Burning Fate by Claire Luana

Author:Claire Luana [Luana, Claire]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Live Edge Publishing

Airi told her story first, while they were waiting for Takeo to arrive. She sobbed in all the right places, describing the horror of Takeo’s advance, his fury when she rebuffed him, the pain of the vase smashing into her head. Azura’s rage roared within her as her sister recited her tale. How could Airi do this? True, they hadn’t always gotten along, but Azura had thought of Airi’s jealousy as petty and childish—something she would grow out. Azura had never imagined that it would grow into something so deadly.

Takeo was led into the room in heavy sets of shackles, flanked by two moonburners holding spears. It was a purposeful display, and by the tightening of the king’s jaw, the effect was not lost on him.

“He’s not a murderer,” the king muttered.

“That we know of,” the queen said.

Then it was Takeo’s turn. His blonde curly hair was messy, and his normally open face was tight and pinched.

“I was sleeping,” he said. “Airi made her way into my room somehow…” his brown eyes flicked to Azura, full of pleading. “I thought…I was dreaming. When I realized I was not, I pushed her off of me and got out of bed. She bashed herself in the head with a vase and started screaming that I raped her.”

“Preposterous,” Queen Isia said. “My daughter could never do such a thing.”

Azura had to admit, the story did sound farfetched. She knew Airi was capable of such a fit of madness, but did anyone else? She tried to catch his eye again, to communicate silently that she believed him.

Isia continued. “The man must be punished for his crimes. The punishment is death.”

“I will not stand by and let you kill my captain,” King Ozora said, his voice low and threatening. “Not even under the guise of justice. To do so would mean war.”

“To allow a blatant attack, on my daughter in my own palace, to go unpunished, would mean war.”

Azura ground her teeth in frustration. Though she knew the truth, she couldn’t suggest that her mother just trust Takeo’s version of events. Even if Airi hadn’t threatened to reveal her and Takeo’s illicit relationship, what type of precedent would that set in a future case? What victim would ever come forward if that was all the protection the crown would give her?

“Perhaps,” Azura broke in again, “before declaring war, we should speak to others in the citadel who might have seen Airi or Takeo before this happened? Who might be able to support Airi or Takeo’s story? Perhaps someone will be able to shed light onto the truth of what happened.”

Airi glared at Azura.

Ozora seemed mollified. “It is a good suggestion, Azura. Queen Isia, would you agree to have the staff and guards interviewed? We would want to sit in, of course.”

“Fine,” the queen spat. “But this isn’t over.”

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