Page 130 of Between Wrath and Mercy

“I think you may be right. Being the unimportant sister was limited on advantages, but disinterest afforded me some freedoms.” I gave a light chuckle and watched as Shivani’s eyes narrowed on me.

“And look at you now. More advantage than you know what to do with.” Her lips pursed, and I schooled my features as Rain’s words rang through my head.

Give back what you receive in kind.

“It’s amazing how much things can change. I imagine it might be similar to suddenly realizing your husband is a monster—something we have in common. Though, I didn’t have decades of evidence to prove it.”

Lavenia stiffened beside me, but I made sure to give a simpering smile to the queen.

“It would seem most stories are more complicated than they appear.” Her nod was terse, but her eyes weren’t filled with the anger I was expecting, just assessment. I nodded back, feeling slightly ashamed.

“How are your legs?” I supposed it made sense the queen knew what happened, but I was still surprised by her inquiry.

“I’ll have a scar or two, but back to normal. I imagine they’ll ache in the cool weather, though.” I grimaced.

“It is lucky you have not drank from the font yet, then. Perhaps it will help heal you further.” Her gaze moved down my covered legs.

“Is that part of it?” I was inordinately underprepared when it came to anything involving the ritual. I was never supposed to participate.

“Did you never discuss any of this with your sister when she was being prepared for it?” I shook my head; I did everything I could to avoid thinking about my sister performing the ritual with the man who had stolen my heart. Shivani’s eyes softened, and her tone gentled. “And your parents did not perform the ritual. I suppose you would not know, then.” I shook my head again, feeling like a child.

“The font is life-giving. Some say Aonara created the first healer out of its waters.” A warm smile, though small, lit up her face. “If a man were to take a drink from the font with his dying breath, it would sustain him for a long while. That is why it is so heavily guarded. It is our greatest gift from the gods. I imagine it will fully heal your more recent ailments.”

It made sense for it to be guarded, but I wondered if anyone had considered giving the waters from the font to the sick and injured who might need it. Why did only those with divinity have access to the life-giving blessing? It had always been monitored and distributed by the Myriad in such a way, but had no one thought to question it?

“Do you have anything else you’d like to ask about the ritual?” Sensing Lavenia’s worry in her question, I wondered if she thought I was going to panic at the last moment and run.

“Honestly, I have no idea what I’m doing.” I shrugged, and Shivani laughed. I was confused by her kindness nestled between coarse words. “I don’t even know what time I’m to be ready tomorrow.”

Lavenia and Shivani exchanged a knowing look.

“My brother is too excited to think about the logistics, it would seem, and since you have no idea what you’re doing, we’ve been in charge of arranging it all. He was supposed to give you all of this information, but it must have slipped his mind.” She rolled her eyes.

“He has been busy the last few days. Between his task, Elora, and the other duties he’s had to take over since . . .” I trailed off, not knowing what to say about Soren.

“Yes, yes. I should have known not to use him as a go-between and just tell you directly.”

“Yes, I think you’re right. You should have known better.” Shivani supplied, earning her a glare from her daughter.

Lavenia took a few moments to explain the following days’ itinerary, and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed.

“Are you excited for Rainier’s divinity? Dewalt was able to start compelling almost the moment we finished the Mind ceremony, but I didn’t get access to his divinity until after the Body. You don’t need me to tell you about that part of the ritual, do you?” Lavenia waggled her eyebrows.

I felt my whole body turn a brilliant shade of red. I couldn’t believe she said that in front of her mother, the queen. I still couldn’t tell if Shivani hated me or was actively trying not to hate me. Either way, I was appalled Lavenia said it in front of her. Thankfully, she didn’t react, and I chose to deflect to something I was truly worried about.

“Honestly, I’m afraid of his divinity. It’s rather staggering, isn’t it? He has so much power. I mean, I’m still finding out things about my own power, and now I’ll have his to contend with.”

“He is rather powerful, but it seems there’s more to you than we originally thought all those years ago. I can’t say I’m not thrilled he will be able to heal himself, though. What a lovely gift to share with the bonehead.” I laughed in surprise, shocked to hear Queen Shivani say that about her son. Lavenia grinned and grasped my hand tight as she assured me.

“You’ll do fine with his powers, Emma. I’ve seen you learn so much about your abilities the past few weeks; I know you’ll be fine.” I hoped Lavenia was right.

“How did your task go, Emmeline?” The queen’s question was innocent enough, but I wondered if someone had reported what happened at the temple to Shivani. Had she seen the contract?

“It was fine. They had me demonstrate my divinity.” I hoped my tone made it clear I didn’t want to speak about it.

“Was it Master Filenti?” Her face seemed tight with displeasure. When I nodded, she sighed but didn’t press further, instead, turning to her daughter. “Did Rainier finish his task yet?” Lavenia smirked, watching me with a smug look in her eyes.

“He finished!”

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