Prince Eiko leaned forward. “Why did you agree to come here, young lady? What did you expect to gain?”
I took a deep breath and met his eyes. “I have dreamed of coming here all my life. My grandmother told me stories of this land and its beauty, of the richness of its culture and its history.” That much was true. “I longed to be where Firebloods are valued rather than reviled. I grew up hiding my gift. Then, when my identity was revealed, I was hated and feared. My life was worth nothing to the Frost Court.” That was also true.
A silence fell. The queen’s gaze seemed to soften. I had aroused her sympathy. I needed to continue while I held the advantage.
I had gathered from conversations on the ship that Fireblood masters were valued highly. Proving my usefulness seemed like a good way to start.
“Perhaps you could test me, as Prince Eiko suggested.” I was careful to keep any hint of demand from my tone. “Prince Kai has explained that anyone can attempt the Fireblood trials, no matter their background. Would it be pleasing to you if I became one of your masters?”
A small smile played about her lips. “You speak too sweetly to be trusted, young lady. Though I appreciate how well you anticipate what I want to hear.”
I clasped my hands in front of me and met her eyes squarely. “I admire you greatly, and I would do anything to gain your approval.” It wasn’t hard to say the words. There was truth in them, perhaps more than I’d like to admit to myself. I wanted to gain her trust, to be truly welcome somewhere. To belong.
She turned to her husband. “What do you think, Prince Eiko? What would I gain by granting this request?”
His reply was almost eager. “She managed to destroy the frost throne, which only a powerful Fireblood could accomplish. With training, she could exceed some of your strongest masters. Perhaps Sud has sent us this gift. We would be remiss not to consider such a possibility.”
The queen’s expression was smooth, but she seemed to weigh his words carefully. Finally, she transferred her attention back to Kai. “Speak, young prince. You always have much to say.”
“I have seen her use her fire, and her gift is strong,” Kai said. “She could be a valuable addition to the masters.” He hesitated before adding in a low, almost urgent, tone, “And it might reveal things about her gifts that could be of great interest.”
A crease formed between Queen Nalani’s brows. Some silent message seemed to pass between her and Kai.
“And suppose she uses her training and knowledge against us?”
“We risk nothing, as she is here and can be kept contained,” Kai answered.
“I would never use my knowledge against you or your kingdom, Your Majesty.” No, I would use it to save Tempesia. I needed the knowledge of the masters. Once I found out how to destroy the Minax, I would leave.
She stared at me for a long time, then finally shook her head. “I cannot afford to take unnecessary risks.” My heart sank as she continued. “Do not think you will be treated poorly, young lady. I understand that it was Prince Kai who brought you here. But I cannot trust you. You will be kept in my prison until I decide what to do with you.”
A drop of sweat trailed down my back. I thought wildly for something that would change her mind. Prince Eiko looked unruffled by her verdict, but Kai showed his agitation with restless movements and quickened breathing.
“Your Majesty, please,” Kai began.
The queen held up a hand. “Do not waste your breath, young prince. I will decide an appropriate punishment for your disobedience. Your family’s loyalty alone is what saves you from imprisonment as well. You will remain in my castle until I decide what to do. Only a sign from the goddess herself would change my mind at this point.”
As the queen frowned at him, a strong gust of wind blew through the balcony doors, lifting the gauzy curtains. The torches bent and flickered. The hot, humid air settled like a blanket over my skin.
The queen looked over in surprise. Prince Eiko turned to her and smiled. “I believe you have Sud’s answer, my dear.”
She paused for a long moment before nodding. “Indeed, it seems Sud has spoken. I am resolved, then.” She had a more relaxed air, as if the tension of uncertainty had drained from her. “Ruby.”
“Yes?”
“You will be admitted to the school for assessment and training. If the masters declare you a suitable candidate, I will allow you to take the trials. If you pass, you will be initiated as a Fireblood master and sworn to Sudesia. If you’d go to such lengths to embrace your heritage, that would give you a measure of credibility in my eyes. Perhaps I would even grow to trust you and allow you to live freely here.”
The relief was so great, I had to lock my knees to stay upright.
“You risk your life at each stage of the trials. There are sacrifices you may be unprepared for.” Her dark eyes held me spellbound. I had the uncomfortable sensation that she could see into my mind, that she was picking apart my motives and seeing the things I was trying to keep hidden.
“You will have to pledge yourself to me if you are initiated as a master,” she added. “Your allegiance, your very life, will be mine.”
As we left the throne room, Kai led me down the tower stairs and through a long arcade with sun-filled arches supported by thick, round columns.
When we were safely out of view of any courtiers or guards, I turned and gave his chest a shove. “A spy?” I could hardly even get the words out.
He crossed his arms and leaned against a column. “I never actually lied.”
“You said the queen had sent for me!”
“I may have… bent the truth to ease your worries. And I knew the queen would welcome you once you were here.”
His refusal to admit fault was infuriating. “And that was your idea of a warm welcome?”
“What harm has come to you? If you recall, I said you could train to be a Fireblood master. The queen agreed to let you take the trials. And quite easily, I might add.”
“You forgot to mention she would essentially own me if I passed.”
His brows rose a fraction. “Everyone knows that the masters are the queen’s puppets.”
“I don’t know these things!” Suddenly, I was frustrated with myself for not pressing Kai for more information before and during our journey.
He glanced pointedly out the window at figures in the courtyard. A few curious faces were turned in our direction.
I raised my voice. “And I don’t care who hears!”
“Then by all means,” he said, more urbane than ever, “let us air your secrets here. I only thought you might prefer to speak of this in the privacy of your room. Go ahead, scream it all in front of the court. They do love a good show.”
I sighed and lowered my voice. “Why bring me here if that’s not what she wanted?”
“To save your life, for one thing. Not that you’ve shown a scrap of gratitude.”
“Don’t make it sound altruistic. You’re trying to trade me for a second chance at something.”
His chin lifted. “Some of us have to fight for the things that are offered so readily to others.”
“Stop wallowing. You’re a blasted prince, for Sud’s sake.”
A flush crept across his cheeks. “You know nothing of Sudesia. Nothing. And until you do, don’t presume to judge me, Lady Ruby.”
He made it sound like I was being unreasonable. I wanted to lash out. Unleash my fire on him. But he could do the same, and more. This was his domain, not mine.
And no matter how furious he’d made me, I was the fool who’d believed him.
He turned, continuing down the corridor at a quickened pace.
“Wait, Kai,” I said, wrestling with my temper.
“What?” He didn’t stop walking.
“Where is the throne?”
That brought him to a halt. He turned and regarded me with quizzical annoyance. “We just came from the throne room.”
“I mean the throne of Sud. Black lava rock, running with molten lava. Massive and intimidating. Sound familiar?”
“That throne was destroyed in a volcanic eruption, along with the old castle and everything in it.”