Page 96 of A Rose Among Snakes

Something inside me unhinged as I surged forward and spat in his face.

He drew up to his full height and wiped his face, then paced back to the center of the room and said, “So much anger here. We should be celebrating! Terrune has a new queen!” He motioned for Kezara to join him, and she slowly walked to his side. He grabbed her by the arm and held her close to him. Kezara grimaced in pain.

“If you let her go, I will do whatever you want,” Velian said.

“Velian, you are going to do that so much better with her by my side. I willneverlet her go,” he snarled. He schooled his features and faked a yawn. “I’m growing weary of your pleading. Maybe I’ll get Enverro to replace you, hmm? I already know he’s a compliant little sycophant.”

Enverro glared daggers at Leoro.

“I think you also know that when push comes to shove, Enverro doesn’t have what it takes. You need me,” Velian said. Enverro turned his hateful gaze to Velian.

Leoro snorted. “I don’t think I do.” He looked at the extra guards waiting for orders. “Kill him.”

“NO!” Kezara screamed, but Leoro silenced her with a slap across her face. Velian thrashed as the guards brought him to his knees, and forced his face to the ground. I fought my guards, my heart pounding and thoughts racing, but they held firm. Paolef and Corman began yelling and fighting back as well, but more guards stepped up to hold them tighter.

I could only stare at Velian’s face pressed to the cold, white marble as his eyes met mine.

“Don’t watch, Mihrra,” he ground out.

My mouth went dry, my tongue heavy as lead.

No.

Not him.

I would not survive losing another loved one.

My heart lodged in my throat as the guard stepped forward, unsheathing his sword and lifting it above his head. Kezara whimpered, but Leoro held his hand up in a warning to her. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the face of the man I loved, and suddenly, every thought eddied out of my head, save for a conversation we’d once had, and I knew what I needed to do.

“Wait.” But Leoro didn’t look at me, his hand poised to give the guards the signal to drop the sword and execute Velian.

“WAIT!” I screamed, desperation clawing through me as the guards’ arms drew me further back.

Leoro’s gaze flicked to me, brimming with annoyance. I was straining against the guards in vain.

“What?” Leoro rolled his eyes. “Are you going to tell me you love him?”

I forced myself to swallow.

“I challenge you to a duel.”

“Mihrra, no!” Velian shouted, the words muffled by the guard pressing his cheek to the floor.

Leoro quirked an eyebrow. “What did you say?”

I stood up straighter and took a deep breath. Icy cold calm flowed through me, and my voice rang out across the room, clear as a bell.

“I challenge you to a duel.”

Chapter Fifty-Five

Mihrra

Leoro’s incredulous laugh echoed off the walls.

“A duel? What are your terms?”

“If I disarm you first, we all go free, Kezara included. You will annul the marriage, and release Velian from your contract. In exchange, we will keep silent and never tell anyone that you pump Ziffem into the cities, lining your pockets with your citizens’ hard-earned money.”

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