Page 144 of Conspirators' Kingdom

“That’s one word for it,” he muttered darkly, though he didn’t contradict him.

Now that Khety had shown his hand, Mereruka might as well be a paragon of sanity and virtue. Hope shone in Serfka’s eyes. Victory.

“Then I hope you have the favour of the forgotten gods, Meri,” Serfka replied, hope replaced by misery as the water level rose, “You will need it if we stand any hope of surviving this trap.”

Mereruka didn’t need the gods to favour him, he needed them to favour his wife. The only way he would survive this was if she managed to kill Itet herself. He sent a silent prayer.

Chapter 55

Taisiyasatinadark alcove, feeling like a useless fool as she watched the entrance to the room below. She’d underestimated Itet, and now Bas had paid in blood and flesh. Taisiya only hoped that something could be done for him.

Beneath that worry and fear for Bas, something darker lurked. Father had always warned her that vows made on the dragon’s heart were not just words. Now that Bas had been attacked, she wanted vengeance. That was normal. Except she also wanted to tear Itet apart with her teeth, and rip out her bloody viscera with her bare hands. Her heart was not entirely her own as it sang a siren’s song of wicked violence in her mind. Her throat clenched as she fought the urge to howl with fury.

Vicious thoughts were interrupted by male voices and the bright light of magic. She breathed as silently as she was able and held herself still as they passed her hiding spot.

“Who would dare to threaten each of us?” Serfka asked, puzzled.

“Are you really so obtuse? This is obviously Mereruka’s work. There is no other man so shameless,” Khety scoffed.

“I second that opinion. How can you not see his nature, Serfka?” Radjedef growled.

“He has done nothing but your bidding since you sent him to the Cursed Continent. I know the two of you dislike each other, but you’re letting that cloud your reasoning.” Serfka’s tone was all that was rational.

“We shall see about that. But if he is behind this, I will not withhold my displeasure. He will take the mark of disinheritance for it,” Khety said.

Radjedef grunted his approval.

“The two of you…” Serfka sighed.

They descended into the rock-cut chamber below, their voices growing indistinct, taking the light with them. As her eyes readjusted to the darkness, the faint clip of hooves had her freezing once more. She strained her ears. If that was Itet, as Taisiya suspected, the woman was walking away. If Taisiya followed, she wouldn’t be close at hand if Mereruka needed her aid. Then again, if she could kill Itet, he would be free. Decision made, Taisiya removed her sandals, ready to hunt her prey.

Indistinct shouting halted her. It sounded like Itet, but she couldn’t be sure. No one else made a sound she could hear, then there was a rush of water and the grinding of stone against stone. Two sets of footsteps approached her. No hooves. Taisiya ducked back into her hiding spot as the same magical light returned.

“Khety, we must alert the royal guard. They won’t have long until they drown,” Betrest pleaded, quickening her pace.

Khety caught her by her arm and pulled her back, a sneer on his face.

“We will do no such thing. We will return to our quarters and rouse the guard in the morning. The wards will keep that she-goat out.”

“But Serfka—”

“Was a fine vizier and will be sorely missed.”

“Khety, please—”

“I willnotrepeat myself. I have waited two centuries to be rid of Mereruka, and if my vizier has to drown, so be it. Another word of protest, and I’ll see to it that no one knows I found you, and Hemetre wears your crown. Have I made myself clear?” Khety hissed.

“Yes,” Betrest whispered, defeated.

Taisiya’s gut sank. As they left, taking their light with them, Taisiya dared to creep out of hiding. If what they’d said was true, she didn’t have a moment to lose—Itet had left only moments ago. Fleet of foot and silent as a whisper, Taisiya held her gauzy skirt bunched in both hands, fearful that even the barest swish of fabric would alert the fae woman she stalked. In time, she caught of a glimpse of Itet ahead. But where to confront her? As she crept along the winding corridors in this newly constructed palace, she entered a vast, colonnaded room devoid of the usual colourful decorations. Sketched lines and half-complete reliefs were reflected by the moonlight spelled into the ceiling. Taisiya ducked behind the nearest column, lest Itet catch a glimpse of her.

With so many places to act as cover, the time to strike had come. Taisiya held her breath as she stepped out from behind her column and loosed a bolt of lightning at the fae princess. The bolt inexplicably arced over Itet. Itet flew some distance but swiftly recovered, her movements nimble. She spun to face Taisiya. Hooking a finger through the chain that held a charm on the end, she sneered.

“Deflection charm.”

Shit.

Itet had her bow in hand and knocked an arrow with blinding speed.

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