Embrace the Fire Read Free Page A

Kinna back-stepped once again. Julian's arms dropped to his side.
    “I know, Julian, and I shouldn't have put this burden on your shoulders.”
    Julian arched an eyebrow. “So we're still okay? You and I? King Sebastian hasn't gone back on his word; we're betrothed, Kinna—”
    “Yes, my mother showed me your letter where you passed on Sebastian's threats against my father.” Bitterness bit Kinna's words, but she was past caring.
    Julian shook his head. “I couldn't stop him, Kinna; once Sebastian gets an idea, he'll enforce it no matter the consequences.”
    “I know,” Kinna said, “and I'm not blaming you. I just wish—”
    “Wish what?”
    “I just wish that my father were safe, that's all. And my brother. I couldn't stand it if anything happened to them.”
    Julian pulled her into his arms. “I know, Kinna.” His hand gently stroked her back. “I just don't want Sebastian and his agenda to come between us. You know how much our marriage means to me.” He pulled back. “So, are we fine?”
    Fear wound through Kinna's innards, as it had since the betrothal had been made official, crushing her stomach in its firm grip. Julian didn’t understand. Her father's face swam before her, his dark hair streaked with gray, worry coating his expression. The words from Sebastian’s letter blazed through her head again: You'll keep your betrothal, darling niece, or I'll see you father's head on a pike. Kinna swallowed. She held her voice steady, determined to show no sign of her inner turmoil. “Of course, we're fine. It doesn't matter if you can't free Cedric. It just means that I'll have to do it myself.”
    “What? Kinna—” Julian stared at her. “What do you mean? You're not thinking of trying to free him on the eve of battle, not when Sebastian's plans for warfare so closely involve him?”
    “And why not?” Kinna rejoined. “Julian, he's my twin , the only blood-family I have left besides a power-hungry uncle who hates me. You say you can't help him because you're thinking of Sage and your own family, and that's fine. I understand that, but don't tell me I can't help my brother, Julian; don't you dare!”
    Silence thundered between them. Anger tinged Julian's gaze. Kinna stepped toward the door flap. “Anyway, Julian, I appreciate your help, and I wish you the best in battle.”
    “Kinna, wait.” He grasped her shoulder, whirled her around, and pulled her against him. The rapid thud of his heart pulsed against her own. “Don't leave like this,” he whispered. He lowered his head, and his mouth found hers. It wasn't the tentative brush of lips he'd given her once before. Passion flowed through his fingers digging into her hair. He pressed himself too close against her.
    Outside the tent, Sage released a sob of agony. Kinna used the chance to pull away.
    The candles lit the raw emotions scrawled across Julian's face, and Kinna managed a small smile. “I'm not ready for this, Julian, and I think you know that. Betrothal or no, you're still just the friend I grew up with in the Pixie Glades. Let's not ruin that.”
    “Kinna, after we wed, our friendship will be—different.” Julian's whisper hitched. “Won't you try—”
    “The future is a void. I don't know what tomorrow will bring. I am no Seer Fey.” Tears stung Kinna's eyes. She knew her words brought him pain, and she hated hurting her friend. But she couldn't give him the love he so desired; her heart had already been given to another, even though he had rejected it. And her. Silver eyes, shuttering some deep emotion, swept across her consciousness. Ayden. Kinna blinked hard to dispel the image.
    Julian sighed, running a hand through his short, thick hair. “Do you have some means of protecting yourself?”
    “Lincoln has a knife, and Chennuh keeps me safe.”
    “Chennuh is not with you at present.” Julian strode to a wooden chest pushed against the canvas and snapped open the lid. Several daggers of different lengths were piled