Broken Flames (The Elemental Arrangement #1)

by M.K. Ahearn

“She’d been on a ship to visit a coastal city during the war to comfort the women and children there. Give them hope. The ship never even made it there. It was intercepted by a Morwen war ship.”

Bellamys mom

Fucking Cyrus. My fists ignited as I stormed through the palace. He was always getting involved in my business, and now my soon to be wife had taken a liking to him. That was the last headache I needed. Together, the pair just might destroy me.

Cyrus and I had a long history, and somehow he always weaseled his way back into my life. Now I was stuck with him as captain of the guard. What my father saw as promising in him I had no clue.

I made it back to my chambers in quick time, walking as though on a warpath. As the door shut behind me, I tore off the shirt that clung to my skin. The summer heat was strong, and hiding my scars from the nobles of Abelon was a complete nuisance.

“Princess,” I bowed my head in respect, trying my best to start over and fit my role in the palace. “Can I come in?” she asked. I moved out of the way to allow her into the room. She circled the space, observing my quaint little room. Pausing, she frowned at the pile of glass on the floor. “I had to make this top,” I blurted out, regretting my methods. Turning, her eyes widened as she looked over my outfit. “You made that?” she asked, and I swore I heard a little admiration in her tone before she trained her face again.

“I don’t have any clothing,” I murmured, my eyes falling to the floor as I admitted I’d come with no possessions of my own. “Ugh, Bellamy.” She crossed her arms, rolling her eyes. “We’ll fix that today!”

“I’ll take you into the city!” she finally said excitedly. “I know all the best shops for clothing.” As much as I needed a new wardrobe, I didn’t want to be tethered to the princess all day. “Uh, that’s really alright. I can go myself,” I started.

“Why are you helping me?” I asked. She paused for a moment, tilting her head. “Let’s just say I’m intrigued by you. You’re nothing like I expected when my father said he was bringing a Morwenian here,” she explained with a shrug. “Besides, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. And I have not decided which you are yet Koraine.”

“Why do we need her so badly?” I questioned hesitantly. Anxiety filled my chest as I waited for him to lash out. To punish me for such a futile question. “Because she’s going to help us finally win power over Morwen. If we can break her to support us, then we’ll have Morwen on their knees in no time,” he said confidently. My mouth almost fell open. He couldn’t be serious.

Behind me, Nondaar huffed his distaste, not a fan of the prince’s presence either. Talay always could sense how I felt about others, and I assumed it was similar with dragons and their rider. I knew Cyrus and Bellamy had some history together, but I still had no idea why they disliked each other. I doubted Bellamy would ever tell me, and it felt too personal to ask Cyrus.

“Tonight, you will dine with me,” Bellamy stated, not a single emotion written on his face. “And if I refuse?” I asked, gaining my confidence back the closer I got to the door again. “You won’t.” He started to leave and I wondered if I would regret if I agreed to this meal. “And don’t make a habit of coming up here. I won’t have my wife recklessly killed from falling,” the prince said almost possessively. Why did he care what happened to me?

“You look nice tonight,” he said. Was that a compliment? Maybe the prince had drunk more wine than I’d realized before I arrived. “That’s not a question.” “What? I can’t compliment my wife?” he asked, crossing his arms. I noticed he was again wearing a shirt with sleeves even in the brutal summer heat that still plagued the kingdom.

“I’m not your wife.” There were still weeks until our fates would be tied forever. “Not yet,” he shrugged. His change in demeanor toward me had me on edge. Why was he being so cordial?

“Do you have any siblings?” He asked, changing the subject. Again I drank, knowing my choice was answer enough for him. I couldn’t tell him about Caspian and Emmett. Even if I trusted Bellamy, thinking about my family was too painful. I had promised myself I would protect my heart.

“You think I’d harm them?” he asked. The question wasn’t a part of the game, genuine surprise taking over his features. “I would never harm them. I wouldn’t stoop so low as to murder innocent families,” he said, his tone darkening.

In the corner of the room, I spotted Cyrus. He was posted near the entrance to the throne room and at least I knew he wasn’t with my betrothed. He’d been getting closer to Koraine and I didn’t appreciate the attempt at befriending her. The last thing I needed was him reporting my failures with my future wife to my father.

Passing by the roses in the garden, I caught Koraine eyeing them. I made a rash decision, without thinking. Walking over to one of the bushes, I found a spot on a stem where the thorns were sparse. I broke the stem, and picked the rose off the bush. “This is for you,” I offered the flower to Koraine. A peace offering.

“That flower is a lot like you,” I continued, and she tilted her head, her eyebrows drawing together. I watched as the turned the stem in her hand, the flower twirling slightly. “It’s thorns protect it from danger, keeping unwanted predators away,” I started. “But beyond that layer of defense, there is a beauty to be found. I think there’s more to you than just being the daughter of the famous General Neroe. I think you just haven’t let anyone in that far yet.”

Things with Koraine had made no improvements. The situation at the pool had only driven her further from me. She still avoided me and spent a lot of her free time with Cyrus, which fueled my temper. I’d overheard some of the guards discussing it during one of the training sessions. It bothered me the way they spent so much time together. She was to be my wife and after Luheo, I would make sure I put an end to their friendship.

I’d picked out a silver dress for the occasion. It was lightweight enough that the fire’s warmth wouldn’t bother me. The dress was short, falling above my knees and the deep plunging neckline showed off my chest. Nyla had insisted I wear a blue gem pendent with it all. Once I was dressed, I helped Nyla tie her own little red dress in the back. It complimented her fiery red hair and tan skin perfectly. Glancing in the mirror, she grinned. “We are quite the pair,” she marveled. “I suppose we are,” I giggled. We were fire and ice beside each other.

I’d grown distracted watching each of the nobles adding to the bonfire, I hadn’t noticed the person approaching me until they placed a firm hand on my shoulder. Jumping, my heart rate sped up. “Don’t let that smile falter,” the king said in a low, stern tone. “You wouldn’t want someone to think you’re unhappy here.” I heard the threat. Shifting my weight away from the king, I desperately searched for any excuse to get away. “Enjoy the night, daughter of Neroe,” he said, squeezing my shoulder before he strode away.

“Nice trick,” a voice next to me said, startling me and causing me to almost spill my drink on myself. I wiped a few drops from my hand. Turning, I found Cyrus watching me. His eyes looked amused, and a small grin spread across his face. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I didn’t mean to startle you. I didn’t realize you could do that.” “What? Turn water to ice?” I asked. He nodded. “It’s pretty simple, actually. A lot of water manipulators are able to do so.”

“I think it’s pretty impressive,” Cyrus said with another step toward me. His brown eyes stared down at me. “Where’s your prince?” he asked, glancing around.

“I’m sure he’s around here,” I said, smiling sweetly. “Mhm,” he murmured, nodding his agreement. I knew he didn’t believe me. “I should really go find him,” I said, backing a step away. I needed the king to believe I was trying. Grabbing my hand, Cyrus placed a gently kiss to the back of it. I didn’t have time to react, and hoped no one else had witnessed it. “Well, you look stunning tonight,” he said. “Thank you,” I said as my cheeks turned a shade of pink. “I should get back to my post.” Cyrus hurried off without another word.

“Where have you been all night?” I asked, selfishly wishing he’d found me sooner. It would’ve kept the king away, but I also knew deep down a part of me liked the way his hungry stare raked over me as we talked. Shaking my head a little, I blamed the wine for such absurd thoughts. “I was keeping our guests entertained,” he said, motioning to the group he had just left. “I noticed,” I said, rolling my eyes. I tried to convince myself I only cared because of the king’s warning, self-preservation. I needed to play along to survive here. “I’m flattered,” the prince said, raising his eyebrows. It was hard to tear my eyes from him.

Stepping closer, he took the bottle of wine from my hands and took a sip. Glancing down, a devilish smile graced his lips. He lifted his thumb, wiping the corner of my mouth. My entire face grew hot, and I knew my cheeks were turning a shade of red. “You had a little of this there,” he said, handing back the bottle. What had gotten in to him? Fuck. I was completely failing at forgetting. “Enjoy the night,” he whispered close to my ear. “It’s supposed to be a celebration, don’t take it so seriously.”

After finishing the bottle of wine, I grabbed another. Nyla and I had quickly finished the first bottle together, but it still wasn’t enough to wipe away all the thoughts of Bellamy. With every sip, I felt his thumb brushing my lip delicately again.

“You know, I really thought I wouldn’t like you. I couldn’t imagine being friends with a Morwenian. I wanted to dislike you before you arrived,” Nyla slurred, the wine taking its hold on her. “Oh really? Well, I certainly didn’t ever imagine myself sharing wine with an Abelonian,” I laughed, throwing my head back as I did. “Here’s to unlikely friends,” Nyla held up the wine bottle and took a sip, passing it off to me. “I’ll drink to that,” I said with a grin.

Even in my distaste for marrying a Morwenian, I couldn’t deny that one irrefutable fact. In a world of stars, Koraine was the moon.

Aww!

“What’s it to you?” I asked, annoyed. It was men like Ronan who made these events intolerable. “If you need any favors while you’re gone, I’m your man,” he slurred. “Perhaps someone to keep your wife company while she waits for your return.”

“I suggest you do not ever let me hear mention of my wife on your tongue again, or you just might find yourself without one,”

I doubted he’d remember much of the interaction come morning, but I wouldn’t let him disrespect Koraine like that. I didn’t care about my own conflicting feelings for her. No one would speak ill of my wife and leave without a single mark to remind them never to do so again.

It wasn’t until I caught the mention of Koraine that I cocked my head to listen. How had my future wife become the topic of their babbling? “Poor girl. Doesn’t know how to handle her alcohol,” one of the noble woman whispered sympathetically. “She’s going to fall in that fire. Mark my words,” another man chimed in.

I needed to do something and fast, before she got harmed, and before she gave these nobles more to chatter about. Stalking over to the fire, I carefully approached. Moving toward her, I grabbed her waist from behind, pulling her back into me. I held her there for a moment, knowing she was safe with me. I let go, realizing how close I was holding her. Instinct had just taken over. Her bright blue eyes found me

“Let’s get you inside,” I whispered into her ear, careful not to allow others to hear us. The urge to protect her washed over me. I wouldn’t let the flames touch her.

I held my breath as I walked over to her. She was barely keeping her balance and I caught her before she fell over. Lifting her into my arms, I carried her. She leaned her head against my chest, her eyes remaining shut. I could feel her heart racing as she nestled into me. This was the most vulnerable I’d ever seen Koraine be. Part of me felt guilty, like I shouldn’t be seeing this, but I also knew she wouldn’t have wanted to be left with those nobles like this. And I didn’t want Cyrus stepping in this time.

Finally arriving to my chambers, I pushed the door open. Placing Koraine down on my bed, I tried to decide what to do with her. Could she be left alone in her own room? I supposed I could listen for her all night, but I worried if she tried to wander I’d be too late realizing it. I needed her to remain where I could watch her. Koraine was staying in my bed.

“You know, if you weren’t so despicable, you might actually be attractive,” she slurred. Reaching out, she touched a gentle hand to my cheek. I flinched away from it. “Don’t,” I warned her, but she continued. “You’re so warm,” she said, her hand against my skin. “Why did I think you would be cold?”

I let my hand wander to her cheek, holding it in my palm. I stroked her face with my thumb, lightly. “Touching you is a terrible idea,” I whispered, unable to pull my hand away. The way her deep blue eyes stared into mine had me stuck in her grasp.

Standing, I made my way to the side of the bed she was lying on. I removed her shoes, slowly pulling back the sheets careful not to wake her. Already she was in a peaceful sleep. She was a beautiful creature. If she hadn’t been from Morwen, I would’ve considered myself lucky to marry her.

There was a velvet sofa in the corner of the room. It would suffice for the night. Sleeping in the bed with Koraine didn’t feel right, and moving her to her own room now risked waking her.

After a few moments, she stirred. Blinking her eyes open, she found me watching her. I didn’t dare look away. I didn’t care that she knew I was watching. Suddenly, her face turned somber. “Why don’t you want me?” she whispered through the dark room.

I wanted her to feel she belonged in Abelon. If she was going to be queen someday, this needed to be her home. If she was going to help Abelon survive and stay in power, then she needed to know it wanted her just as much. It was what would keep my people safe and prosperous. And still I couldn’t find the words to tell her this.

Fury rose in my chest as my thoughts betrayed me. What if it was Cyrus that protected her while I was gone? The bastard would do anything to undermine me and make me look worthless to my father. I wouldn’t put it past him to try to corrupt Koraine’s thoughts while I was gone, if he hadn’t already. I wouldn’t let him near my future wife.

“Did we-” I stopped myself, unable to finish the question burning the back of my mind. The prince cocked his head at me, his brows furrowing. Realization seemed to dawn on him after a moment. “No,” he said quickly, lowering his gaze.

“I’m surprised you’re awake,” the prince observed. “Was I that bad?” I asked, dreading the answer. “I won’t be letting you near any fires alone anytime soon,” he laughed. A genuine, deep laugh. It was strange to hear coming from him.

I’d promised myself I wouldn’t let anyone in. That I’d keep up my walls and hide my heart while I was in Abelon. Yet here I was in the prince’s bed, allowing myself to feel grateful that he had helped me. I wanted so desperately to hate him, but I couldn’t.

“Thank you,” I whispered just loud enough for him to catch it. Without waiting for an answer, I continued.

I picked out a simple outfit for the day, another blue dress. There were pieces of red and black hung in my wardrobe, but I wasn’t ready to give up all of Morwen yet. They’d be waiting for me when I was. Someday I would have to leave behind who I was to become queen. I was starting to think the prospect didn’t sound so horrible.

Pausing, I noticed the prince was shirtless, and it was the first time I’d seen him without his long sleeves on. His arms were covered in horrific burn scars. The deep purple and red marks wrapping his arms looked like someone had wrapped hot chains around them, burning him. He seemed to notice my stare. Following my eyes to what caught my attention. Quickly, he grabbed a long sleeve shirt he had discarded on the sofa. Pulling it on, he hid the scars from view once more. “What are those-” “Don’t,” he cut me off, the agony on his face had me frozen in place. Before I could ask anything further, a knock on the door interrupted us and a guard came running in.