards us. “Good night, Atalee,” she said as the female left with a bow. I looked at the table where the oranges and whiskey used to be, but the space was empty. “Why didn’t you tell me first?”

“The pieces fell into place little by little. I didn’t want to bring this to you until I was sure. As soon as I was, I went to your father,” I replied.

“And if you were wrong, you would have been killed tonight instead of them.”

“The reward was worth the risk.”

“And what is your reward, Erendrial?” she asked calmly.

“Knowing you had your answers. Knowing you had your revenge. Knowing you were safe. ”

She laughed, leaning back in the chair. “Still playing this angle, are we?”

“I assure you; I am not playing any sort of game. What I did was for your benefit.”

“What should I do with my cousins?”

“The contracts will keep them in check, I made sure of it.”

“Yes, you made sure of everything, didn’t you. Always the smartest person in the room,” she said. “You know what I’ve come to realize, Erendrial?”

“That you can’t live without me,” I said playfully.

An amused smile stretched across her face. “Quite the opposite. I’ve realized that you are not only the smartest but the most dangerous person here at court. Your power makes you an influencer and a weapon. Your wit and intellect allow you to move faster than the majority of the court. And let’s not forget the little army that you’ve created, who only follow your orders. One member in particular who is conveniently bedding my sister. You’ve set the whole chess board in your favor, haven’t you, Lyklor?”

She was paranoid, and understandably so. Everything she said was true. I was all those things and so was my team. Her sister had conveniently fallen for a member of my family, but I didn’t have anything to do with that. When their little love story initially began, I discouraged the relationship. Even though my team followed my orders, I never overstepped when it came to their personal lives. They were free to do and be with whomever they wanted .

“You’re right. If I were to make a move against you, the odds are stacked in my favor, but as I’ve told you before and will continue to tell you as many times as you need to hear it, I am not a threat to you. And you do know how much I hate repeating myself, princess,” I said.

She exhaled, dismissing my proclamation of innocence.

“What are you going to do with your last day before the tournament? Spend it in bed with Tryverse Feynar?” I knew it was wrong and I shouldn’t have, but I couldn’t resist. I need to hear her deny it.

“Who I invite into my bed is none of your concern,” she said casually.

I huffed, trying to appear casual. “The young buck can’t be that entertaining. He’s barely out of diapers.”

“You forget, I am younger than him. What does that say about you?”

“That I am a wonderful teacher.”

She laughed, standing to her feet. “Erendrial, please. Gaelin could run laps around you,” she said, pouring herself a glass of wine.

My heart snapped while my pride took the biggest hit. “You’re entitled to your own opinion,” I said calmly. But really, I wanted to find King Fucker and rip him limb from limb. It disgusted me that he ever had the privilege of knowing her body.

“What? No smartass comeback? Are you getting soft on me, Lyklor? Or are you just finally ready to admit defeat?”

“Defeat has never and will never be in my vocabulary.”

“We shall see,” she said, taking a sip of wine. “So now what? The evil prince and his son are dead. I am once again safe, and you are free to move about the court as you please.”

“I still have you as my charge, so I am sure my hands will continue to be full.”

She tilted her head and cringed. “Actually, as of tonight, I am no longer your concern,” she said, taking another sip.

“What are you talking about?”

“Think of it—as your reward . I asked my father to relieve you of your babysitting duties. You were only admitted into my room just now because I allowed it. You are free, Erendrial.”

No, no, no . She had to remain my charge. I had to remain close to her. How was I ever going to fix this? To fix us? Everything I had worked so hard to accomplish was now going down the drain.

She walked slowly towards me, a haunting smile on her face. “You should be thanking me. This is best. For both of us.” she said softly.

“I don’t want to be relieved of my duty,” I admitted.

“Too late. You are once again just the ambassador to the dark court.”

“Gen, please,” I whispered.

“I don’t trust you, Eren. I never will. You are too conniving and smart for your own good. I may have been foolish enough to allow you close to me once, but that female is gone ... dead. I appreciate what you did for me tonight. I don’t know if I would have figured it all out without your help, but I need you to keep your distance. I can’t … I can’t be around you. I don’t want to have to look at you every day for the rest of my life.”

I grabbed her by the arms forcefully. Her eyes widened in terror.

“Look at me! It’s me. The arrogant asshole who trusted you at the light court. Who protected you from the fairies. Who came back for you and took you away from their torturous court. I’m the same person who taught you to control your powers. Who taught you how to mist. Who listened to you when you needed to heal. I am the same male who made love to you. I am not them. I will never be them. Please, Genevieve, don’t push me away. I want this more than I’ve ever wanted anything. I want you,” I said, more vulnerable than I had ever been.

Her eyes went blank as she stood in front of me not saying a word. I dropped my hands from her arms as I waited. “Here’s your first lesson in defeat,” she said softly. “You don’t always get what you want.” She walked away from me, turning to the balcony.

“I’ll do anything,” I said as a last attempt to reach her.

She tilted her head to the stars. “There’s nothing I want from you. Please leave,” she said coldly.

Everything I had done for her, and it still wasn’t enough. What else could I do? I tucked my tail, for the first time in my life, and left her behind .

That night I went into the city to the gentlemen’s club, trying to distract myself. The human women were beautiful and warm as always, but they did little for me. I couldn’t bring myself to even touch them. Azeer, what was wrong with me? I had let her ruin me. This is what I get for letting someone in. For believing I could matter to another. I had allowed her to open a part of me that I kept closed for this very reason.

The next day I went on a hunt with Zerrial, Voz, and Oz. No females, just the males. We tracked down a large, dragon-like creature with scaled armor and a mean set of teeth. It had small arms in the front, which gave us the advantage. In order to get it back to the castle, we had to strap the damn thing to all four of our ragamors. The thing weighed a ton.

That night we went into the city and drank until we couldn’t drink anymore. Whiskey laced with ambrosia: my choice of medication for any problem. Firel, Doria, Evinee, and Leenia joined us.

This was my family. A family that I had created and built from nothing. We all had our ways about us, but we were loyal to each other. That was the most important thing I had to remember. I needed only the alfar that sat around me.

The females laughed and drank as Oz and Voz put on a show for us. I have never met two smarter idiots then these fools. Genius by day, jesters by night. Oz and Voz were also from a lower-class family. I had met them when I was sixteen in a rough part of the city. They granted sexual favors for food and money. What money they didn’t spend on food they used to purchase scrap metal for their inventions.

With what little resources they had, they created mechanical devices. Gravitational spheres that could remove the gravity in any room. Wind machines and so much more. I recognized their unique skill set right away and so my collection began.

I had known Evinee the longest out of the group. She seduced her way into our little club. I fell for her charms and sarcastic sense of humor. She was a wild animal in the sack and a charmer in public. Due to her sexual talents, she worked her way through the high lords and was able to gather information on them as we needed. She was the perfect spy. She was gorgeous, charming, and deadly.

Next was Doria. She had a unique skill set when it came to torture. Her mind was broken by her father, who abused her in a way that rivals even what Gen had gone through. We ended up killing the prick together. She, of course, landed the final blow.

Leenia came along as we entered our thirties. She was from a fallen high house. Her father had stolen money from the king and was killed for it. Her family was disgraced and banned from court. She desired to reclaim her family’s honor by moving up the ranks on her own merit. She was the deadliest thing on a battlefield.

Zerrial I collected straight from the dark court’s military. I befriended him by chance one night when we met at an alehouse in the city. He was hard to read and a brute of a male. We couldn’t stand each other at first. We initially beat the ever-loving shit out of each other, but after a few glasses, we were rolling on the floor, laughing and joking like we had known each other for decades. We ended up getting into a brawl together that same night. Instead of fighting each other, we tag-teamed some high house pricks, which solidified our bond. He taught me and the others everything he knew when it came to combat and battle strategies.

Firel was abandoned by his parents when he was ten years old. He never speaks of them, and we don’t push it. He was the closest thing I had to a child of my own until the one I lost with Gen. He was awkward and odd. The other alfar overlooked him due to his unusual personality and stuttering problem. I found him as something broken that I could fix. A challenge. He latched onto me like a babe to the tit. He absorbed everything I taught him and then went above and beyond. His capacity for knowledge was uncanny.

Until Gen, these alfar had been the ones I had loved the most. They understood me … saw me for who I truly was. Gen was right. I had collected a powerful army of my own … but in reality, their gifts and talents meant very little to me. We were connected by the sheer fact that we were all survives. Each of us were dealt a fate that should have put us in early graves, yet here we were … united … determined to build a better life then the one we were born to.

The next morning, I woke with a headache, still dizzy from the night before, but I didn’t care. I made my way over to the whiskey bottle on my desk. I was going to have to stay drunk in order to endure this day. The day that a husband would be chosen for Gen.

It would either be Therosi or Soddram. Avalon was only chosen out of respect for the queen. Therosi was more skilled with a sword and Soddram was the more intelligent of the three. It would come down to their will power. Therosi had the upper hand in that category. Especially because he desired Gen. He had a small taste of her power and allure and wasn’t going to allow anyone else a chance at owning it.

I got dressed and headed down to the labs. Our creature was being dissected this morning and I was interested to see what kept the massive hunk of flesh going. I turned the corner to find Evinee and Gen standing at the observation window. I slowed my pace, realizing my attempted avoidance led me straight into her path. But I was going to have to get used to this. I would serve her someday. Not in the way I wanted, but I would serve her all the same.

“Good morning, everyone,” I said, sliding my hands into my pockets.

Evinee elbowed me in the stomach as I stood next to her. “Good morning. I’d ask how you slept after last night’s bender, but I can see the answer for myself,” said Evinee.

“Remind me never to get into a drinking competition with you again,” I said.

“You should know better by now. It’s not my fault your inflated ego doesn’t learn,” replied Evinee.

“One of my many charming qualities. What have they discovered so far?” I asked.

“The thing has three hearts. Its lungs were massive, and the size of one tooth is longer than my whole arm.”

“Any answer as to what time or realm it came from?”

“It had claw marks all over its hide, but they think it’s from a less civilized place. Somewhere where it is at the top of the food chain,” explained Evinee. “Oh, and it was pregnant!”

I grimaced. The word pregnant had changed in an unexpected way for me in the past two weeks. I felt a turning in my stomach as it took everything in my power not to look at Gen.

“Did the offspring survive?” I asked .

“Yup. The twins are determined to train it and make it their pet. Unless Gen here decides she wants it. She does have a rather exotic collection of mythical creatures,” said Evinee.

Gen smirked. “I don’t think Otar would like a new brother or sister, but if I change my mind I know where to find it,” she replied.

“Speaking of Otar, where is the little prick? I haven’t seen him around?” I asked.

“He is alive and well. Just had to get him back to his normal diet,” she said, taking a quick glance at me.

“How’s Tryverse working out for you? Was he able to help with whatever problem you had?” Evinee asked with excitement. Azeer, I was not hearing this. I focused on the creature, trying to tune them out.

“He’s been very effective. Thank you for letting me borrow him,” said Gen.

“You can have him. He’s cute and all, but he reminds me too much of a human, no offense,” said Evinee.

“Maybe that’s why I enjoy his company so much,” added Gen.

“Where is Levos?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

“With Vena I presume,” answered Gen. “They’ve been carrying on for months. He’s been … comforting her after her father and brother.”

“Have you spoken to either of them?” asked Evinee.

“Vena a little,” said Gen. “She just apologizes repeatedly. I don’t carry any ill will towards her. She had already proven her loyalty to me before this situation.”

“And Icici?” I asked.

Gen turned her eyes to me. “I expect you know more about how she is doing than I would,” she said.

Evinee smiled and hit me in the chest. “You’re still screwing Icici? Come on, bag it, and tag it. No need to have the same meal for every course. You need a little variety in your kitchen. I’d be happy to shake things up for you to get that bimbo off your mind. It’s been what, two years since our last dalliance? Time for a refresher.” she snickered.

I closed my eyes, rubbing my temples in between my hands. She did not just say that. Not in front of Gen.

“I’m quite fine on my own, but thank you, Evinee,” I replied shortly.

“Fine, your loss. What about you princess? Care to have your mind blown?” she asked.

I snapped my eyes to both of them. “You did not just proposition the princess in public? Remember who she is, for Azeer’s sake.”

Gen laughed at us, trying to hide that beautiful smile. The sound warmed my insides.

“Thank you for the offer, Evinee, but I prefer males,” replied Gen.

“You’ll be singing a different tune in one hundred years. Women are way more fun. We know what we like and how to deliver. Isn’t that right, Eren?” Evinee said.

“I’m done with this very uncomfortable conversation,” I said.

“When has sex ever been an uncomfortable conversation for you?” Evinee asked.

Ever since I decided I had feelings for the princess. Ever since I had imagined her with Gaelin and now Tryverse Feynar. Ever since I had experienced jealousy. That was what I wanted to say.

“I have a meeting,” I said. I bowed to the princess before turning away.

“Oh, come on, Lyklor. There is nothing to do today,” called Evinee after me, but I didn’t turn back.

The throne room was packed. Every member of the high houses had shown up to watch the tournament that would decide who would have the honor of calling the princess their wife. This tournament only came around every so many hundred years, so the alfar came out of the woodwork to attend. I entered the room wishing I could be anywhere else.

I sat down at the table next to the king. Gen wore a beautiful white lace dress, cut into a V in the back and front. Her curls were loosely pinned to her head with a few fallen strands draped around her face and neck. She wore her diamond crown this evening. She was a vision. The greatest prize any alfar could ask for.

“She looks stunning, doesn’t she?” asked the king quietly. He must have caught me staring.

“You have a remarkable daughter, Your Highness,” I replied, trying not to be too obvious. And to top matters off, I was miserably drunk. I knew it was the only way I would be able to stomach this evening.

“She looks just like her mother. Besides the eyes, of course. She was the most stunning female I have ever laid eyes on. There was a pull to her that I couldn’t resist. I fought it, but in the end, I had to have her. I had to possess her,” said the king.

I was unsure how to respond to his very personal confession. “She did a wonderful job raising her,” I added.

“That she did. I never got to thank you for what you did with my brother and nephew. I owe you a great debt.”

“As long as she is safe, I have all I need,” I replied, realizing how sincerely the comment came out. I sat up straight and repositioned myself uncomfortably. The king smiled as he watched Gen move around the room.

“Remember, Erendrial. Life is too short to live with regret. You wouldn’t want to live the rest of your long life in the shadow of a reality that could have been yours, now, would you?” he said, standing to his feet.

I was taken aback by his comment. I didn’t quite understand his meaning, but I was honored that he felt me worthy of such advice. In all honesty, I looked up to the male. He never held my class against me. He encouraged me and gave me the opportunities I needed to prove myself. He entrusted me with the most valuable parts of his kingdom. He was the closest thing I had to a father.

The king made his way to his throne before Gen followed. The crowd found their seats as the excitement grew in the room. I downed another glass of wine and beckoned the servant over for more. Gen tried to smile, but I could tell it was forced. Regardless of what she said, she didn’t want this. It went against everything that made her … her.

“Thank you all for your attendance tonight as we conduct the tournament that will determine the next King of Doonak and my daughter’s future husband,” said the king. The court cheered with excitement. “The candidates will be tested in three categories. First, intellect. The second, strength and skill. The third, willpower. The winner of the first and second categories will compete in the third for the honor of my daughter’s hand. Ravion Sterling has assisted me in designing the three challenges. He will run the tournament and give direction as needed.

“Now, to introduce our candidates. First, we have Soddram from House Yositru. Our second candidate is Therosi from House Servi. Our third candidate is Avalon from House Flarion.” Each male walked up and bowed to the royals. They kissed Gen on the hand as she nodded to each with a small smile. The three candidates lined up in front of the royals, ready to begin. The king turned to me and smiled before addressing the crowd.

“I would like to take this time to remind the court that entry into the tournament is still open until the start of the first simulation. Anyone is free to challenge our candidates for the hand of the princess,” explained the king.

I leaned forward as I realized what he was doing. He was inviting me to play. He was giving me an opening to marry his daughter, but why? The candidates for the tournaments were always chosen ahead of time. They were chosen based on alliances and house standings. No one ever entered the competition at the last second. It was just a formality to say those words.

But what if … what if I could win? What if I could have a chance at marrying her? I tried to think quickly, weighing all the pros and cons in my head.

She would hate me for a couple years at best, but I would win her over. I would break her walls down. For Azeer’s sake, what was I thinking? This was crazy. The houses would never accept me as their next king.

Just like you had doubts about them accepting a half-breed as their queen?

But that was different; she had proven herself.

Haven’t you proven yourself ?

I looked over to her, trying to sort things out. Could I live, knowing she was bound to another? Could I live with the thought that I could have been her husband? Could I watch her belly swell with another child that wasn’t mine? The king exhaled, prolonging the process.

“There is no one else that wishes to enter the tournament?” he asked again.

No, I couldn’t live with any of those things. She was mine and I was going to claim her as such. I stood from my seat and all eyes in the room locked on me. The king turned my direction with a smile.

Gen’s eyes widened in disbelief. My instincts were telling me to sit my ass down, but it was too late. My emotions had gotten the best of me.

“I would like to enter into the tournament for the honor of Princess Genevieve’s hand, my king,” I said boldly.

I made my way to her, took her hand, and kissed it softly. She did not smile or nod. I took my place in the lineup next to the other three candidates as they all glared at me with annoyance. The court chattered quietly, the shock of my bold move rattling their traditions down to the core.

I held my head high, knowing I would do anything to be with her. To protect her. I wanted another chance and if she wasn’t going to give it to me willingly, then I was going to take it by whatever means necessary. The king smiled at me as I bowed to him. I would win this. I could do this. I would make her mine.