The Flames That Bind Us (Daughter of Fire #1)

✔Chapter Twenty Four: Fucking Hormones

"You gave me quite a hit. Lydia, was it?" She actually dared to grin at me, and I could see the blood that painted her white teeth.

I shrugged. "You deserved it."

A bark of laughter escaped her mouth, which almost sounded like a snort. "You had me unconscious for nearly three hours. I have to give it to you, perhaps you're not as weak as those other pathetic excuses for Slifers."

Fire burned in my eyes at the insult, and I resisted the urge to burn down those bars and send another blow to her face. "You talk big for someone who got knocked out by a single punch."

She didn't say anything, but her grin faltered at my words.

I ignored her and turned to Queen Adria. "Your Majesty, has she said anything else?"

"No," she sighed. "Only that her name is Elsie and she came with King Calix."

"She could be lying, for all we know," it was King Gabriel who added that, his face as hard as ever.

I dared to ask him. "How is the princess's garden?"

I didn't remember to ask her that in the few moments she told me where I could find the Wind Slifer. From what I last noted, the garden was half ruined, plants and flowers blown and torn apart as they sprawled on the grass. I wonder what happened to the garden gremlins.

"That boy Redmond is helping her regrow some of it. They should be done by mid-day," he replied, and I tried to ignore how casually he spoke to me.

"I'll apologize to the princess if that would make it better," offered the captive girl with a bored tone.

The king's eyes flashed in irritation. "You'll do no such thing!"

She actually rolled her eyes, and I blinked in surprise because she really didn't seem affected by all of this. "With all due respect, Your Majesties, but King Calix won't take lightly to me being held behind bars."

King Morrison's eyebrows rose. "Then we'll see what Calix has to say about you when he arrives tomorrow. For now, I think it's safe to keep you here. I'm sure you understand."

I could tell that King Morrison was honestly amused by the girl's attitude. But something dark glinted in his eyes, and all the amusement was gone from his face. "But even if you turned out to be associated with King Calix, I will not take lightly to the assault of my guest. I'm sure you understand that too."

Queen Adria gave an agreeing nod. "The same goes for me. You've attacked a guest and a friend of mine, and it will not be tolerated."

They were talking about Redmond and Ayana. The pair had a couple of bruises on their arms from the girl's constant attacks, so it was only natural that King Morrison and Queen Adria would be angry at that.

But what surprised me were King Gabriel's words, spoken with the same dark glint. "And you have tarnished my sister's garden and assaulted three guests in my palace. Even if you say you're with King Calix, do not think that this will go unpunished."

I was a little taken back that he included me and that I was actually referred to as a 'guest'. But I didn't bother with that right now as I looked at the girl named Elsie.

For the first time since our unfortunate meeting this morning, she had a hint of fear on her face, no sign of the smugness or the confidence that she tethered with earlier. She thought that just being with King Calix would get her out of here smoothly, and she would go out without facing the consequences.

I wonder if King Calix would allow for his guest to be punished.

Either way, it didn't stop the smirk from playing on my lips. I found myself grasping the bars as I leaned my face closer to the cell. Her expression turned into a snarl upon seeing mine. "I guess you're the pathetic one now."