Page 94 of A Rose Among Snakes

“He saved me. He pushed me aside and jumped in the way.”

Velian grabbed me by the elbow and helped me to my feet. I stared up at him, but his eyes were locked on his fallen friend’s body, a sharp crease between his brows and a gleam of silver in his eyes. Paolef and Enverro stood behind him, faces tight with grief. I didn’t see when Denzen pulled the knife out, but it layon the floor, bloody. Without a second thought, I bent down and grabbed it, wiping the blood on my skirt and tucking it into the top of my boot.

More footsteps echoed down the hall and we all scurried to group together, swords drawn and ready to face whatever came around the corner next. My heart pounded, but I let my breath out in a huff when I recognized the figure skidding to a halt in front of us.

Chapter Fifty-Three

Mihrra

Leoran froze in shock, his hands rising in surrender until he looked at my face. “Mihrra,” he said, then continued running toward us. Enverro and Paolef stepped forward to block him, but I put my arms out.

“No, he’s going to help us.”

Leoran stopped his advance and hunched his shoulders, watching the men warily, but once his eyes landed on me again he seemed to remember why he was there.

“You’re just in time. Hurry, follow me!” He spun on his heel, but Velian asked,

“Where is she?”

Leoran turned back and fixed Velian with a fierce glare. “They’re in the throne room. He is marrying herright now.”

Kezara

Leoro held his icy hand out to me and helped me up the steps. I tried to remove my hand once I stood in place, but he would not let me go. I bit my aching lip to keep from doing something rash.

“Kezara, this is Mephostes, the priest to the royal family. He will be performing our wedding ceremony today.” He looked at me through the veil, his expression cynical, as if waiting for an outburst from me. Instead, I shifted toward Mephostes and bowed my head. Leoro’s carnivorous smile returned, and he nodded to Mephostes.

The priest cleared his throat and instructed us to unite both our hands.

“On this day, the fifth day of July, we are here to join together in marriage, Leoro Karme Borusco Malevede, King of Terrune with Kezara…” He paused and leaned toward me, whispering, “What is your full name, my lady?”

“Kezara Jacine Blaise,” I said through clenched teeth.

“With Kezara Jacine Blaise.” He turned his attention to the king. “Your Majesty, do you take this woman as your wife and Queen of Terrune?”

Leoro’s black eyes raked over my body. “I do.”

Mephostes turned to me and my heart leaped into my throat. “Kezara, do you promise to respect and obey the king, accepting all duties required of a queen?”

My head spun and, like an old friend, a familiar fire flooded my veins. “Why doesn’thehave to make any such promises?” Leoro’s hands tightened around mine, squeezing until it felt as if my bones might crack. He narrowed his eyes, his pasted-on smile thinning around the edges.

“Kezara…” he warned.

I glared back at him, taking several deep breaths through my nose before finally gritting out, “I do.”

Mephostes dipped his chin, sweat beading on his brow as his eyes shifted between the king and me. “By the power vested in me through the Crown of Terrune, I pronounce you man and wife, as well as King and Queen.”

It felt like a death sentence, though it really was the opposite. My heart thudded painfully behind my ribs, beating out a rhythm of despair and wrath. Leoro lifted my veil and panic seized me as I realized he meant to kiss me again. As his wife, I now had no choice in the matter. I screwed my eyes shut and kept my arms pressed to my sides as his cold hands grabbed my face and he pressed his slimy lips to mine. To escape, I forced my mind elsewhere.

Enverro’s ocean-blue eyes materialized behind my lids, and I wondered what it would have been like to kiss him. Maybe there would have been explosive heat, or maybe a pleasant calmness. My chest hollowed out, and I prayed he was alive and unharmed. I was desperate to hear he was safe.

It felt as if the kiss lasted forever when in reality it was only a few seconds. Just as I couldn’t bear it any longer, there was a clamor outside the throne room.

Mihrra

Leoran's jarring statement rattled through my head, but it was all Velian needed to hear. He jumped forward, grabbing my hand and tugging me along to follow Leoran down the hallway, everyone else in tow. Part of me agonized over leaving Denzen there, but I knew it had to be done. Seeming to sense my hesitation, Velian paused, squeezing my hand and dipping his chin, his gaze flicking to Denzen’s body.

“We’ll be back for him.”

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