Page 124 of Song of the Heart Scale
Thorne’s jaw twitched. “They sing about you. Did you know that? About the mark on your arm and your so-called fate.”
“Better a song than a dirge.”
His eyes narrowed. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing, Arya. You think you can sway the people with ballads and gossip.”
I snorted. “You’re doing a great job swaying them toward rebellion all on your own.”
Thorne slammed his goblet down.
And that was when the doors opened.
Maeve entered, carrying a tray of fruit in her hands. She was pale but composed. Professional. I gave her a quick glance, a nod. We’d planned that she’d come to escort me out of the dining hall so I didn’t have to stay for long.
Thorne slowly turned his head. “I didn’t summon you.”
Maeve dipped into a deep curtsy. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I thought perhaps Lady Arya would like something light to finish her meal.”
“What Lady Arya likes is no concern of yours.”
My muscles tensed. “Thorne.”
He ignored me, then rose from his chair. “You forget your place,servant.”
Maeve bowed again, trembling. “I-I apologize.”
Thorne took the tray from her, then without warning, hurled it across the room. Fruit splattered against the marble like colorful blood. “You serve atmypleasure!” he hissed.
“Leave her alone!” I barked, rising unsteadily to my feet.
But it was too late.
He moved faster than I could track. One moment Maeve was backing away, and the next, Thorne’s clawed hand lashedout and grabbed her by the throat. I paled instantly with the realization of how sideways our plan had turned.
Her eyes bulged in shock as he effortlessly lifted her off the marble floor.
“Thorne, stop!” I screamed, running to them.
Maeve gasped and scrabbled her hands at his wrist, legs kicking.
He snarled, his eyes glowing with that telltale dragon-fire, and then—he squeezed.
There was a sickening crack.
He dropped her.
Maeve crumpled in a heap, her body too still, her neck twisted at an angle no living thing could survive.
Silence reigned.
I stood frozen. The breath had left my lungs.
Then it hit me.
“NO!” I dove to her side and gathered her limp form into my arms, my scream echoing off the high-vaulted ceiling. “Maeve! God, no...”
Her eyes stared blankly. Empty.
She was gone.
