Page 68 of A Blightress of Wrath
Lannabarked a laugh. “Oh, so you get to decide how she feels about it?”
“Shedoesn’t want more than what we had before,Lanna.”
Herlips bubbled as she blew air out of her mouth. “Whateverhappened between the two of you back inFelgren, she’s had time to think about it now.Whateverridiculous confession you said to her with that silver tongue of yours, she’s been able to sit with.So, if she has more to say, let her say it.”
“Idon’t want her to pity me and start something she’ll later regret.”
“Thevin, you are a fool.”
Ifrowned, crossing my arms and turning my back on the balcony, staring down at my boots.
“Inthe accumulated mere hourI'vebeen inSaelyn'spresence, there was one single person on her mind.Canyou guess who?”
“TheViceroy?”
Shelaughed, pulling her head back and grabbing her chest. “Afool indeed,ThevinofFelgren.”Sheslapped a hand across my back. “Partof me hopes she doesn’t tell you her true feelings for a little while longer becausePiningThevinis much more fun to tease thanRunnerThevin.”
Ihuffed a laugh. “Speakingof, any news from theBlightLine?”
“Yes.Thenews is, it’s been quiet.Strangelyquiet.It’sgot theWieldwrynsspooked.Wehead out there tomorrow to prepare for theDimming, but something feels…off.”
“Doyou know our assignment?”
“Itdepends.”Shescratched the back of her head, loosening the golden braid pinned there. “Shit,” she mumbled as her braid toppled down her back. “I’mabout ready to take my own blade to all of this,” she said, holding up the long length of her locks.
“Dependson what?”Ipressed.
Shesighed, dropping her hair and mimicking my stance with her back against the railing. “Dependson theBaron.”Shenodded towardSaewho had just stood, adjusting her gossamer gown and looking around the room. “Saelynis rumored to have immense power.Enoughto change the tides.”
Inodded slightly. “She’smore powerful than anyone realizes.Weneed her.Asmuch asIhate to admit it.”
“Whathave you seen her do exactly?”
“I’lllet her explain.Tonight.Atthe gathering.”
“Hmm.Notspilling her secrets to your commander?You’reworse off thanIthought.”
Ichuckled, smiling atSaeas she headed toward us.
Foldingher hands in front of her, she said, “Nextup is theCeremonialDanceto theSongofRemembrance.Isthat right?”Beforeeither of us could answer, she turned her back to match our casual pose, leaning in to whisper, “How’mIdoing?”
“Perfect,”Iwhispered back.
Lannapushed off the rail to complete a circle of the three of us. “Imust say,SaelynofFelgren,I’mimpressed with how well you know our customs already.Thedress, the shoes, the eating of theRudismar, and now theCeremonialDance.”
Saevisibly gulped. “TheRudismarwas a bit difficult for me, butThevingave me hope.”Sheelbowed me. “Heate his in one bite.”
“TheRudismar?”Lannaasked in disbelief. “I’venever seenThevineven attempt it.”
Ididn’t remember eating it.I’dnever been one for raw seafood, let alone topped with powdered pearls. “Itwasn’t so bad,”Ireplied.
“I’mgladItried it,”Saecontinued, “butI’mnot sure it’s to my taste.”
Lannamade a face. “It’sto no one’s taste.It’sa stupid tradition.”
Alow hum echoed through the room, signaling the start of the dance and song.
“It’sstarting!”Saesaid giddily.Shepulled my hand from whereI’dcrossed my arms at my chest. “Willyou dance with me?”
