Page 39 of The Stygian Crown

Kara raised her brows. The rest of the room was equally barren. Several empty bookcases spanned the walls, and a large picture frame covered in a dark cloth rested in the far corner.

“Your former sex dungeon?” Kara asked.

Calim burst into a laugh. “One of Urian’s.” He ran his palm over a rune beside the entranceway, and the rock wall slid back into place, sealing them in.

Kara's stomach twisted. She didn’t like being trapped within the palace’s walls. She’d much rather be atop one of the spires, where at least there was a quicker escape available than a slow death by starvation.

“Who stayed here?” The energy of the room was odd, discordant. Anger bled from the walls and pressed in around her. Someone had spent a lot of time in here, judging by the extent of the runework, yet it’d been stripped of all personal affect.

“This was one of Namirah’s rooms.”

Kara swallowed.

“Her and Urian met in secret here after he married my grandmother. I’ve found a few like it around the palace—some empty, some entirely black from fire. I’m sure there are more I’ve yet to discover.”

Kara summoned an image of the old king leaving the bed of his wife and stealing through the flames to join the arms of his lover, hidden within the palace walls. Namirah’s rage still tainted this place. It was a glorified cell.

“Sometimes I'd hide in here as a boy, when I managed to escape my tutors, but the place always frightened me. It doesn’t see much use of late.”

Kara brushed against a stray cobweb and shivered. “It is rather sinister.”

“I thought we could discuss your progress in here, away from prying eyes and ears.”

“I’m afraid I’ve little to report. Lord Rutherford isn’t a fan of your governing style, but you likely knew that already, as he’s not shy with his opinions. I haven’t found evidence of any treason yet. And your sister doesn’t much care for me.” An understatement, considering Kara was still bleeding from their last encounter.

Kara expected anger, but Calim just nodded. “I didn’t expect this would be easy. The courtiers are a cliquish lot, wary of outsiders. I’ll see if I can pull some strings for you. I know it’s difficult, but do what you can to get in Ari’s good graces. She’s always been the one the people look to for their cues.”

“How much do you trust Salizar?” Kara hadn’t ruled out him casting the shadow spell and faking the stolen blood break-in.

“He’s been with us a long time. I paid for his schooling at the mage college in Temodor. I wouldn’t usually suspect him, but rule out no one. Sanguine pockets run deeper than the crown’s these days.”

Kara ran a finger across one of the bookshelves, dragging a line through the dust.

“Is your involvement with Vakarian jeopardizing your progress?”

Kara’s heart stuttered. “We have no involvement.”

“I wasn’t born yesterday, Lady Grey. I was at the ball.”

“It’s over.”

Calim sighed. “Right. Serena told me of the attempt on your life. Have you recovered? Forgive me for saying so, but you look unwell.”

Bloody demon’s drip. “I’m alright. And for whatever reason, the assailant hasn’t revealed my identity to the court yet, so I’m not fully compromised.”

Calim nodded. “I’m willing to keep you in the game, but do you want to continue, despite the risk to your life? I’m not a cruel man. If you want to pull out, let me know. You could keep everything you’ve earned thus far.”

With her current savings, Kara could leave and afford to settle someplace new, away from the danger and the Stygians. But she’d be running away, just like she had with Wesley. Here, she had something, even if it was complicated. Out there, she had nothing.

“I want to continue.”

Calim took a breath and closed his eyes. “Very well. I confess that there’s another reason I brought you here. You’re marked, aren’t you, Kara?”

Kara stilled. The king had never used her given name before. She thought he hadn’t known it. “What did Vakarian tell you about me?”

“Nothing. You're not the only spy in my employ.”

Kara lowered her head. Of course.

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