Mira

The little healer had not been powerful enough to save Zorren, but with patching the wound she had bought us time. With us being restricted to the speed the litter carrying Zorren could be pulled, I sent a fast rider ahead with instructions for supplies, a healer and a guard to meet us. I had not allowed them to stop or rest even for an instant. We completed the seven-day journey in four. It was the longest journey of my life and I did something I hadn’t even attempted since I lost my flame. I prayed to Neftir, to Havron, to Khatri and any other deity that might hear me. If it was this raging helplessness he had experienced every time I was injured, I’d beg his forgiveness. At a distance I counted each shallow breath from his blue lips, wishing to be at his side but unable to get that close without the heat I was generating destabilizing his condition. My emotions were fighting me for an outlet, with heaps of snow slumping to puddles at my feet. I was failing to keep my flame completely caged. The tumult roiled and boiled, battering me from within. It was like unleashing a typhoon in a tightly enclosed space and it terrified me. For the first time since I could remember I was not in control.

I almost sank to my knees when Devin met us en route. But it hadn’t been until Sevias’ towering walls came into view that I began to hope that all would be well. We had made it home. Zorren had yet to stir, but Devin assured me that this was quite normal for Iceari that had sustained significant injuries; apparently, they entered into a type of hibernation. I’d never known that and did not leave his side while he was in this vulnerable state, with either Bran or Gunnar on regular watch. There is a traitor amongst us and Zorren and I would trust no one else. Hands fisting I blinked furiously, they’d have to get through me first and Neftir help them, I wasn’t inclined to be merciful.

A knock at the door stirred me from Zorren’s bedside. Stretching a kink out of my neck, I saw Bran stick his head through the door. The anger stamped on his features suggested that this was not good news. “We have a problem.”

“What is it now?” I grunted, turning my head left and right.

“Zorren’s absence is creating a power vacuum and they will not follow a woman.” He huffed out a short breath and I braced myself for the next bit. “The council is seeking to remove you.”

I burst up from my chair. “They can do that?”

Bran’s mouth dug down in a grim line. “There is a loose precedent, yes.”

I muttered an oath that had Bran’s eyes widening but I had passed the point of caring long ago.

My hands clenched into tight fists at my sides and I powered down the corridor.

“Wait, don’t you at least need to change first?” I was still covered in grime from the journey. My face smeared with soot and blood matted in my hair, the borrowed clothes that had been found for me in a rush were ill-fitting, I’d never felt more powerful.

“No, this will not wait.” I had to hold it together, hold them together to give Zorren the time to heal. Be strong.

“Mira, this could get ugly,” Bran warned me.

“If they will not bend then I will break them,” I growled with a deliciously vicious smile.

Bran missed his step, stuttering over my words. He was not used to this ruthless side of me and neither was I, but I would destroy whoever tried to part us.

Gunnar paced outside of the closed doors of the council chamber. “Where have you been, they have already started—” His jaws clicked shut at the dark look on my face.

“Open the doors.”

Gunnar swallowed. “You sure you don’t need a moment to compose yourself?” He suggested almost desperately. I cut him an impatient look and he immediately reached for the handle muttering, “I guess not.”

I swept through with a regal bearing as if I was attired in the finest of clothes and jewelry and all noise ceased as I seated myself at the head of the table. Passing Zorren’s abandoned seat, my throat attempted to close up but I swallowed it back.

“Why has the council been assembled and more importantly why was I not informed?” My clipped icy tone was their first warning but I thought I better make my position clear. “I warn you now to carefully consider your reply, you do not want to be on the receiving end of my precarious temper.”

In the background, someone coughed. Not surprisingly it was Barek that spoke and I pegged him as the leader of the opposition. “The Ice Lord is indisposed and there is a strong possibility he might not recover.”

I gripped the arms of the chair to keep from launching at the man who continued to be a thorn in my side. “The Ice Lord will recover, for I will not have it otherwise,” I replied, my voice ringing clear and strong. “Surely we are able to wait and function until that time?”

“Someone is needed to lead.” Another lord offered. Ah, now we got to the problem. Whoever stepped into the void would forever be marked as a threat, real or imaginary. Khatri’s tits! I hated court politics.

Barek nodded sagely. “Decisions still need to be made and you, Princess,” he ground out my title like it had a bitter taste, “outstay your welcome.” My lips bunched to one side at the not so subtle threat, I had heard worse.

Deciding to call his bluff I asked, “What are you suggesting Lord Trastmarra? That you take the reins of power while your Ice Lord is indisposed?” There were rumblings around the table. “How thoughtful of you but I have another suggestion.” Thrusting my chin out I met their gaze and said simply, “I will lead.” My decision was met by a roaring wall of protest. That’s enough. I didn’t have the patience, nor was I inclined to find it. This pack of vultures was picking over the corpse while the body was still breathing. A whip of searing white unfurled from my palm. A flick of my wrist and it cracked above us, kissing the chain holding the chandelier. Someone screamed as the chandelier fell. While in mid-drop I flicked my wrist in short jerky movements, forming a complicated pattern. The wooden structure separated into smaller pieces. A chair scraped back and yells echoed off the wall while I looked on. None of the lords appeared fearsome when ducking for cover.

Gunnar groaned and covered his face, “I don’t believe you just did that.” My lips curled with cool amusement.

“You just tried to kill us!” someone shouted and I snorted my contempt.

“If I had actually tried you would not be talking now,” I dismissed impatiently, forcing myself to relax into the uncomfortable seat when all I wanted to do was pace and burn off restless energy. “However, now that I have your attention, listen, for I will only say this once. I will not be removed from my mate’s side. You, who call yourselves men, should show a united front and be loyal to your liege instead of scheming like a bunch of old women.” I shamed them pouring my undiluted scorn upon them, their eyes flickered to each other shifting in their places like naughty children caught in their disobedience.

“Gunnar, Bran, do you support this?” Another asked at last with a hint of resignation.

“She cannot lead! I will not have it!” Barek banged on the table.

“This council does not follow your dictates, Barek,” Lord Friofeld barked, silencing him. “You are a lord in name only and not one of the ruling Houses. I suggest you remember that.” Lord Friofeld nodded in my direction as if saying the rest is up to me and I subtly inclined my head in thanks. Barek slumped back in his chair mouth left hanging open, looking a broken figure. I was almost sorry for him if he wasn’t trying to have me removed.

“Gunnar, Bran, do you give your support to what I propose?” I held my breath waiting for their answer, the one that carried the most sway.

As always they gave their unwavering support, “We do.”

It turned the tide of the room. Subdued, all eyes turned to me, waiting for my word, waiting for my decision, the weight of power threatening to cow me. Breathing hard I marshaled my thoughts. “Send out messengers and secure our border, though I believe the attack was an isolated occurrence we must make sure.”

“And if it isn’t?” Someone at the back asked.

“Then I will lead the charge to rout them,” I declared rashly noting the nods of approval around the table. I was winning them over enough to give me a chance. Now, I just had to prove myself.

I left the council room with a throbbing headache and the support of the nobles—for now.

“Has there been any change?” I asked wearily, my heart sinking when Astra shook her head. Zorren hadn’t awakened. Despite my exhaustion, I could not rest easy, choosing instead to sit on the bed beside Zorren’s form. My back against the headboard, the sword of Fa Rahzil positioned across my lap. I turned it over, examining the polished surface. The driving, biting need to prove myself and live up to my lineage was gone. I smoothed my hand over the well-worn grip, it had lost its power over me. It was just a sword. The realization was not an unhappy one, after all my adventures, I’d become my own woman and found confidence and ease I’d never known by falling in love with an Iceari. I respected it. It was a part of me and my heritage but it no longer ruled me. My priorities had shifted to Zorren, and those in our care and it suited me. I was no longer trying to be something I was not. I was strong but I did not seek to be the ultimate power in the land. My natural inclination to provide support while operating within my own autonomy was an asset and complemented Zorren’s strong personality. I was strong enough to stand up to him and think for myself but neither did I have the urge to fight him for power.

I had changed. In the Court of my aunt, my attitude would be perceived as weakness. It wasn’t. I was just meant for another life. I finally understood what had caused my mother to defy an emperor. I thought about what it would mean to return to the court of my birth and I couldn’t picture myself ever being content. Always facing challenges, the strict protocol smothering me only to be stabbed in the back as a way of thanks and discarded when I was no longer of use. I deserved better. I’d served and bled and I’d given my life once for them, as far as I was concerned my debt was paid. It was time to choose who I would be. I chose him. Zorren. We’d both done wrong. But he came for me across the wastes, defended me when I was not able and cared for me, and stubborn enough to knock down my guards. I choose to build my life with him. Curling up next to his side, I listened to his breathing, allowing his presence to comfort me. “Zorren, come back to me,” I whispered, the tears I’d been holding in check starting to spill over. “I can’t do this without you.” A sob caught in my throat. “I can’t do this, I’m not strong enough.” There was no answer.

I must have fallen to sleep. Stirring, I sensed another presence in the room. Eyes creaking open, my heart stuttered in my chest. Barek was hovering over us like a carrion bird. Snapping upright I pressed my back into the headboard.

“What are you doing here?” I snarled, my lip curling back over my teeth in distaste. Barek didn’t answer, he didn’t move, his gaze remained fix over my shoulder on Zorren’s prone form. Unease rippled through me and the hairs on the back of my neck stood to attention.

“What do you want?”

He turned his head to me, a sick feverish gleam in his eyes. “Neither of you should have survived. The trap was perfect, if you hadn’t followed, Zorren would be dead.”

Dear Neftir, he was the traitor. The flames from the torches shot upwards, reacting to me.

“How could you betray him?” His head jerked and I started at the action.

“He betrayed me!” Spittle flew from his lips. “He would no longer listen to my counsel.”

My eyes flickered left and right searching for something to defend us with, not wanting to unleash my fire unless I had to. I was not in control and could not guarantee the results and could very well injure us both. If only I could find a way to channel it. “For years I have groomed and steered him for the throne.” Barek continued to drone on. That’s right just keep talking while I find a way to kill you. “For him to forget and ignore me.” He said it like he couldn't believe it was possible. My eyes shifted to the sword propped at the side where I had left it. “I couldn’t even get my worthless bitch of a daughter to fuck and wed him. Useless. After I’d gone through the great inconvenience of removing her last husband so the little bitch was free to spread her legs.” The knot of anger I held for the woman vanished. I pitied her to be tied and dependent upon such a monster. “Then you could quietly be disposed of.” He cackled with glee, slicking his lips and savoring the thought of the act. He was raving. “Ungrateful. Better to remove him.” I was listening to the ravings of a madman. Zorren was the keystone of a delicate balance of power. He ruled outright because he alone was powerful enough to unite the factions, no one could match him. But his death could create a power vacuum and the city and land would be torn apart by civil war.

“He held you in great esteem until you started prioritizing your personal ambition above the needs of your people.” I edged closer to the sword. “And you stopped giving unbiased counsel.” I sneered and Barek took a threatening lunge towards me, becoming more and more agitated. I tried to push my flame to the surface and it lunged for the small opening I’d left it. Digging my nails into my palms, I held it tight before it eased, prickling beneath my skin. Praying, I could find the control that would allow us to live.

Barek laughed and a shiver rippled over my calm façade. “The boy allowed his head to be turned by your whore Firelander ways, proving he was weak and unworthy.”

His words were a clash of contradictions, his mind was unravelling faster than I could process.

“Now, he has to go...”

And the conversation had come to a screeching halt, the blade began to smoke. I sprang from the bed and grasped the weapon holding it outstretched and bared my teeth in a feral snarl. “Touch him and die. If you leave now you will have a head start before we hunt you.”

A sickly smile spread across his face with a dreamy look. Barek was not going to leave, please Khatri don’t let me kill us. Trembling, I sheathed the blade in fire. He started to raise a hand and I slashed downward. A hand flopped to the floor, like a fish in the bottom of a boat, the heat instantly cauterizing the stub. He screamed like a demon, the high pitch sound hurting

my ears, I went to follow through with a thrust to the heart, forced to change the direction of the blade when a spear of ice shot towards my middle. Lopping off the pointed head I turned back to my quarry to find Barek had fled. Panting, I rang the bell pull and summoned the guard. “Find Lord Trastmarra and bring him to me alive or dead, he tried to kill the Ice Lord.”

How can a man with a severed hand disappear? But he had managed it, word of his betrayal had spread like wildfire. The House of Trastmarra was to be struck from existence. I made sure there was no reprisal against Druskia, she was as much a pawn as we were. Isolated by the court she informed us of her decision to return to one of the southern estates until her husband’s heir came forward.

Zorren

Zorren eyes fluttered, unsure where he was. His rooms? Rubbing his face, he became aware of his aching body. How had he got here?

“Welcome back to the land of the living.” His head turned towards the voice and found Gunnar sitting in a chair. “We almost lost you with that one.”

The fog began to clear from his mind, Traviste, the ambush...

“Mira?” he rasped, fear clutching him as he struggled to sit up. She had run towards him and had been consumed by a stream of fire. There was no way she could have survived that.

Gunnar was quick to reassure him. “Is safe and well.” While Gunnar was preoccupied with ordering food up from the kitchen, Zorren at last levered himself upright. Wincing, as tender muscles were stretched.

“Alive,” he breathed, relaxing back amongst the pillows. He didn’t know how she had managed it, or by Havron, how he was still breathing. Surely, some noble with delusions of grandeur would have finished him off while he slept the sleep of the dead. “Thank you for holding the nobles in check.”

Gunnar snorted cutting him off. “It wasn’t me that was your mate’s doing.”

“Mira? But how?”

He grinned, placing a steaming bowl of soup in front of Zorren. His nose twitched, gods, that smelt divine. “Threatened to incinerate them all to a crisp if they so much as breathed in your direction until you were well.” A hint of reverence entered his voice. “Remind me never to aggravate a female Firelander; she is a terrifying force of nature when she chooses to be.”

It looked like his mate had certainly been busy; a smile tugged at the corner of his lips, Zorren would have dearly loved to witness Mira taking the council to task.

“She organized everything, messengers to be sent to the borders warning of possible attacks but all seems quiet on that front.”

Gunnar began fiddling with his eating knife. “There is one more thing.”

That was a weighted statement. “Oh?” Zorren commented taking his first cautious sip of the soup.

“Barek was the traitor.” The spoon paused halfway up to his mouth.

“Are you sure?”

Gunnar gave a single stiff nod. “Came in here while you slept to finish you, except he hadn’t counted on dealing with a particularly feisty and enraged Firelander.” Mira had saved him again. Zorren rubbed his face, though they no longer saw eye to eye on a range of topics he would never have suspected or even predicted that Barek would betray him to the Firelanders. Make his life difficult at court certainly but to try to arrange his death? Zorren shook his head in part disbelief still struggling to take it in

“Where is he now?” The words evenly spoken masked the rage brewing within.

“We don’t know, he disappeared after Mira hacked off his right arm.”

Zorren did a double take. “Sorry, I must still be groggy did you just say—”

“Yes, Barek is running around without an arm courtesy of your mate,” Gunnar added with a particular gleam of satisfaction. “That is quite some woman you have there.”

“I know.” He didn’t deserve her and didn’t know how he had gotten so lucky. Mira thought herself weak when she humbled him with her inner strength. “Speaking of Mira, where is she now?” Zorren asked draining the rest of the bowl, ignoring the stab of disappointment that she was not present when he woke.

“I sent her to the training grounds to blow off some steam.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “She refused to leave your side until we had flames snapping in and out of existence.” Zorren’s heart soared; she had her inner flame back. He had thought those hazy imagines had been naught but a dream and wishful thinking. Shifting his legs over the edge of the bed he gave himself a moment.

“Do you need me to catch you when you fall?” Gunnar teased and Zorren growled a biting and unflattering response that had Gunnar chuckling. Sucking in a breath he pushed himself up and reached for his clothes.

Though weak, Zorren walked through the streets under his own steam. People paused and openly stared, a few began to follow in his wake. Standing at the entrance to the training grounds, Zorren sucked in a breath. Havron, she was so beautiful. Her eyes closed and brow puckered in concentration as if trying to capture an elusive moment of stillness, Mira faced off from a wooden post as thick as a man’s body. Her eyes snapped open to reveal pure gold and her arm slashed out with blurring speed and a ribbon of white light snapped with the movement. Nothing. Then the top half slid to the right and rolled onto the sand.

“Khatri’s tits!” she hissed with real venom, kicking up a cloud of sand in a temper. Zorren blinked, not used to hearing that sort of language from her sweet lips. Gunnar hadn’t been exaggerating when he had said she needed to blow off some steam, the cracks were beginning to appear. His little mate had done well holding the nation together with her will alone but that was his job. Zorren was back and ready to take back the reins of power.

Mira

I heard someone behind me and all the stress and worry that had been fanning and feeding my spiky emotions bubbled to the surface. “Gunnar!” I snarled stomping in the opposite direction. “I told you I wanted to be alone.” Terrified of what I could accidentally unleash on a poor unsuspecting victim. The new power roiled continuously inside of me, testing my restraints. Never letting up, never giving me a moment's respite. I had locked it down for now but my equilibrium was off.

An ice wall shot up, a hair's breadth from the tip of my nose. “Gunnar, I'm warning you-” I started spinning around. An insolent blond brow crooked at me in greeting and I sucked in a breath. The same movement that irritated me tremendously and had been terrified I wouldn't see again.

“You're warning me, are you, Hellcat?” Zorren drawled, his eyes twinkling with good humor. Squealing, I launched myself at him, mindful of his side and buried my head into his chest. Zorren’s one good arm wrapped around me, the air squeezed from my lungs.

“You're awake,” I breathed in the scent that was uniquely his, pine and freshly fallen snow.

His large hand smoothed down my back and he buried his face into my fiery mass of hair, “I am thanks to my beautiful, fierce mate.” Lips pressed into my hair and he inhaled deeply. We could have stayed wrapped in the tender moment forever. Instead, I abruptly drew back and thumped him with my fist. Zorren grunted.

“You ever almost die on me again and I swear to the holy goddess I will fry you.”

When he had the audacity to laugh at me I moved to hit him again. Zorren caught my hand and pulled me close, his palm firmly wrapped around the nape of my neck, silencing my intended tirade with a demanding kiss. Hungry lips sought mine and a great cheer when up behind us. Peering over his shoulder I saw we had an audience, heat rising to my cheeks. “Whatever you wish, Hellcat.” For the first time in a long time, I let my body sag against him, finally believing he wouldn't die.

“You're not overexerting yourself?” I asked anxiously.

Zorren lips curled at the corners, though concerned eyes trailed me before his thumb brush over the dark smudge under my eye. “I'm well, though you look exhausted.” He ran a palm over my brow. “And feverish, Sweet Khatri you’re too hot.” I was continually running a temperature these days. “Struggling with your element?” he murmured under his breath.

“Yes,” I croaked, too tired with fighting to keep it caged to feel shame at admitting the weakness on my part. Zorren nodded and his palm cooled. I sighed with relief as soothing cold flushed my system. For the first time since awakening the fires slept. “Thank you.”

I was exhausted but his pale complexion worried me more.

“Please, let us go back up to the palace,” I suggested softly.

“Where are you going?” Zorren asked, his eyes following my movements.

“Out,” I said, while fighting a yawn, from yet another poor night's sleep, while shrugging into my jacket. “Not that it matters,” I added under my breath. It was coming up to a sennight since Zorren had woken and thankfully, he was not suffering from any ill effects from the injury. He stiffened indicating that he had heard but did nothing. Instead, he evenly stated, “I would like us to talk, Mira.”

And I didn’t.

The complications remained unsaid between us and unresolved. I had my fire back but it changed everything. Anxiousness ate at me, wearing me down to the bone and the willpower required to keep my fire in check had become a monumental task. Both resulting in an unnatural short temper, which was exacerbated by Zorren’s calm understanding. Finding myself in freefall with my volatile emotions bubbling close to the surface, I wished for my stubborn mate and his gruff endearments. I wanted him to get that stern look in his eyes when I was pushing my luck. I needed his help in reining myself in but asking for help was a step too far even for me. Refusing to answer I reached for my cloak.

He frowned. “Mira?”

“What?” I snapped, turning on my heels, hands fisted on my hips. “What is it?” I cocked my head to one side. His eyes flared briefly and I held my breath. Maybe this was it.

I swallowed my bizarre sense of disappointment when the tension drained from his body and he sighed. “Very well, remember to take a guard.” I snorted my contempt and turned my back on him. “I don’t need one.” I had absolutely no intention of having a guard hovering over me. In the mood I was in I was likely to incinerate him to a crisp.

Zorren’s face set in determined lines and he stood, wiping his hand on his trews. “On second thought, I think we really need to talk.” He folded his arms, eyes narrowing. “Now.”

“It can wait until I return,” I dismissed his request, just as determined to go.

“What is so important that you have to go, Mira?”

In truth, nothing. “I am going, whatever you wish to talk about can wait,” I snapped, stomping my foot. Zorren’s brows moved up his forehead, noting the action. I didn’t like how I was acting but neither could I rein it in like I usually did. I felt like I was standing on the side, watching as I turned into a shrew.

“I never thought you were one for a temper tantrum,” Zorren commented, hooking his thumb into his belt loop. My head reared back on my neck.

“A… a temper… tantrum?” I sputtered, incensed, the familiar and unwelcome prickle gathering in my fingertips. “This is not a temper tantrum.”

Zorren inclined his head. “No? You are doing a mighty fine impression of one, Hellcat. Instead of discussing your concerns you’re snapping and barking at everyone.”

I chewed on thin air, my skin too tight and hot. The anger pushed outwards, painfully through the pores of my skin. White flames sprouted up at my feet and fingertips. Sparking with vibrancy and dancing along the edge of the rug. It took very little to give into temptation.

“How is this for a temper tantrum?” I sneered and with minimal effort pushed the flames in his direction. Cursing, Zorren waved his hand and a blast of frigid air snuffed them out. My triumph was short-lived. My mouth circling in horror as I realized what I’d done, then immediately shoving my hands behind my back.

“Oh, you are going to regret that.” Zorren fixed me with a dark glare, his patience at an end. Even if half-hearted I had used my fire in anger, in the middle of the palace. I knew better. His eyes narrowed and he began rolling up his sleeves,

“Zorren, I-” The words were strangled in my throat.

“Not one word, Mira,” he growled, extinguishing the last spark by grinding the edge of the rug under his boot. “Not a single word.” I shrank at the sharpness of his tone. “Now come here.”

Not willing to press the man further, I did as I was bid. Despite his gruffness Zorren’s hands were gentle as he ran them over my brow and temples. Coolness flushed my system, like stepping into a fast running stream and the great fires eased within me. I hadn’t known how painful it was until Zorren took it away.

“Is that better?”

I sighed, my eyes flickering to his. “Yes, thank you.”

“Next time, let me know if it is becoming too much and I will help you.” Strong fingers massaged the nape of my neck. “How would you usually be taught to harness it?”

“Unless we are threatened in some way, it is awakened slowly with the current emperor or empress to guide us through it. Mine is like the sea pounding against a cliff face, a storm being funneled into a small space. It is proving tricky after my control has been absolute for so long.”

More coldness eased the heat of my flesh, stroking my cheek. “Do not fear, I will teach you and guide you through the transition until your control is back.” I smiled weakly and made to move away. His arm looped around my middle and pulled me back into the shelter of his body.

“Ah ah, not yet, little mate. We still have matters to settle between us.”

“Do we?” My brow arched.

“Yes.” His eyes gained an edge and a familiar frisson of fear danced upon my spine. That look did not bode well for my backside. “Remember our agreement?”

I licked my lips, hedging. “What agreement?”

Blue eyes smirked at me and one hand trailed down to rub over my bottom. “The matter of you disobeying me and following my war band.” His eyes flashed showing that he was still annoyed over the fact. “Alone.”

I scrunched up my nose. “Oh, that agreement, I’d thought you’d forgotten.”

“Thought or hoped?”

My tongue traced the edge of my teeth. “Both?” I said hesitantly. He grinned showing me the edge of teeth, a decidedly wolfish expression. And I was the tasty prey. Strangely, relief was the overwhelming emotion and with a surprise, I realized I had been worrying that Zorren’s lack of follow-through was a sign of his disinterest like before. Though, I’d walk through fire before I admitted it. “But I was right, you needed me.”

Zorren snorted, “I needed you safe more. I stand by my original thoughts, I shouldn’t have let you come.”

“I was—”

Zorren held up a finger and I broke off mid-sentence. “If you say ‘fine’ I will not be held responsible for my actions.” Shivering, I skittered back half a step and he followed the action. “As I distinctly remember you took a jet of fire to your chest and I couldn’t move without leaving you open.” My eyes widened, he wouldn’t. I retreated in the face of his determined expression until the back of my knees hit the end of the bed.

“No, Zorren,” I whined in a last-ditch effort. My world tipped upside down—he most certainly would—I blew the hair out of my face as I found myself in a familiar position. “Wait!” Face down and staring at the floor, my arms peddled the air for traction.

“Shh.” His hand skimmed down the back of my thighs to the hem of my skirt, of all the days to be wearing a dress. “What happened to my brave and bold Firelander Princess, declaring she would accept the consequences of her actions?” The skirts bunched up over my hips and around my waist, and a palm circled the bare skin of its intended target.

“I might have been a little rash.” His lean, muscular thighs pressed into my stomach and I wiggled attempting to get comfortable. As if reading my mind, Zorren adjusted me so the top half of my body was supported by the mattress. His left hand spread over my lower back and calm seemed to flow out from the contact, steadying me. I exhaled long and hard, the tense line of my spine easing as I submitted. I’d given my word and I would keep it. “But I will keep my word.”

“Good.” His hard palm connected with my backside. It was lighter than I expected and screwing up my face I settled in, this was going to be a while. I tended to find the lighter Zorren started the longer the spanking. Predictably the strength of the swats increased, steadily increasing in that methodical way of his that drove me half crazy. Heat suffused and prickled over my skin and my hips wriggled from side to side to shake it away, in vain. Strong fingers massaged the sting deeper into my bottom, how was that even possible?

“Your bottom is the prettiest shade of pink,” Zorren murmured above me and I blushed heatedly.

“Shut up,” I hissed through my gritted teeth from my vulnerable position. How could he be so calm when I was hanging onto my composure by the skin of my teeth? Awareness prickled at the small of my back and his silence was deafening. I shouldn’t have opened my mouth and definitely not used that snippy tone.

“Still have the remnants of that temper tantrum, I see.” Readjusting his hold, Zorren whacked me a good one and I yelped. My hands seizing the blanket to scramble away before I could stop myself, that pesky hand kept me firmly fixed in place. That one stung!

“This is not a temper tantrum; I just wanted your attention.” The admission burst from my lips before I could stop it.

“Oh, you most certainly have my attention,” he said darkly and my legs fluttered. “Right - where - you - need - it - the - most!” Zorren punctuated each word with a searing spank to my seat.

The flat of his hand repeatedly flattened against my bouncing cheeks.

“Ow!” Tears sprang to my eyes, my volatile emotions staying close to the surface. “I’m sorry!” My feet flew up of their own accord.

“Legs down,” he commanded and reluctantly I did as instructed. Lifting his thigh, I slipped forward and my hips went up, making my bottom more prominent. His other leg wrapping over the back of my calves, signaling we had just turned serious. This was the bit I hated and I couldn’t even wiggle. Gritting my teeth, I braced myself. Stronger spanks connected with the tender underside of my bottom, my eyes sprang wide open and, great Khatri, I’d forgotten how sensitive that spot was. That hurt! Alternating between left and right, the pain grew and my emotions bubbled up like a frothing stream bursting its banks. Collapsing back against the bed muffling my sobs, I just cried. The tension draining from me at the release. He delivered one last almighty wallop to each cheek and I howled into the covers, my shoulders shaking. My whole bottom throbbed as one great big heated mass and Zorren eased me to him. I buried my head into his chest, wrapping my arms around his neck, and allowed the great outpouring of all those negative emotions. The fear of my element, the strain of holding the Court together, terrified for Zorren and uncertainty of the future that kept me awake many a night. The tears unblocked that tight ball that had been building within me, washing away that fear.

“Shh,” he hummed, cradling me against his chest and wrapping me in a scent that was unique to him. “You did so well, Hellcat.” Picking me up in his arms like I weighed nothing at all, he traversed the length of the bed. Settling with his back against the headboard with my knees positioned either side of his lean hips, keeping my weight off my throbbing rear as I straddled his lap. A soothing hand rubbed my back and my breathing calmed, for the first time I could think clearly.

“There is more going on than just your element.” His thumb wiped away my tears. “Talk to me, I can’t help if I don’t know what is wrong.”

I sniffled, my fingers curling into his tunic. “I'm afraid.”

Zorren’s shoulders slumped in defeat. “Mira, I would never-”

“Not of you,” I hiccupped quickly, “for you. You don’t fully understand the position we are in, regaining my inner flame changes everything. I am one of the last surviving members and a direct descendant of the first emperor.” His brows furrowed and I released a great breath. “I can produce the white flame,” I said slowly, still he said nothing. “I can now become empress.”

There we go, understanding flared; where they would have spurned me without my element now they would try to claim me. His arms tightened around me as if afraid my people could reach through space and snatch me out of them. “Not just that, they know where I am and more will come. I am still bound to my cousin's fate because I swore an oath to return the sword to her hand and be at her side when the time came to retake the throne. I cannot break my word but neither can you have someone not able to offer their absolute loyalty to you.”

I stared flatly at my hands limp on my lap. It was hopeless. No matter which way I tried to look at it, I returned to the same answer. I had to leave.

A finger curled under my chin and raised my face. “Do you trust me, Mira?” His deep blue eyes locking on mine.

“Of course, I do.”

“Then in time we can harness your element,” Zorren said firmly. “With regards to your cousin, it could be years before she regains the throne, this could span beyond both our lifetimes but if that time comes we will deliver the sword, we will keep your oath and then we will be free.”

I began shaking my head vehemently. “No, I will not allow you to make that sacrifice. I am not free to promise you my future when I don’t know what it holds.”

Zorren chuckled darkly and the sensuous sound brushed against my senses. “Mira, what makes you think I would ever let you go?” I bit my lip. “Their forces are scattered and the land divided, I highly doubt they can command the strength to launch such an attack.” The smallest spark of hope flared within me and the eyes of a predator smiled down at me. “If they are so foolish, we have time to prepare and we will be ready.” His lips kissed my damp cheek, my eyes, lips and mouth. “Trust me, Mira, trust yourself.”

Trust. Myself.

I’d never trusted myself and judged myself by other standards. Where would I go? As Zorren rightly pointed out this could last for years. Everything beat against me, willing me to trust him, wanting to stay. Stay where I was truly happy for the first time. The pull at my being was almost painful. Zorren palmed the nape of my neck, our foreheads meeting and our breaths mingled.

He teased my lips, nibbling down the highly sensitive side of my neck. “Stay.”

I closed my eyes and placed my palm against his chest and his heartbeat was strong and anchored me. Swallowing hard, I took that last blind leap of faith.

“I will.” The words released a weight from my shoulders and exhaustion crashed upon them. “I think I can sleep at last.” I yawned, my eyelids drooping.

“Then sleep, I’ll be here when you wake, I will always be here for you.” His hand continued to caress my back and sides. Those words vibrated down to my bones and he was as much a part of me as my eternal flame.

Snuggling deeper into his chest, I said, “I’ll always be here too.”