Chapter 46 #2
“I’m planning to bring this kingdom to its knees, and I will do it while you watch, unable to prevent it from happening.
I will protect the innocent witches from you and slaughter the others while you stand outside a barrier, as you did before.
I will kill Tanyl, the pretender king, and I will send you his skull to ease your need for revenge.
I will bind myself to my kingdom and protect it until I’m dead …
and even then I might just surprise you. ”
“So, it’s true … the monarchs are mated,” he murmured before narrowing his eyes at her.
“I suppose it is, at least in this instance,” she sneered.
“I fear I cannot forgive you for this lie, nor can I let you leave.”
“We’ve reached a head, a point of no return, where neither of us is willing to budge. So, let me go my way, and you go yours.”
Kiran’s face contorted in rage. “I’m now the king, monarch of the Niflheim Kingdom and other mortal realms, and I will destroy you if you try to leave.”
Imani tried to keep the panic, the pain, from her voice. As airily as she could manage, she murmured, “And I’ll always rise, from everything. I’m the queen, monarch of the Essenheim Kingdom. I’m unconquerable now.”
They both stared, a thousand broken promises within their eyes.
Kiran gave her a curt nod. “Very well. Have it your way, Your Majesty.”
She blinked, stuffing down all her fear, and when she looked at him again, the hunger was still there, but his broad chest rose and fell with each heavy breath he took. As if he struggled with the idea that he wasn’t going to get what he wanted. Not this time.
She wouldn’t give in. Not when she couldn’t trust Kiran any further than she could throw him.
“Kiran, you have to understand why I’m doing this—”
“No, you have to understand,” he cut her off quietly but emphatically. “You have no idea how dangerous it is for you out there, Imani. I can’t protect you.”
Her voice was ice. “I have the power of the crown. I don’t need protection from you or against Tanyl.
He’s a pretender sitting on that throne.
” My throne. With the Drasil, she was powerful enough to take him—or anyone—who challenged her claim.
That was the way of the monarchs, especially those with powerful wands.
“Not him. Not against the monsters controlling his strings. You must believe me—I have your best interests in mind.” His hand fisted tightly around his wand.
“What lovely, meaningless words. More secrets you’re keeping from me?”
“If you stay, I will tell you everything. No secrets. You’re …
” He trailed off, struggling with the words, getting desperate.
“You’re … the most brilliant, beautiful elf the realm has seen in a thousand years—and mine.
My heartmate. I won’t lose you. I was given something precious, I know this now.
And yes, I am the monarch on the opposing side of this war, but you belong here, with me. ”
The longing in his face was genuine. He really thought he could have it all. The throne, his power, the horde … her.
But he thought wrong.
The only true comfort in this world was power, and she would have it, alone.
“Why people choose to test my patience is beyond me. It’s like they want me to repeatedly prove I’m willing to do anything to get what I want.
I will not be your bitch to be hidden away, to screw and command …
and you can’t handle that.” She paused. “Now that you’ve declared your intention to conquer my kingdom, I will be taking my leave immediately.
I must go home to protect my people and our magic. ”
“You’ll never be enough to save them from me. You’ve seen the army I command. The beast that is in me.”
Again, he was incorrect. The past few months hadn’t been a waste—she knew all about him, and more.
In fact, Imani loved him—all of him. Somewhere in the depths of that unending dark wickedness inside him, Kiran loved her, too.
But they were never meant to be together like one of Meira’s fairy tales.
And, although Imani had known the truth for a while now, she wasn’t sure how she would survive the pain already threatening to choke her.
She gave him a placating smile. “You might overpower, outsmart, and destroy my magic, but I told you before that I’m a terrible enemy to have.
After all these months, I know more than most what you’re capable of, Kiran.
I know how your mind works. And now, I’m the one harboring powerful secrets that are mine and mine alone.
You made a mistake crossing me.” The words came from deep within Imani, her power swirling out of her as she spoke.
The look Kiran gave her blazed with satisfaction. Like pride. “Spoken like a true queen. You always were a cut above the rest, and knew it.” He let out a deep breath, seeming to accept that she wouldn’t be staying and there was nothing he could do to stop her at the moment.
“If you do this, My Queen, remember that I don’t lose,” Kiran said, his voice low, all amusement gone. “I was a spare son.” He took out his wand and pointed it at her. The bone gleamed in the firelight. Who had it belonged to? Who had he killed? Someone powerful.
More secrets.
She stiffened at the threat and quickly held her own wand at the ready. Would Kiran really kill her today?
Imani had fought. She’d thieved. She’d whored. She’d blasphemed so many times, her soul was as black as the Niflheim sky in the depths of winter. Perhaps one day she’d be sent to live her afterlife amongst the third Under realm forever. It was where she belonged.
But that day wasn’t today.
She didn’t want to kill Kiran today. She knew that fate was inevitable, but if he came after her right now … she’d defeat him in any way she could.
Imani managed a delicate swallow. “I wish love were enough to forgive these unforgivable things we’ve both done to each other, and will keep doing. But I won’t stop, and I know you won’t either. Let me through the doorway, and I’ll leave you unharmed.”
Kiran huffed out a laugh, but the viciousness on his face didn’t abate. And he didn’t lower his wand.
A slow smirk spread across Imani’s face as she gazed straight into his eyes. His widened a minuscule in response.
He knew that she’d never felt more free.
Indeed, Imani would seek out her vengeance wherever she could get it, even if it meant destroying everyone she was supposed to love. In the end, she would rule as she was meant to—alone.
With a swipe of the Drasil, she went invisible. Kiran glanced around the room, confused. The Drasil was living up to its reputation. Not even the Niflheim king could see past the powerful illusion, and if he couldn’t see her, he couldn’t attack her.
With soft, quiet steps, Imani headed for the trees then pushed into them and melted into the night.
The doorway closed behind her, an obedient result of her sending a mere thought its way.
She dropped to her knees on the floor of the Draswood Forest and sobbed.