47. Merrick
47
MERRICK
R age poured through me like molten lava, boiling and fierce. Every bit of logical thought went up in flames when I saw a high lord lunging at Reyla, his magic coiling around her neck, and his blade glinting under the grand chandelier lights. My breath hitched, a growl clawing up my throat. This wasn't the first attack on me or Reyla, and it wouldn't be the last, but fuck, I would destroy anyone who came near her with bad intent.
I snapped out with magic, but I could not drag the blade from his grip.
Surren flung out his sword, but it deflected before hitting the high lord. What kind of ward could withstand the magic I’d infused into her guards?
Reyla pulled the blades at her sides and flung them with eerie perfection. They would’ve hit him square in the chest if his wards hadn’t deflected them .
I’d never seen this high lord before in my life. Was he an unknown within my own court or was this yet another attack from one of the other kingdoms? It didn't matter now.
Flinging myself off the dais and onto the marble floor, I yanked a blade from the sheath at my side. It felt cold in my grip, and it begged to join the battle. I merged my elemental magic, wrapping it tightly around the steel. Fire surged in, hot and vivid, while ice coiled around it, creating a spine-tingling shimmer.
Reyla called shadows, and they strained to get between her and the high lord’s choking bands.
Time slowed, blurring the faces of the spectators who gaped, some in shocked dismay, others with glee. With both magic and blades slashing, her guard struggled to approach her, to get between her and the threat.
Bellowing, I rushed toward her. Reyla's eyes met mine, widening in terror as his strands constricted around her throat, choking off her air. I wouldn’t let this stand. Not again. Not ever.
She sent shadows gliding across the floor to attack the high lord, but he slashed through them with his magical strands.
Every ounce of my soul screamed in fury as I hurled my magically enhanced blade at the high lord. It exploded as it struck him, a churning mass of heat and frost slicking through his wards to drive into his chest. He staggered backward, the impact knocking the breath from his lungs but not taking his life.
No, I would not kill him yet.
Farris broke free of Reyla’s grip and followed my blade, leaping onto the lord, sending him slamming onto the floor. Snarling, the nyxin ripped at the man's throat.
Gasps erupted around the room, some in horror, others showing how thrilled they were with the latest entertainment put on for their view. I seethed. How dare any of them wish my wildfire pain? How dare they not help her!
Her gaze met mine again, panic swirling in the depths. She clawed at the magical bands, her breath hitching with terror.
“Merrick,” she strangled out. That single word cut through my fury.
Rushing toward her, I flared my magic, tugging in water droplets from the air, combining them with the dirt coating a few spectator shoes. I flung the magic at the magical strands. They shimmered and melted away like wax in a fire. A sharp gasp escaped Reyla as she sucked air back into her lungs. The fear in her eyes made my inner beast roar.
I wrapped my arms around her while searching her expression. “You’re alright?”
She jerked out a nod, her hands scrambling across her florid throat.
I tightened my arms around her. “You're safe now.” My voice came out low and intense, and everything inside me softened as I cupped her face in my palms. Her pulse pounded beneath my fingertips. “No one is going to hurt you again. Not while I draw breath.”
Farris snarled and scrambled, trying to bite through the high lord's hands clutching his throat.
“Come,” I said. Farris’s gaze met mine before he reluctantly leaped away from the high lord's chest. He bounded over to us, his fur bristling, and nudged Reyla’s side as if to tell her he would protect her with his own life too.
Relief spread through me, filling in the gaps in my fury. Safe, but for how long? I had to end this, though the tools I needed were not in my possession.
She stroked my cheek. “I'm alright. He . . . didn't hurt me.”
Yet he had. Anger snarled through me again, fueling my rage. I stalked toward the high lord pinned to the floor by Surren's magic. Blood trickled between his fingers as he pawed at his torn throat. My blade remained embedded in his chest, shifting with each of his sharp inhalations. Tension hung in the room; the air heavy with titillation.
“Who sent you?” I snarled, towering over him.
A twisted smile crept onto his face, and satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. “Yes, my king . Wouldn't you like to know?” Each word he choked out dripped with malice. “Your birthday’s coming quickly, is it not?”
“Tell me,” I bellowed, though I had my suspicions already.
He shuddered and focused on drawing in his next breath. Gold bands whipped out of him, but instead of attacking me or Reyla, they plunged into his chest beside the blade, others latching onto the hilt, shoving it deeper.
A shockwave rippled through the room. His eyes widened before they stilled, staring past my shoulder at nothing.
The room erupted around us, but I focused only on Reyla. Frustration churned through my veins. No closure, no answers. Who thought they could end things before I was given this final chance?
I returned to her side, wrapping my arms around her again as she tried to steady her ragged breathing. Heart racing, I poured my warmth into her body. Placing my fingers gently against her throat, I gently glided healing magic into her flesh. The redness disappeared, and her breathing became easier.
With infinite care, I lifted her into my arms. My insides lashed, twisting and churning, shredding their way through me. Carrying her up onto the dais, I walked to the throne that was my future if I could find a way to hold onto it. The weight of my crown tugged on my brow. When I settled into my seat, I held her on my lap, shielding her from any further harm.
Her eyes searched mine, still shadowed with fear from the attack. If only I could take away the terror she'd experienced today. Anger boiled through me as I thought of the high lord who'd tried to end her life. I wanted to revive him and strike him down again. I scanned the room, but other than feverish excitement on a few faces, I found no further threats.
“Are you truly alright?” My voice came out soft, my snarls replaced with bitter concern. What had I condemned this woman to? Was it too late to turn back?
“I am.”
Surren rushed over to us, concern wedging his brow. “I’m sorry, my king. I should’ve—”
“No.” My voice cut through his words like a blade. “I should've anticipated this attack.” My hope had distracted me.
“It’s my duty, my honor to serve our queen.” His gaze sought hers, his face tight with dismay.
“He used sophisticated magic.” Magic none of my high lords possessed. The other courts? They must. “You couldn’t fight it, though I know you tried. You and the others aren't to blame.” Seething, I looked down at the woman in my arms. Holding her eased the fire snarling its way through me, though only a small bit. It would lash across my soul for a very long time. “Remove the body.”
Surren lifted his hand and attendants rushed to the man, magically lifting him and taking him out through a side entrance. A sweep of his hand, and Surren removed the stain from the floor.
But the taste of the man’s foul magic still hung in the air, making me fume.
Reyla's ladies hurried up onto the dais, twitching around us like moths smacking against glowing glass.
Moira handed Reyla a goblet filled with water, her hand shaking so badly, the water nearly slopped over the rim. “Please, take a sip.”
Faelith brushed a lock of hair from Reyla's forehead and replaced it with a damp cloth. “My queen. My queen. Are you alright? Breathe. Please breathe.”
“You should return to your suite.” I told Reyla, rubbing her back while the court around us whispered and churned with gossip. Fuck them all. “You’ll be safer there.” But was she truly safe anywhere?
She handed the goblet back to Moira and struggled in my arms, fierce determination glowing in her eyes.
“No.” Her shaking limbs told me how frightened she was. She eased off my lap and stood in front of me, her expression unwavering. “I won’t let them win.” Resolve quavered through her voice. She plucked the cloth from her face and handed it to Calista. With steadier legs, she walked to her throne and sat, gazing out at the crowd still watching each installment of this event with anticipation.
I took her hand and brought it to my lips, kissing her knuckles. “You're sure?”
She gave me a pert nod before glaring at the room in general. “It’s time.” Command came through in her voice. “Time to elevate my ladies, Moira, Calista, and Faelith, to high lady status.”
My heart swelled with pride. Here she was, standing strong in the face of what happened, not letting fear drive her away. My wildfire was incredible.
The room buzzed, shock and disbelief mixing in with a spattering of applause. Those who stood against her would resent this decision, but this was essentially her court now.
This woman would always make her own rules, and because of that, I loved her even more.
She’d stand up to everyone who got in her way—even me.