Page 178 of A Liar's Twisted Tongue

“I’m telling you that I grew up with a specific view of the septic. Knowing you showed me how wrong that was.”

I laugh bitterly, all those layers peeling back, all this anger burning hot. “I’m so glad you could have that cozy little lesson. I’ll make sure to tell all my neighbors back home that the girl with the kingdom mommy learned that septic people aren’t disgusting. I’m sure they’ll be thrilled. Better yet, maybe it will fill their stomachs!”

“Desdemona—”

“Screw you. You know, I hope that someday someone freezes you in the corner of a room and comes at you with a sword while I watch and do nothing.” Her frown grows further. “We’re not just not friends,” I say, and even though I don’t mean the next words, fury pushes me forward. “I hate you.”

I watch her neck work while she swallows, and I hope to the gods that it hurts. “I got the green one for you.” She looks at the dress next to her. “Portricia and I both thought it matched you well.”

For the first time, I wonder what the dress is for.

Chapter 37

You Can Never Go Home Again

LUCIAN

Despite the belief that the Nepenthe are a barbaric and corrupt species, the DOA (Department of Archives) has found evidence to support that they and the Armanthine were the first civilizations to construct a monetary system and trading route.

— WARNING: FORBIDDEN TEXT

It shouldn’t come as a surprise when I’m called to Soma. The moment that I step upon the throne room threshold, a dagger of shadows comes for my throat. I twist my wrist, stopping it, and the shadow evanesce, rejoining the rest cast onto the floor.

“In times as these, wit is of the highest value,” Labyrinth says. “Good on you for seeing it.”

I nod, the collar of my formal attire cutting into my neck.

“Two things,” Lusia says. “Lilac will be returning to the academy.”

“And the corenths?” My voice is tight, as is my jaw.

“The situation has been taken care of.” She waves me off.

“You didn’t send soldiers,” I say. Is this why they are allowing the Collianth Ball to take its course? Because they believe the threat to be passed?

“Fighting was not a necessity in this case.”

“How was the situation taken care of?”

“Worry not of things that don’t concern you, darling.” A hand made of shadows caresses my cheeks and almost freezes my face in the process. “How is your darling Desdemona doing?”

My body goes quickly rigid. I did not disclose her name.

“Superb,” I reply blankly. An interesting time to ask such a question. I am not sure where I have landed on what I believe about her. I wasn’t sure before the moonaro supposedly protected me, and I’m less sure now.

My confusion does not mean she has been absolved.

“How did you know she was from the septic before you knew her name?” I ask.

“Tongues travel faster than thought.”

Shall I forever be caught in a game of tug and pull between my heart and her wishes?

“The second thing?”

“Ah yes, darling. You will be speaking to an audience about the corenths. You shall see Lilac after.”

“Alright,” I say.

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