Page 217 of Of Masks and Fury

“I’m aware.”

“I’m not sure what I feel about sitting there.”

“Trust me.” He guided me up onto the dais, his hand warm and firm at the small of my back. Warriors turned to watch, conversation faltering as we climbed the steps.

Trew gestured to his throne, the king’s seat carved from dark wood and inlaid with gold. “Sit.”

“That’syourchair.”

“Whatever belongs to me belongs to you as well.” He said it loud enough for nearby tables to hear. “Sit, Minx.”

The casual use of my nickname made my breath snag in my throat.

But I sat.

Trew took Kira’s seat to my right, settling into it with a grin that said he was quite happy with the statement he was making. Gavelle flew up to land on the back of Kira’s chair while Pherin preened on my shoulder, her chest puffing with satisfaction.

Good perch,she announced.Highest. Best.

The hall erupted in shocked whispers, some sounding pleased, others speculative. I caught fragments of conversation:

“About time.”

“After everything she’s done for this court, she deserves this.”

“Kira won’t like this.”

Platters floated from the kitchen and settled on the table while trenchers skittered across the wooden surface to stop in front of us. Five pitchers floated close, all of them hovering near my mug, awaiting my selection.

After gesturing for wine, I grabbed a piece of bread and tore into it, past caring about proper etiquette.

Trew watched me eat with unconcealed amusement. “Hungry, Minx?”

“Shut up and pass the meat.”

His laugh drew more attention, more smiles from warriors who’d never seen their king so openly affectionate for anyone.

And I had to admit that I liked it.

CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

ISI

The supply room felt smaller with all of us crowded inside, sacks and packs scattered across every available surface. Naveah’s whispered inventory filled the silence as she checked items off our list, her fingers moving through bundles of rope, healing supplies, and dried rations.

“Eight dragons for the prisoners with three riding each,” Malcolm said, working the problem aloud. “Assuming we can fit three each without compromising flight safety.”

“Will that leave enough with Grayson?” Coralee asked. “If Skathes attack while we’re gone…”

“The battalion stationed near the southern border have dragons of their own. It’ll have to do.” Trew’s voice carried the confidence of a king who’d calculated every angle. “We’ll fly fast and be back before they need us.”

He leaned over to collect another bag to fill. Even in this cramped space, he commanded attention. The way he moved and the way he thought three steps ahead of everyone else were just a few of the reasons I’d fallen for a rebel king instead of any of my father’s chosen suitors.

I also kept watching the others. Coralee. Malcolm. Naveah. Even Maddox, who had just been told we were on a rescue mission to free prisoners, though no further details.

His eyes had widened, but he’d gulped and sworn he would do his best to help save everyone. We’d kept our mission secret from those outside this room, but that wouldn’t stop one of them from betraying us if they were the traitor. Grayson would remain behind to oversee the ongoing war preparations and handle whatever came up while Trew was gone.

Pherin chittered from where she perched on my shoulder.Trust fragile. Like ice before spring.