The first assassination attempt came at dusk.
Poison in my tea.
Too obvious.
I didn't drink it.
When the maid collapsed instead, chaos erupted. Guards stormed in, swords drawn. Kael appeared instantly, fury crackling around him.
"Who ordered this?" he demanded.
No one spoke.
But I noticed the queen dowager's clenched smile.
Later, Kael stood before me, fists tight. "They are testing you."
"Let them," I said.
He frowned. "You don't understand. If you die"
"The curse devours you," I finished.
Our eyes locked.
"Then keep me alive," I said softly.
For a long moment, the Dragon King said nothing.
Then: "I will burn the world first."