Fae.
Bound by my anger, grounded in my vengeance.
I might fail, but I would fail victoriously, taking his blood and kin with me as I perished.
“Release the wyverns!”
He straightened to his full height, gaze snapping into focus. Around us warriors battled in ragged remnants, but I watched just one out of the corner of my eye.
High Lord Wyvenne, who'd been waiting on my signal.
“Think carefully,” the Prince said, voice emotionless. The contrast to the previous several minutes jolted me. He'd come alive, relaxed, and I hadn't noticed.
“Are you afraid?” I asked.
“Don't be a fool.”
“I guess I pushed a button.” I poked my finger in the air, mimicking pushing a big red circle, mocking him to rub salt in the wound I was about to deliver.
Then the sound I'd been waiting for, a distant roar covering the agonized groan of a single male as he dropped to one knee clutching his head, surrounded by his guards. Had the Montague's forgotten what Lord Manuelle coulddo? What House Wyvenne hatched and nursed in the mountains distant from Everenne?
I enjoyed being underestimated. Watching the consternated expressions on the faces of my enemies amused me.
A whoosh of wing and flame as our forces pulled back.
Prince Renaud tilted his head towards the sky, then sighed. “Some children must always ride the hard road.” He lowered his head and gave me a mild look. “When I am done here, Aerinne, I will break you to my will.” His expression darkened. “Or perhaps just break you.”
Right. I would be dead.
“Have fun.” I saluted him and flickered out of sight, retreating as the wyverns descended from the clouds.
They were small, only triple the size of a stallion, but they possessed deadly claws and scorching flame.
“Shields!” I heard Baroun scream. Almost shuddered in triumphant pleasure from the sound.
The shape of the battle changed.
* * *
I tried to flee.
He refused to allow it. Prince Renaud herded me, forced me to remain on the field with those I'd condemned to die by flame. The cries sickened me, but I steeled myself, realizing it was only right and honorable that I bear witness. I had made this decision, the death and pain were on my head.
A blast of fire caught me in the arm and I screamed where it scored flesh not covered by armor. Strong arms whirled me out of the way, throwing up a shield that broke theinferno.
The High Lord tossed me to the ground at his feet. “If you rise, I will kill you,” he said, death in his voice. He waited a beat, but I didn't move.
I suppose I didn’t want to die gloriously after all.
Everenne's ruler strode forward and dealt with the wyverns.
Watching him from my knees, whatever moisture was left in my mouth evaporated as my temper cooled enough for rational thought.
One malevanquishedtwo dragons, and cut through the remaining battle like a scythe, ending it in minutes.
He, indeed, could have done this at any time.
Instead he'd let us rage,yankingthe rug away when patience expired.
