Page 68 of A Rose Among Snakes

I shook my head in disbelief. Even seeing the cruelty first-hand, it was still hard to reconcile that man with the beloved King of Terrune. Swallowing, I asked, “Are you going to stay a prisoner forever?”

Enverro’s eyes cut over to me. “What choice do I have?”

“We all have a choice, Enverro.”

And I choose to fight.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Mihrra

We rode through the night, reaching Clavo by the morning. The journey proved to be significantly faster on horseback. The pounding of hooves and the wind whipping my face were exactly what I needed to work out the vestiges of my anger toward Velian.

In the darkness, I came to terms with the truth of his story. I was furious, yes, but not only with him. I was mad at myself for being so blind to the possibility that he was anything other than what he presented himself as. There was also the needling thought at the back of my mind, pinching and prodding until I acknowledged it; would I have made a different decision if in his position?

Besides that, there was the matter of the situation I had put myself in. I had no idea what dangers lurked ahead of us, but I would have gone out of my mind waiting for answers about Kezara. While Velian may be involved in sordid affairs, I had no concerns for my physical safety around him. My heart on the other hand… I kept it walled up, unwilling to concede that part of myself.

The aroma of baked goods floating through the Stone City made my stomach growl. I had been too anxious to think of eating last night, but I was starting to feel the consequences during our ride. People milled about the city until a bloodcurdling scream reverberated off the stone, halting every person where they stood. An emaciated man thrashed in the arms of city guards, teeth gnashing and eyes wild. He doubled over, screaming again, and the guards dragged him into the shadowed alley. A moment later, his agonized cries cut off; my stomach plummeted to my feet. I pulled Eamis to a stop and looked ahead to Velian. He stared at the dark alley, his jaw working and his shoulders held tight.

“Velian,” I breathed, “did they…”

“Yes.” His throat bobbed and he turned away, urging Zavi to keep moving.

I had known the effects of using Ziffem long-term were catastrophic, but I’d never seen it in person. I relaxed my reins and pushed Eamis into a trot to catch up with Velian.

“Why?”

His expression was grim and I wondered if he blamed himself for his part in that man’s demise. I would have.

“Because he was too far gone. It was a mercy, really.”

“There’s nothing that can be done to help them?”

He shook his head, keeping his eyes straight forward as we wove through the crowded streets. “No.”

And because that brick wall in my chest was wobbling I asked, “Are you alright?”

He turned to me, the corner of his mouth turning down. “No.”

We didn’t speak any more as we made our way up the hill that led to the castle. We reached the closed gates, and a guard called down asking for our identities.

“Velian Blaise,” Velian shouted. Recognition dawned on the guard’s face as he turned a crank. The portcullis rattled as it was raised, the horses sidestepping before hurrying to pass beneath. We trotted all the way to the front door of the castle, dismounting and ground-tying the horses.

“Am I coming in with you?” I asked.

“Yes, just pull your hood up. They will assume you’re a new hire and no one will pay attention to you.” Velian took hold of the hefty gold knocker and slammed it three times. A moment later, the door creaked open, and standing in the doorway was Fingley, still bored.

“Sir?” he asked.

“I am requesting an audience with King Leoro,” Velian said.

“And you are?”

Crossing his arms, Velian provided his name.

“Of course, sir. Please follow me to the sitting room where you will wait to see His Royal Majesty.”

Fingley led us straight down the hallway to a narrow room and gestured for us to take a seat on the settee. The only other seat in the room was an elaborately carved wooden throne designated for the king. Neither of us dared to take it, so we sat squished together on the settee. Fingley narrowed his eyes, looking me upand down like he saw through my disguise. I resisted the urge to fidget under the scrutiny and he left the room, muttering under his breath.

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