Malin – Agreement #2
A massive cheer swept through the room as the crowd enthusiastically applauded the sentiment.
Malin’s smile slipped for a terrifying second. Feniks Talavo. Mednik, the bronze dragon, had only revealed that ancient title to her weeks ago. She did not even understand what the prophecy demanded of her yet.
The sheer reverence in Darik’s voice sent a hot, uncomfortable flush racing up her neck as her mind spun.
How in the world did he know that name? And why did he use it?
As murmurs echoed the title and a hundred eyes locked onto her, the sheer weight of their collective awe made her want to sink directly into the floorboards. She wasn’t a legend; she was just a woman trying to survive her failing marriage.
Desperate to hide her bewildered discomfort, she forced her diplomatic smile back into place.
Her cheeks burned as she raised her goblet in polite acknowledgment.
This led to more applause and another wave of clinking glass.
As Malin took a measured sip of juice, she shifted awkwardly in her chair, wishing Darik hadn’t just placed her in the center of a spotlight she didn’t understand.
Her father beamed at her with genuine pride, and her heart squeezed.
Aeladar stood to address the crowd. “We leave for Mellyrn this morning. There is work to do, and peace to keep. This is only the start of the agreements, but there are so many more terms we can make in the best interest of both sides. Significant progress has been made, and I appreciate Darik’s efforts to push forward through adversity.
I have great respect for someone who is able to put his people’s needs above such a great loss.
” His words were greeted with a round of more raised goblets.
At this rate, the entire delegation would be drunk before breakfast was over. Aeladar had insisted they were served only juice and water. A movement over her shoulder found Will standing behind her chair.
She took a deep breath and stood.
He took a step back, but she had to squeeze by him.
“I have to say goodbye to Darik so that I can get the EMP from him. That is the whole reason I stayed. I will not put up with any more alpha male behavior from you. Are we clear?” Malin murmured for only him to hear.
Will immediately stiffened beside her, but let her pass, following close behind.
She shot him a look that put some distance between them.
She crossed the room to where Darik was surrounded by the Upper Synod. When he failed to notice her, she tapped his forearm. A burst of bile filled her mouth as he covered her hand with his.
“Apologies. Do you have a moment to speak in private?” she said, pulling her hand from his grasp quickly.
He motioned for her to follow him to a dark corner on the dais, then moved close, so they would not be overheard, bringing a suffocating wave of sandalwood and mint with him.
The scent that had caused so much of an issue.
“Congratulations on the promotion,” she offered quietly.
Darik laughed with a short, ironic sound.
“Promotion. Yes. A terrible shock.” He flashed a lopsided grin, his amber eyes locking onto her, as he passed a large satchel to her.
His fingers brushed hers, lingering far too long.
A sickening twist of revulsion hit Malin’s stomach.
She yanked her hand back, wishing she could wash her skin, then opened the bag. It was the promised device.
“Thank you for the EMP,” she pushed out.
“You were magnificent in that fight,” Darik purred, entirely unbothered by her distance.
“If my father were still alive, he would be furious that he had backed out of the marriage contract. Your magic is very powerful. If he had known how strong your magic was, he would have insisted on a marriage. I find your strength very worthy. We would be a force to be reckoned with in the political arena in Fellspire. If you ever find yourself looking for a new husband, put me on your shortlist.”
Stepping out of the periphery, Will locked his arm possessively around Malin’s waist. “She will never have a need to remarry.”
Her fury for Will’s earlier actions made every ounce of her body want to step away, but she wouldn’t give Darik even an ounce of hope, so instead she plastered on her sweetest, most loving smile and leaned into Will’s touch.
Darik’s smile turned lethal. “Accidents happen to anyone... even Archons surrounded by guards.” His eyes tracked down to Malin’s inner forearm, studying the faint silver spiral of her tattoo. “I see your soul-bond remains unsealed. Such a shame...”
“I appreciate the device, Darik,” she said with absolute finality. “But hear me well. I would sooner choose a lifetime of solitude than ever come calling on you. Direct your ambitions elsewhere,” Malin stated flatly, disgusted by his rude, arrogant behavior.
Darik licked his lips. “Pity.”