Page 117 of Between Wrath and Mercy

“The big one who carried me out?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. What did you do?” Her tone of accusation would have been amusing if the situation were different.

“I, uh . . . made him pass out. He must be fine, or else you’d have seen him when you came down here.” She started laughing before pulling me into a hug.

“You’re so gods damn stupid. It may take some time, but we’ll figure it all out. Gods, Dewalt and I are going to have our hands full dealing with the two of you.” Her voice softened. “Try to rest.” She looked past me and wrinkled her nose, no doubt at the sight of the pallet on the ground. She spun around and walked back into the hall, fiddling with the lock to another cell. I wasn’t sure if she knew it was empty or if it was a lucky guess, but she came back a moment later, dragging another pallet behind her. Her terrifyingly high heel got stuck in a gap in the stone floor, and she stumbled before gracefully righting herself and throwing the other pallet at my feet. Looking at it, I wasn’t sure if it was much better, but I could stack them and make it marginally more comfortable.

“I’ll try to get you a blanket or a pillow. Hopefully, this will be your only night in here.”

“Thank you, Ven.”

“Don’t thank me; it was his idea. I’m so mad at you I didn’t want to come.”

I smiled as she shut the cell, locking it behind her. When I laid down on the pallets, I tried to block out the stench as I felt the faint rumble in the ground. I fell asleep quickly, crashing from the emotions and rush of energy I’d had before.

Ithoughtitwasmorning when I woke up, but I couldn't be sure. The room was still pitch black, and I could hear nothing. I laid there for hours, reliving everything that had happened and how different last night was to the one before it. Two nights ago, I had been wrapped up with Rain, pouring ourselves into one another, and last night I was alone in a cold cell, cuddled next to rats for all I knew. I wondered if things would have been different if I walked into the throne room with his ring proudly on my finger. Honestly, it might have gone worse. They’d have been mad on top of it all because I brought nothing in the way of alliances and little in the way of divinity. Queen Shivani might not have spoken out on my behalf. I spent most of the day laying there thinking, deciding if Rain got me out, I’d never question anything with him again. With my head resting against the wall behind me, I realized with a start that I didn't feel that low, reassuring rumble in the ground. I put my hand flat on the floor, ignoring the feel of various debris underneath it, and cursed when I couldn't feel the slightest hint of his divinity. It worried me, and I wondered what he was doing.

It felt like days had passed. I was ravenously hungry, my stomach rumbling, and I figured it had been more than a day since my last meal. Not long after, I heard a key turning in the lock, and a half-loaf of stale bread soared into the cell, landing at my feet before the door snicked shut. I debated turning my nose up at it; I’d be out in a few days, or I’d be dead—I could wait for decent food that didn’t land in filth. Ultimately, my grumbling stomach won out, and I ate it. After I was done and realized I had no water to wash the dryness down, I thought it might have been a mistake.

More hours passed, and I snoozed on the pallet or paced the room. I noticed a small hole in the corner, the smell telling me its purpose, and I hoped I'd be out of the cell before the need to use it overtook me. Eventually, I heard the sound of another key in the lock and was surprised to see Dewalt’s towering figure in the doorway. I jumped up and hugged him, hoping he was there to get me out.

“Gods, you’re rancid.” It didn’t stop him from hugging me back, patting me gently.

I laughed and stepped back. “Sorry, I haven’t had my bath yet. No one will give me a straight answer about it either.” He chuckled as he came into the cell, closing the door behind him, and I felt my face fall. “I take it we aren’t leaving.”

“No, they’re doing patrols. I compelled the guard to forget his next round, but I figure we should shut it just in case.”

I sat down on the pallet, defeated. I had hoped that Rain would have worked his persuasive skills enough that I’d be out by now. For the first time, I worried.

“If he can’t get me out, will you still go after Elora? At the Cascade?”

“Don’t even start that shit. He’s getting you out. Don’t be stupid.”

“Alright, but what if he doesn’t? You’ll still get her, right? Promise me.”

He sighed, exasperated. “Of course, Emma. I promise.”

“Thank you.” I sighed in relief, knowing that no matter what, they would save her. “Why are you here, Dewalt?”

“Thought you might want some company. I can’t stay long, though.” He sat down on the pallet next to me, making a sound of displeasure as the scent wafted up at us.

“That’s kind of you. Thank you for not yelling at me. Or impulsing me to death.”

He chuckled and leaned back, resting his head against the wall behind him. “I heard about that. Can’t say you didn’t deserve it.” I grunted at him. My elbow was still sore. “I do have to say, though, I’m rather proud of myself for only imagining throwing a dagger at his face over the years. You actually did it within the first hour.”

“You heard what he said, Dewalt.” He grunted in assent. “He’s vile. An evil bastard. How do they belong to him? How can Rain and Lavenia be the way they are with parents like that?”

“Servants, nursemaids, and tutors. Shivani was around more than Soren, but both were hands-off. Rainier helped with Lavenia a fair amount since she’s younger. But you’re right; it’s pretty amazing they didn’t turn out worse.”

“I didn’t realize you were officially royalty until the other night. You’re a duke, though, not a prince. Why not?” Sterling hadn’t addressed him as he would a prince.

“I had to assume a title when I performed the ritual with Lavenia, and I refused the one of prince. I didn’t want any titles, but I had to have something, so yes, I am a duke in title only. I do not have a duchy—all our land belongs to Lavenia.”

“I take it you don’t like being a duke?”

“It doesn’t affect me. When people say ‘your grace,’ I cringe, but other than that, it doesn’t mean much. It’s a title.”

“You don’t have any responsibilities?”

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