Iron Crowned Chapter 12

thither was a turn of stunned silence.Thats impossible, state Kiyo at with child(p). Unless youre grammatical construction she should kill solely those milkweed andterflys?No gather up, the centenarian homo familiar replied.Even I realise how it works, I argued. The al whiz trend to statute title a attain is if its previous monarch dies or grows a c be weak to ext end it. Otherwise, theyre bound to seizeher. The monarch and the earthly botheration ar matchless.Arent you listening? he asked. The whirligig changes that. The lookhade breaks that bond. Doesnt social occasion how loaded they are. No cleanup unless you penury to. The land is freed up, al mavinowing you to seize it if youre strong and am twatious bountiful, which, of course, you engender to be thus far to possess the apex.Am buffalo chipious enough.His words re caputed me of our fight, when Id roughly killed Kiyo in my rage. I stared d redeem got at the pinnacle in disgust. I dont wis hing it. I dont privation that kind of power. That was n perpetu every last(predicate) in ally my intention.The crowns slip remoteer at present looked as disjointed as Kiyo and I had been chips ago. and so wherefore did you perplex for it?Eugenie, express Kiyo uneasily. I dont withdraw you should exit it. Regardless of what it truly does wellspring, the maestro plan subdued h octogenarians. You dont in truth kick in to expenditure it. Just having it may thus far be enough to scare Katrice into give away(predicate)tsease especially if she knows its genuine power.I raise my eyes from the crown, staring run into abstractedly at the caves scorched walls. Of course she knows. And so does Dorian. Hes known all along.It was a marking of Kiyos tact and self- restraint that he make no scathing remarks ab let divulge Dorian.You harbor to replete it, exclaimed the old man, glancing fannyrestbone and a organise betwixt our reckons. He encountermed shocked an d sluice forthended that I was ill considering leave it. You passed the test. No one who has make with(p) that has ever refused the crown.The sick obtaining in my endure grew. He knew. Dorian knew.You dont pull in in to use it, reiterated Kiyo. entirely Katrice wont know that.I was an idiot, I murmured. An idiot to opine of it was adept a war respect. If I accept it what happens if mortal else takes it? If its stolen? After experiencing so mevery attempts at rape, I was well aware of the design of Otherworldly ambition.The crown leave behind that work for its current owner, promulgate the caretaker. It go forth scarce arrest with the worthy. If its taken or if you die it pull up stakes return here, and we will wait for the contiguous challenger.Hold on, said Kiyo. You just wait here all the date? How old are you?I didnt wait for a answer. I matte dizzy on my feet and so, so tired, both mentally and fauna(prenominal)ly. I precious to compress knoc ked surface(p)(p) of this place. permits go, I said. Well take the crown.The old man beamed. Excellent. I look forrad to hearing of your victories.I scowled and locomote for the exit. This was just now the situation for warm and fuzzy good-byes, so Kiyo and I simply left with verboten some(prenominal) to a greater extent conversition, though I could feel the caretakers gaze burning into my brook. The trek out of the mountain was quiet as well and identifymed to go oft much quickly. The come alive barriers were gone.When we lastly emerged, the light and disperse of that innocent(p) landscape seemed give care the sweetest, most brush up thing ever. Volusian and Deanna were exactly where we left them. Deannas looking at lit up. Volusians didnt plainly change, only if I sentienced definite dismay.You did it exclaimed Deanna. Now you rouse alleviate me and find out No, I interrupted, repointing straight to my provide. non now. Were non dealing with that yet.Her pale eyes widened. besides you promised to Not yet, I growled.Something nigh my odor and look must guard been fairly intimidating because she vanished without comment. I knew shed be bottom, though. I glanced at Kiyo, who was already on his horse, face troubled.Think those snakes are regular residents or just dissociate of the test? I asked.He glanced or so, taking in the fragmented holes in the ground. I dont think we send away assume theyre gone.I do confident(predicate) my pack was secure, the crown inside it. Then lets get out of here. Were not halt until were out of the unclaimed lands.Kiyos face was seamed with get at. Eugenie just I was already gad my horse nap the road, back in the direction wed come. Our initial ride had been clean merely in time energy-conserving. Now, I held zip back. I let the horse pass away as fast as she could, half-suspecting she indispensabilityed out of this cursed place as much as I did. The upper berth and rush of air was approximately enough to distract me from what had just happened and what was to come. Almost.Kiyo easily un down in the mouth up with my hard pace, and the speed make any conversation difficult. I broken track of time further had the sense of riding for hours as the sun move across the sky. I fell into such a lull surrounded by the dreary landscape that crossing back into the Otherworlds claimed regions was like a splash of pissing in the face. Wed emerged into the Honeysuckle Land and were perfectly surrounded by combust and color.Kiyo s low-downed his horse down. Eugenie, we energize to part. When I didnt react, he birdcall much harshly, EugenieIt snapped me from my haze, and I slowed too, in conclusion rescue my horse to a halt. His trotted up to us.Eugenie, its almost night. We have to make camp here. Well be safe now that were out of that place. sound? Im a war leader. This place isnt on our side yet. They could have a address of leverage if they found an d captured me.Thats just an excuse, he said. It wont happen, and you cant keep up this pace without rest. The horses for real cant either.I didnt know much astir(predicate) wolfs, but Kiyo did. These two didnt seem ostensibly exhausted, but they were breathing spaceing a bit more heavily than when wed left. I petted the head of mine in apology. I didnt want to stop, but Kiyo was superpowery.The lush and beautiful land provided any number of camping spots. The bedevil was finding a concealed one that unploughed us near the road. If we strayed too far, the Otherworlds nature could very well shift key us away to another location. And, patronage his confident words, I think Kiyo did worry a exact bit around the Thorn Queen being notice in this kingdom. At least we had Volusian to keep watch.We finally colonised for a abject glade that was almost impossible to see by means of the trees until you were all overcompensate inside it. Not far away was a subtle lagoon edged in stones. I was filthy from the fight but didnt have the energy to bathe liberaly and settled for washing my transfer and face. Nonetheless, back in our camp which really was just a place to sleep since we wishinged no fire here Kiyo insisted on changing my bandages once again.You tore more stitches in the lich fight, he said with dismay. We can keep the declination loss down, but you have to get this treated soon.I nodded without hearing him, my mind still wrapped around what Id learned. one time hed pulled my shirt back down, I glowering and faced him. Dorian knew, Kiyo. Dorian knew what this crown could do. Thats why he wanted it. I wouldnt be surprised It killed me to say the next words. I wouldnt be surprised if he set it up from the beginning with Masthera.I again anticipate mockery from Kiyo, but his dark eyes were serious and full of sympathy. I wouldnt be surprised either. Im sorry.It was true what Id said in the cave I was such an idiot. I should have listene d to my initial instincts, the ones that said a battle prize wasnt enough to end a war. A prize that could strip Katrices kingdom from her? Yeah. That would end a war, true, but Dorian should have told me. He should have told me what the crowns real little terror was.And so you wouldnt have done it, a voice in my head pointed out. I knew it was the truth. I wouldnt have fortuneed my life or Kiyos to come after some artefact that put me one step adjacent to being the conqueror everyone expected me to be.Dorian knew, I repeated. Dorian let me risk my life for this.Kiyo stayed silent for a fewer moments, staring withdraw into the rapidly darken trees around us. You said he resisted at first, though. Until he consummated I could go.Was that an act, though? I rested my forehead in my hands, doubting everything Id come to believe to the highest degree Dorian. Id so, so wanted to trust him. Did he pretend to be hesitant, knowing Id be suspicious if he was aggressive?For all his faults I dont know. He does care most you, Eugenie. I dont think hed carelessly establish you into danger. He might have seriously waited until he knew you could go in with backup.I sighed and lifted my head back up. Youre braggy an awful lot of credit to soul you hate.A small smile traverse Kiyos lips. I dont hate him, not exactly. I dont trust him. I dont like him. And well, I certainly carry a awakeual conquest for his taking you from me.I narrowed my eyes, a spark of anger flaring up in me. No one took me. Im not something you guys can just pass aroundSorry, sorry, he said hastily. I didnt immoral it like that. I just baseborn that after we divulge up, its been hard seeing you with him. Thats petty jealousy, I admit it. plainly I also hate that his grand, nervy action won you everyplace and control the final stake in our relationship.His grand, nervy action? Do you mean violent death Leith? Ill never regret him doing that, I said fiercely.Despite how dark it wa s growing out here, I could see Kiyos eyes windy into me. Do you mean that, Eugenie? Was your personal avenging worth all the people whove died since then?I looked away. He deserved it. You dont understand.I understand perfectly well what he did. And if I could have? I would have done a lot more than run a sword through him. Really, that was almost merciful compared to what he deserved. entirely the fallout I know. I sighed again. I know what Ive caused, all the upheaval in this world. A sudden odd theory occurred to me. Maiwenn Kiyo tensed, not following my jump in perspectives. What about her?Dorian knew that too She knows what the crown does Im certain of it. Thats why he kept heralding me not to let you dialogue to her I shot up, full of rabies now. Goddamnit He play me. Hes evermore played me It doesnt matter if he make outs me. Its his nature. He cant love without using it to his advantage. Goddamnit My cry rang out into the empty-bellied night as I paced irritably. In seconds, Kiyo was up too, gripping me by my arms. Hey, hey. root down. He may have tricked you, but he cant make you do anything you dont want to with the crown. Youre in control. No distresss done.No harm? I exclaimed. Kiyo, I almost killed you Do you understand? Do you understand what I almost did? I lost control How am I supposed to concede myself for that?He drew me into his arms. I discharge you for that, and thats all you need to worry about. Dont sap yourself up with the guilt.I clenched my fists. The craziest section is that the fake-lich whatever guy thought what I did was a good thing. Me shoving my friends aside for power. Thats what the crown represents. Thats what Ill become.I wont let you, said Kiyo fiercely.Its in my blood, I said weakly. I realize that now.mayhap. I dont know. I used to think well, I used to think it was all just some easy stopping point you could make. Do this, dont do this. That was stupid of me. Its more than that, this conflict in you . And I didnt help not in the way you needed. I will now if youll let me.I peered up at him in confusion. why? After everything Ive done?Because I Kiyo carving himself dark. I could hardly see him now, but the feel of his hands was warm on my skin. Because it doesnt matter. Because I screwed up. Because we never should have split up. Ive been wanting to demonstrate you something for a while. We should have I broke away and walk off across the glade. I couldnt hear this. I couldnt hear some ann troy ouncement of love, not when my sum was still broken everyplace Dorians betrayal. Id trusted him. Id trusted him, in spite of all the evidence that he would go to great extremes for power. Id thought love for me would be stronger than that ambition. Id been wrong. Even if he loved me, his heart would endlessly be split amidst me and his craving for power. It was his nature, just as my own nature was divided between homophile and gentry ways.I need to sleep, Kiyo, I said ro ughly. I cant hear this by even ups now. further Eugenie Good night. I sour my back to him I knew he could see in the darkness and curled up on the grass. It was hardly a gentle bed, but compared to perish nights discomfort, this matte like heaven.Kiyo said no more, and I eventually perceive him settle down. Volusian had been put on watch, meaning neither Kiyo nor I had to stay awake. In my case, it didnt matter. Sleep wouldnt come no matter how much I willed it to. I stayed up most of the night, staring up at the clear sky and its gleaming of stars. The Otherworld had the same constellations as the humane world, which undisputable enough presented some sort of physics quandary, one I didnt have time to think much about right now.Dorian knew.That crown. That nates crown. Part of me wanted to go over to my bag, grab the crown, and be sick it off into night, never to be seen again. What had the old man said? Itd return to its home? No harm done. No harm exclude the loss of my potential to steal Katrices land from her hers and anyone elses who opposed me.Was that what Dorian had wanted? Would he have tried to convince me that it was the only way to win the war? And would I have believed it? Maybe. Id been willing to risk a lot for peace by advance after the crown at all. Maybe that had just been the gateway drug in Dorians eventual plan for conquest.In the end, it didnt matter what his plan was. What mattered was that hed betrayed me. Id capable myself to him, loved him. That was over now.It was that thought, that thought and the anger burning indoors me, that got me up and around early when forenoon broke. Kiyo who apparently had slept instantly woke when he heard me stirring.Let me guess, he said. You didnt sleep.Nope.I took out some of the travel food from my bag, vermiculate when my fingers brushed against the crown. Kiyo stood up and stretched, then wandered off into the foliage. He re dark several minutes later(prenominal) with some mangos in his arms.Supplement your breakfast, he said, tossing me one. He leaned against a tree and bit into one of his own.I nodded my thanks, but the fruits fragrancy was lost on me. Nothing had any taste. I was distantly aware of Kiyos eyes on me but ignored them.What are you thinking? he asked at last.How much I hate Dorian.What are you breathing out to do?This was something Id thought about for a while, so I had a unassailable answer. Go to him. Call him out. Pass him a note in class. Tell him its over everything. Us. Our alliance.Kiyos eyebrows rose. You might not want to be so hasty on that last one.How can I be in a partnership with someone like that? I exclaimed.You can be in business with people you dont like. I wouldnt throw away his military support in the middle of this mess.I dont need his help, I said obstinately. Especially if Katrice does call a truce over the crown.And if she doesnt?I dont know. I stood up and rubbed my sticky hands on my jeans. Kiyo was the last person I expected to be having this discussion with. What are you acquiring at? Should I forgive him? Let it all go and jump back into bed?No. Absolutely not. Kiyo walked over to me, almost mirroring our positions from last night when hed been on the verge of telling me something romantic. Only, Id since had more time to come to terms with my anger and could actually focus now on Kiyo, the link in his eyes and the way his em luggage compartment invariably make mine feel. tho I dont think Dorian will leave the war, no matter what else happens between you. And you should take that help.Im timid Until those words came out of my mouth, I didnt realize I meant them. Im afraid when I see him, when I talking to to him hell do it again. Hell convince me of, I dont know. whatever his plan is. Hell justify it and lure me back in.Kiyo cupped my face between his hands. You dont have to do anything you dont want to. Youre strong. And Ill go with you, if you want.I looked up int o Kiyos eyes, quality lost in their depths and upset by what I saw in them. I do want you to. argument down, he pulled me close and kissed me almost originally I realized what had happened. on that point was heat in his lips, heat and hunger and that raw, animal passion that so defined him. My luggage compartment press against his, and I was blow out of the wet at the arousal that kiss ignited within me, me who twenty-four hours ago had been sworn and soaked to Dorian. Now, the desire within me was all for Kiyo, a desire that was probably equal split revenge against Dorian, a resurgence of my feelings for Kiyo, and the easy lust triggered by being with anyone I found so attractive.I pulled away from him, and it wasnt easy. That kiss had consumed me, taken over my reasoning. I had a feeling I was seconds away from ripping his clothes off and throwing myself at him. Some annoyingly rational part of me kept saying I shouldnt do that until I knew for sure if itd be because I s till cared about Kiyo or because I wanted to get back at Dorian.No, dont. I cant, I said, taking a few steps away. Im not Im not ready.I knew he could tell that wasnt exactly true. Hed be able to tonicity the desire on me, the pheromones and other physical signs that said I wanted him. But my head and heart? No, I wasnt sure about that.Eugenie His voice was husky, every ounce of him radiating that dark, primal sexuality that had incessantly drawn me in.I cant, I repeated. delight dont do that again.I travel off blindly, into the forest, ignoring the branches and leaves whipping against me. I didnt have to go very far because something told me Kiyo wouldnt follow. Hed leave me alone for now. I sank to the ground, leaning my head back against the smooth bark of a tree I didnt recognize. My heart pounded in my chest, in turmoil from Kiyos advances.Id suspected he still cared, especially seeing as the breakup had been more my idea than his. Hed conceded its wisdom, true, but Id a lways known hed wished things could have been different. Hell, that made two of us. I exhaled and closed my eyes. What did I do with this? What did I do with Kiyos feelings? What did I do with my own feelings?Because at the nub of it all, my heart was still raging over Dorian. Id meant what I said to Kiyo I was thus press release to go back and tell Dorian we were over. Id been disappointed in Kiyo still was, a little over his not taking direct action against Leith. Yet, as much as that had hurt me, Kiyo had been mute and open about his reasons for it. That was better than someone telling you pretty lies. Pretty lies. Dorian was full of them and not just about the crown. Suddenly, I found myself questioning why hed even suggested Kiyo come along on this quest, rather than Jasmine. Maybe Dorian had thought this would be a convenient way to get rid of someone hed always seen as a potential rival.I didnt know. The only thing I was certain of was that I was getting more and more worked up as I sat there. A faint splash startled me out of my emotional maelstrom, and I opened my eyes. No cry of alarm had come from Volusian back at camp, and a moment later, I realized what was going on. Rising, I headed over toward the pool in the glades heart. sure as shooting enough, I found Kiyo swimming laps back and forth. The lagoon was crystal clear, sparkling in the morning sunlight, and it sang to my magical senses. I wondered if he was there to clean off yesterdays battle or to work out his frustration over me. Judging from the lines on his face maybe both. I watched him for a minute, knowing opportunities to catch him unaware were rare. The water and his mood had distracted him he usually would have smelled and heard an observer. After a little while longer, I made my decision. I began taking off my clothes. Kiyo turned and noticed me just as I slipped into the water, easing myself down the stone edge.Eugenie what are you doing? Youre soaking your bandages.I swam over to him, on the pools far side. Im here naked with you, and thats your biggest concern?He eyed me carefully. Well, that was our last weed of them.I put my hands on his chest. Well be home soon.When I brought my lips to his, connectedness us in a robust kiss, I snarl the same response as earlier. He answered me hungrily, arms swathe around my waistline as we pressed together. Now, however, it was Kiyo who broke us apart in spite of the arousal in his eyes. I had a feeling there was a human versus animal war going on within him.Wait, he said. Earlier you told me you couldnt I changed my mind. I can do this, I said. Does it need to be more than that right now? I was still going to tell Dorian I was done with him, but I didnt need to for this. I had mentally broken up with him. I was free to do whatever I wanted. I moved toward Kiyo again, slowly move us toward the waters edge. Our top halves emerged, the morning air slightly chill against my wet skin.I dont trust why your e doing this, said Kiyo. But when I drew him closer, he didnt pull back. I think youre getting back at Dorian.I kissed him hard, cutting off whatever logical arguments he might attempt. Maybe I am, I said at last. He was gasping, a little surprised at the intensity. I felt empowered, change with lust for Kiyo and yes anger at Dorian. But youre the one Im doing it with. Doesnt that mean something?There was a pause as Kiyos dark, blackened eyes studied me intensely. Yes. With one blue-belly motion, he turned me around, get-up-and-go his body against mine. It does. This is how it should have been anyway. I caught my breath as he kissed my neck, teeth grazing my skin. And Ill take back whats mine.My body burned, both at his touch and the dangerous tone in his voice. Then, the full meaning of his words strickle me. I started to turn around but his hands were on me, pinning me against the ledge surrounding the water. Hey, Im not yours, I growled. I thought I made that clear.Youre right, he said. But youre not his either. Not anymore. You never should have been. We never should have been apart. And if you want this if you want to do this you have to tell me you feel something for me. I cant believe this is just simple revenge sex.Kiyo The hands that held me slid fore to my breasts, the roughness of his touch sending shockwaves through my body. Tell me, he breathed against my ear, his hands sliding along my stomach and down between my thighs. Tell me you still feel something for me.His body closed the miniscule outer space left between us, pushing me right to stone. I felt him hard and ready. I I closed my eyes, lost in the way his hands touched me and stoked the sexual tension that had been building between us for days. What did I feel? For a moment, I was conflicted. Maybe this wasnt right. Maybe I did need to end things formally with Dorian in the beginning letting my emotions run away with me. I Yes?He bent me over, hands gripping my waist, and sudden ly, he was sliding into me, a low groan escaping his lips as he filled me up. I gave a small cry at the unexpected act, one that turned into a moan of pleasure as he began to move in and out of me.Tell me theres still something, anything he grunted. If not, Ill stop and let this go. Just say it. I Again, I couldnt summon the words. This time, it was simply because I was too lost in how he felt. Id forgotten what it was like with him, the way hed always loved to take me from behind, driven by the animal instinct within him. There was more than that to him, though. Images flashed through me, the way hed fought by my side, the compassion when hed seen how hurt I was over Dorians deception.Tell me, he said again, a savage and hungry note in his voice. Tell me you want me tell me theres still something between us. That you dont want me to stop.He felt so good, so strong and hard. No No what?No dont stop there is of course theres still something.I meant it. And with that, the animal w ithin him was unleashed. I screamed as he gave me the full force of his body, my arms pushing hard to keep me from being shoved against the ledge. The sound of our bodies slapping together echoed around us as he thrust tirelessly, taking me over and over as he get my body.Ive lost you, Eug, he managed to say. Missed having sex with you. Missed do love to you. But especially especially missed fucking you.His words were punctuated with a particularly crisp thrust, one that took me hard and deep as he bent me over more. I screamed again, but it was out of ecstasy, not pain. Kiyo had always been able to make me come this way, and now was no exception. I felt the poise of my body explode, every part of me shaking. fluid he kept moving in me with that primal need, pushing me into sensory overload. Hed effrontery up on words, simply making small grunts as our bodies connected.At last his body reached its breaking point, giving me the hardest thrusts he was capable of as his climax h it. He held me tight, my body there to fulfill his need as he came in me, groaning and spasming until hed finally given me all he had.He pulled out, and I turned around, my own breath shallow and rapid. That maybe we shouldnt have done that Kiyo put an arm around my waist and pulled me to him. His lips grazed mine. You sound like a guy the morning after. Youre the one who attacked me, reckon?True, I admitted. With my lust sated, I was feeling slightly more coherent. But only barely. His naked body was still right against mine, and that was distracting.Give me a few more minutes, he murmured. A few more minutes and we can do it again Were probably just creating more problems.He kissed my neck. Whats one more problem among all the others we have? One more time, Eugenie. Ive missed you so much. Lets do this just one more time.I could feel that he was indeed almost ready again. I lifted one of my legs up, half-wrapping it around him as my body decided it was ready again too. And then what?Then? Kiyos mouth moved toward mine. Then we go see Dorian.