Page 130 of The Serpent Prince

“If you stay, I will tell you everything. No secrets. You’re …” He trailed off, struggling with the words, getting desperate. “You’re … the most brilliant, beautiful elf the realm has seen in a thousand years—and mine. My heartmate. I won’t lose you. I was given something precious, I know this now. And yes, I am the monarch on the opposing side of this war, but you belong here, with me.”

The longing in his face was genuine. He really thought he could have it all. The throne, his power, the horde … her.

But he thought wrong.

The only true comfort in this world was power, and she would have it, alone.

“Why people choose to test my patience is beyond me. It’s like they want me to repeatedly prove I’m willing to do anything to get what I want. I will not be your bitch to be hidden away, to screw and command … and you can’t handle that.” She paused. “Now that you’ve declared your intention to conquer my kingdom, I will be taking my leave immediately. I must go home to protect my people and our magic.”

“You’ll never be enough to save them from me. You’ve seen the army I command. The beast that is in me.”

Again, he was incorrect. The past few months hadn’t been a waste—she knew all about him, and more. In fact, Imani loved him—all of him. Somewhere in the depths of that unending dark wickedness inside him, Kiran loved her, too. But they were never meant to be together like one of Meira’s fairy tales. And, although Imani had known the truth for a while now, she wasn’t sure how she would survive the pain already threatening to choke her.

She gave him a placating smile. “You might overpower, outsmart, and destroy my magic, but I told you before that I’m a terrible enemy to have. After all these months, I know more than most what you’re capable of, Kiran. I know how your mind works. And now, I’m the one harboring powerful secrets that are mine and mine alone. You made a mistake crossing me.” The words came from deep within Imani, her power swirling out of her as she spoke.

The look Kiran gave her blazed with satisfaction. Like pride. “Spoken like a true queen. You always were a cut above the rest, and knew it.” He let out a deep breath, seeming to accept that she wouldn’t be staying and there was nothing he could do to stop her at the moment.

“If you do this, My Queen, remember that I don’t lose,” Kiran said, his voice low, all amusement gone. “I was a spare son.” He took out his wand and pointed it at her. The bone gleamed in the firelight. Who had it belonged to? Who had he killed? Someone powerful.

More secrets.

She stiffened at the threat and quickly held her own wand at the ready. Would Kiran really kill her today?

Imani had fought. She’d thieved. She’d whored. She’d blasphemed so many times, her soul was as black as the Niflheim sky in the depths of winter. Perhaps one day she’d be sent to live her afterlife amongst the third Under realm forever. It was where she belonged.

But that day wasn’t today.

She didn’t want to kill Kiran today. She knew that fate was inevitable, but if he came after her right now … she’d defeat him in any way she could.

Imani managed a delicate swallow. “I wish love were enough to forgive these unforgivable things we’ve both done to each other, and will keep doing. But I won’t stop, and I know you won’t either. Let me through the doorway, and I’ll leave you unharmed.”

Kiran huffed out a laugh, but the viciousness on his face didn’t abate. And he didn’t lower his wand.

A slow smirk spread across Imani’s face as she gazed straight into his eyes. His widened a minuscule in response.

He knew that she’d never felt more free.

Indeed, Imani would seek out her vengeance wherever she could get it, even if it meant destroying everyone she was supposed to love. In the end, she would rule as she was meant to—alone.

With a swipe of the Drasil, she went invisible. Kiran glanced around the room, confused. The Drasil was living up to its reputation. Not even the Niflheim king could see past the powerful illusion, and if he couldn’t see her, he couldn’t attack her.

With soft, quiet steps, Imani headed for the trees then pushed into them and melted into the night.

The doorway closed behind her, an obedient result of her sending a mere thought its way.

She dropped to her knees on the floor of the Draswood Forest and sobbed.

EPILOGUE

Kiran stared at the desecrated remains of the city, and his shoulders sagged. Despite his victory over his family, he probably had never looked so … defeated.

The snow fell outside his window, and he watched it for hours. Or minutes. Time passed strangely for him—it always did—especially when his emotions ran wild.

Zadie knocked softly and came in, though he hadn’t invited her.

“Kiran, you haven’t slept in a day, and we must hold the fealty ceremony. You’re a new king; the last thing we need is Tanyl taking advantage of that weakness.”

He didn’t respond. That statement was factual.