Kingdom of Ash

sat beside his right hand.
Encased in crystal no larger than a playing
card, the red-and-orange flower within
seemed to glow—just like the power of its
namesake.
“The kingsflame,” she breathed, unable to
stop herself as she approached.
Aelin and Aedion had told her of the
legendary flower, which had bloomed across
the mountains and fields the day Brannon had
set foot on this continent, proof of the peace
he brought with him.
And since those ancient days, only single
blossoms had been spotted, so rare that their
appearance was deemed a sign that the land
had blessed whatever ruler sat on Terrasen’s
throne. That the kingdom was truly at peace.
The one entombed in crystal on Darrow’s
desk, Aelin had said, had appeared during
Orlon’s reign. Orlon, Darrow’s lifelong love.