Page 101 of A Rose Among Snakes

I couldn’t contain my smug smile. “I knew you two would end up together.”

A blush rose to Mihrra’s cheeks and she looked down at the mug in her hands. Velian grinned as he stared at her, and I felt nothing but pure elation for two of the most important people in my life.

“I have to admit I’m a little surprised to see you two so smitten,” Mihrra said, her voice raw, like she’d swallowed a mouthful of sand.

My stomach clenched. They were the first words I’d heard her say in hours and the rough sound was an instant reminder of the trauma she had survived.

Enverro brushed his thumb along mine. “I didn’t stand a chance.”

Velian grunted, and I looked up to see Mihrra roll her eyes at him. At least she was on my side.

I turned my attention to my brother. “Alright, Velian, out with it. What business did you have with the king?”

Heaving a sigh, he told me about the family business selling Ziffem, and how our father worked out a deal with the king that didn’t expire with his death. Tears filled my eyes at the injustice, and the full gravity of all Velian had continued to sacrifice for my sake hit me. For a split second, I wished our father was still alive and Velian had not needed to bear this burden, but as I remembered his terrifying temper, I was glad he was dead.

“I’m so sorry. I had no idea,” I said.

He chuckled. “Good, you weren’t supposed to.”

I looked at my friend, my heart breaking for her as the king's murder confession was fresh in my mind. “Mihrra, I’m sorry about your father, too.”

“As am I,” Enverro said, his apology holding more weight than mine.

Mihrra’s answering smile was more of a grimace as the cut on her cheek stretched tight. “Thank you. It helps to know the truth now, even if it’s not what I’d hoped for.”

We steered the conversation to lighter topics, but it was not long before Mihrra’s eyelids were fluttering. Velian tried to sleep on the sofa, but Mihrra firmly told him to stop being such a mother hen. I quite enjoyed seeing someone put him in his place.He laughed, but I could see the edge of panic still hovering in his eyes as he kissed her goodnight and went to the room next door.

Once in bed and fully alone, I couldn’t stop myself from reaching over and placing my hand over hers.

“Mihrra, are you still awake?”

“Yes.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Thank you for coming to find me. I missed you.”

“I missed you, too,” she said, squeezing my hand.

Tears fell, and I sniffed. “I was so scared.” She didn’t say anything, but I knew it was because she was giving me space to process. Shaking my head, I said, “I can’t believe I got married.” Then it dawned on me. “I’m a widow!”

Rough laughter escaped her before she said, “Don't forget you were a queen for about ten minutes. But tell me, how does it feel knowing you’ve kissed your stepson?”

I wrinkled my nose. “Thank you for that reminder, Mihrra.” I pulled the blankets over my shoulder. “And with that, I’m ready to sleep.”

“You’re quite welcome,” she chuckled. “But before you do, there’s one more thing.”

“Hmmm?”

“You have to tell me what Leoran said.”

“Ah,” I said, rolling onto my back. My stomach soured at the memory. “He told me that if I still wanted to get married, he would have me.”

Mihrra scoffed. “He wouldhaveyou?”

“Yes, so I politely declined and told him I was very sorry, but I was no longer interested. He said he understood and that he was actually growing quite fond of Davony, which seems like a fitting match to me. They’re both a little… vague.”

Mihrra chuckled in that way I could tell she was trying to hide it. “Kezara, that is not very kind.”

“Oh, please. I know you never thought highly of him. He’s not exactly famous for his intellectual prowess.”

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