His Unwanted Queen Is A Secret Genius

a Vanc

en?" I asked, pushing open the heav

ost stretched out before me, vast and utterly deserted. Overhead, clusters of luminous dragon crystals cast a

beneath my skin. I smoothed the fabric of my simple ivory silk gown. It was completely smooth, devoid of any dragonscale embroidery or flamecrest stitchi

s I walked deeper into the corridors. The sound e

rakos ancestors glared down at me from murals of scorched battlefields and golden glory. As

e a faint, h

e inside. Perhaps he had remembered th

open by an inch a

ilk stitched with pure gold flame patterns-the exclusive heraldry of the sovereign pure-bloods. His sharp, predatory

r-old daughter, Elara. She clapped her tiny hands

elt Lyra Vane,

icate fingers, murmuring ancient draconic words. Swarms of miniature, glowing flame butterflies spiral

quealed, jumping up and down. "Mo

breath hitched, my fingers digging hard into the palm

o rare and gentle that I had only ever seen it directed at the battlefield or the highest honors of his c

rmured, his deep baritone carrying easily across the quiet r

flicker of triumphant mockery danced in her red-gold eyes b

practiced grace. "You are back. We were just k

y poise of a woman who

nd stepped into the light, forcing

is brow furrowed slightly, replaced by that famil

sted," I said, my voice steady despite the tremor in

as if searching his memory f

her lower lip. "Mom, you ruined the fireflies. I wa

ring to rise from his seat. "Lyra rarely has time away from the sanctuary. I

eled? You promised we would

He picked up a leather-bound military dossier from the side table, compl

e do not be angry with the King, Sister. Elara feels more secure when bathed in true flame. You und

every syllable was designed to remind m

he celebrated holy maiden of flame, and the royal daughter who looked at her aun

shadow of the doorway, an

closed doors, of trying to warm a glacier with my

e," I

lked out, leaving the sound of Lyra's low laughter and