Iron Crowned Chapter 12

There was a moment of stunned silence.Thats impossible, verbalise Kiyo at k forthwith. Unless youre saying she should kill every in all those monarchs?No lease, the doddery man replied.Even I spot how it works, I argued. The only way to claim a dirt is if its previous monarch dies or grows in both case weak to hold it. Otherwise, theyre bound together. The monarch and the priming ar ace.Arent you listening? he asked. The blossom changes that. The teetotum breaks that bond. Doesnt matter how strong they are. No killing unless you desire to. The land is freed up, allo kick upstairsg you to seize it if youre strong and ambitious enough, which, of course, you look at to be even to possess the eyeshade.Ambitious enough.His words reminded me of our fight, when Id nearly killed Kiyo in my rage. I stared d proclaim at the top of the inning in disgust. I dont urgency it. I dont want that kind of power. That was never my intention.The crowns keeper promptly looked as baff led as Kiyo and I had been moments ago. Then why did you come for it?Eugenie, give tongue to Kiyo uneasily. I dont destine you should will it. Regardless of what it truly does well, the original send run into still holds. You dont actually cod to use it. safe having it may still be enough to scare Katrice into peace especially if she knows its true power.I raise my look from the crown, staring off absentmindedly at the caves scorched walls. Of course she knows. And so does Dorian. Hes known all on.It was a sign of Kiyos tact and self-control that he made no scathing remarks somewhat Dorian.You consent to take it, exclaimed the old man, glancing back and forth amidst our faces. He watchmed shocked and even off remnanted that I was bad considering leaving it. You passed the test. No one who has done that has ever refused the crown.The sick feeling in my pay grew. He knew. Dorian knew.You dont find to use it, reiterated Kiyo. however Katrice wont know that.I was an idiot, I murmured. An idiot to call up it was solely a war prize. If I accept it what happens if someone else takes it? If its stolen? After experiencing so many attempts at rape, I was well aware of the extent of Otherworldly ambition.The crown exit only work for its flow owner, said the caretaker. It will only stay with the worthy. If its taken or if you die it will shine here, and we will wait for the next challenger.Hold on, said Kiyo. You just wait here all the cartridge holder? How old are you?I didnt wait for a response. I felt dizzy on my feet and so, so tired, two mentally and physically. I wanted to get out(a) of this place. Lets go, I said. Well take the crown.The old man beamed. Excellent. I look onwards to collecting of your victories.I scowled and moved for the exit. This was sturdyly the situation for warm and fuzzy good-byes, so Kiyo and I simply left without any more conversation, though I could feel the caretakers gaze burning into my back. The trek out of the mountain was quiet as well and seemed to go such(prenominal) more quickly. The drop off barriers were gone.When we finally emerged, the light and air of that barren landscape seemed like the sweetest, most refreshing thing ever. Volusian and Deanna were just now where we left them. Deannas expression lit up. Volusians didnt ostensibly change, but I sensed definite dismay.You did it exclaimed Deanna. Now you cigarette help me and find out No, I interrupted, heading straight to my horse cavalry. Not now. Were non dealing with that yet.Her brainsick eyes widened. plainly you promised to Not yet, I growled.Something near my tone and look must cast been passably intimidating because she vanished without comment. I knew shed be back, though. I glanced at Kiyo, who was already on his horse, face troubled.Think those snakes are regular residents or just part of the test? I asked.He glanced around, taking in the bewildered holes in the ground. I dont think we heap assume theyre gone.I made sure my pack was secure, the crown inside it. Then lets get out of here. Were non stopping until were out of the unclaimed lands.Kiyos face was seamed with worry. Eugenie tho I was already urging my horse down the road, back in the direction wed come. Our initial ride had been brisk but still energy-conserving. Now, I held nothing back. I let the horse shape as fast as she could, half-suspecting she wanted out of this cursed place as much as I did. The speed and rush of air was almost enough to distract me from what had just happened and what was to come. Almost.Kiyo easily kept up with my hard pace, and the speed made any conversation difficult. I lost track of time but had the sense of riding for hours as the sun moved across the sky. I fell into such(prenominal) a lull surrounded by the dreary landscape that crossing back into the Otherworlds claimed regions was like a splash of water in the face. Wed emerged into the Honeysuckle Land and were expl osively surrounded by heat and color.Kiyo slowed his horse down. Eugenie, we anywherehear to stop. When I didnt react, he yelled more harshly, EugenieIt snapped me from my haze, and I slowed too, eventually bringing 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. harmless? Im a war leader. This place isnt on our side yet. They could have a clutch of leverage if they lay down and captured me.Thats just an excuse, he said. It wont happen, and you bedt keep up this pace without rest. The horses certainly cant either.I didnt know much virtually wolfs, but Kiyo did. These two didnt seem ostensibly exhausted, but they were breathing a bit more hard than when wed left. I petted the head of mine in apology. I didnt want to stop, but Kiyo was regenerate field.The lush and beautiful land provided any number of camping spots. The trick was finding a concealed one that kept us near the road. If we strayed too far, the Otherworlds nature could very well shift us out to another location. And, disrespect his confident words, I think Kiyo did worry a curt bit about the Thorn power being disc everywhereed in this kingdom. At least we had Volusian to keep watch.We finally settled for a meek glade that was almost impossible to see through the trees until you were right inside it. Not far away was a small lagoon edged in stones. I was filthy from the fight but didnt have the energy to bathe fully and settled for washing my pass on and face. Nonetheless, back in our camp which truly was just a place to sleep since we needed no fire here Kiyo insisted on ever-changing my bandages once more.You tore more stitches in the lich fight, he said with dismay. We can keep the blood loss down, but you have to get this treated soon.I nodded without hearing him, my mind still wrapped around what Id learned. at one time hed back offed my shirt back down, I turned and faced him. Do rian 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 evaluate 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 listened to my initial minds, 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 threat was.And then you wouldnt have done it, a voice in my head pointed out. I knew it was the truth. I wouldnt have risked my life or Kiyos to come after some artefact that spue me one step besider to being the conqueror everyone expected me to be.Dorian knew, I repeated. Dorian let me risk my life for this.Kiyo stayed sil ent for a few moments, staring off into the rapidly change trees around us. You said he resisted at first, though. Until he realized I could go.Was that an act, though? I rest my forehead in my hands, doubting everything Id come to believe about 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 about you, Eugenie. I dont think hed carelessly throw 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 giving an awful lot of credit to someone you hate.A small smile crossed Kiyos lips. I dont hate him, not exactly. I dont trust him. I dont like him. And well, I certainly carry a grudge 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 mean it like that. I just mean that after we split up, its been hard seeing you with him. Thats petty jealousy, I admit it. tho I also hate that his grand, brash action won you over and drove the final place in our relationship.His grand, brash action? Do you mean killing Leith? Ill never regret him doing that, I said fiercely.Despite how dark it was growing out here, I could see Kiyos eyes boring into me. Do you mean that, Eugenie? Was your personal vengeance 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. But the fallout I know. I sighed again. I know what Ive caused, all the upheaval in this world. A sudden odd thought occurred to me. Maiwenn Kiyo tensed, not following my jump in thoughts. What about her?Dorian knew that too She knows what the crown does Im certain of it. Thats why he kept controling me not to let you spill to her I coolness up, full of fury now. Goddamnit He played me. Hes forever played me It doesnt matter if he venerates me. Its his nature. He cant love without using it to his advantage. Goddamnit My cry rang out into the empty night as I paced irritably.In seconds, Kiyo was up too, absorbing me by my arms. Hey, hey. Calm down. He may have tricked you, but he cant make you do anything you dont want to with the crown. Youre in control. No harms 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 discharge myself for that?He drew me into his arms. I forgive you for that, and thats all you need to worry about. Dont beat yourself up with the guilt.I clenched my fists. The craziest part 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 bec ome.I wont let you, said Kiyo fiercely.Its in my blood, I said weakly. I realize that now. perchance. 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. wherefore? After everything Ive done?Because I Kiyo cut himself off. 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 tell you something for a while. We should have I broke away and stalked off across the glade. I couldnt hear this. I couldnt hear some proclamation of love, not when my heart was still broken over 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 lo ve for me would be stronger than that ambition. Id been wrong. Even if he loved me, his heart would unceasingly be split between me and his craving for power. It was his nature, just as my own nature was divided between human and gentry ways.I need to sleep, Kiyo, I said roughly. I cant hear this right now.But Eugenie Good night. I turned my back to him I knew he could see in the darkness and curled up on the grass. It was hardly a comfortable bed, but compared to final nights discomfort, this felt like heaven.Kiyo said no more, and I eventually heard 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 radiate of stars. The Otherworld had the same constellations as the human world, which surely presented some sort of physics quandary, one I didnt have time to think much about right now.D orian knew.That crown. That fucking crown. Part of me wanted to go over to my bag, grab the crown, and throw 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 except 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 orgasm 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 opened myself to him, loved him. That was over now.It was that thought, that thought and the anger burning within me, that got me up and around early when dawn 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, cringing when my fingers brushed against the crown. Kiyo stood up and stretched, then wandered off into the foliage. He returned several minutes later 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 sweetness 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 going to do?This was something Id thought about for a while, so I had a solid 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 me ss.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 concern in his eyes and the way his body always made mine feel. But I dont think Dorian will leave the war, no matter what else happens between you. And you should take that help.Im frightened Until those words came out of my mouth, I didnt realize I meant them. Im afraid when I see him, when I talk 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 into Kiyos eyes, feeling lost in their depths and confuse by what I saw in them. I do want you to.Leaning down, he pulled me close and embraceed me almost before I realized what had happened. There was heat in his lips, heat and hunger and that raw, animal passion that so defined him. My body pressed against his, and I was ball over at the arousal that kiss ignited within me, me who twenty-four hours ago had been sworn and sealed to Dorian. Now, the desire within me was all for Kiyo, a desire that was probably equal parts revenge against Dorian, a resurgence of my feelings for Kiyo, and the simple appetite 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 t hrowing 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 still 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 smell 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 troy ounce of him radiating that dark, primal sexuality that had always drawn me in.I cant, I repeated. Please dont do that again.I hurried 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 sus pected he still cared, especially seeing as the breakup had been more my idea than his. Hed conceded its wisdom, true, but Id always known hed wished things could have been different. Hell, that made two of us. I exhaled and unsympathetic 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 nerve center of it all, my heart was still raging over Dorian. Id meant what I said to Kiyo I was indeed going 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 blunt 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. genuine enough, I found Kiyo swimming laps back and forth. The lagoon was crystal clear, sparkling in the morning sunlight, and it render 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 take up him unaware were rare. The water and his mood had distracted him he normally 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 m e 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 batch of them.I put my hands on his chest. Well be home soon.When I brought my lips to his, joining us in a bass kiss, I felt the same response as earlier. He answered me hungrily, arms wrapping around my waistline as we pressed together. Now, however, it was Kiyo who broke us apart despite 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 walking us toward the waters edge. Our top halves emerged, the morning air slightly deject against my wet skin.I dont trust why youre 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 reproducible arguments he might attempt. Maybe I am, I said at last. He was gasping, a little surprised at the intensity. I felt empowered, filled 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, smoky eyes studied me intensely. Yes. With one lively motion, he turned me around, pushing 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 hit 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 forward 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 dummy 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 officially with Dorian before l etting my emotions run away with me. I Yes?He bent me over, hands captivating my waist, and suddenly, 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. alone 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 w hat?No dont stop there is of course theres still something.I meant it. And with that, the animal within 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 threatening of our bodies slapping together echoed around us as he thrust tirelessly, taking me over and over as he reclaimed my body.Ive missed you, Eug, he managed to say. Missed having sex with you. Missed making love to you. But especially especially missed fucking you.His words were punctuated with a particularly sharp 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 nerves of my body explode, every part of me shaking. Still he kept moving in me with that primal need, pushing me into sensory overload. Hed presumption up on words, simply making small grunts as our bodies c onnected.At last his body reached its gap point, giving me the hardest thrusts he was capable of as his climax hit. 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, remember?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 a gain. 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.