Page 102 of A Queen's Game
In the late morning, Marietta lounged on the high-back chairs in the living room, half reading, half staring out to the Central Garden. A knock at the door tore her from her thoughts as Amryth entered the suite.
“Look at you,” she said with a crooked smile. In the peaceful atmosphere of the suite, her leather armor and sword at her hip were almost jarring.
“A bit of an improvement from a nightgown,” Marietta said. “Figured if the Queen wants to see me for tea, then perhaps I might wear something less revealing.”
Amryth snorted, taking the chair across from her. “With the court styles, I’m not sure if it is less revealing.”
Marietta glanced at the low neckline of her dress and laughed with her. It was a bit excessive, but the dove gray fabric was soft against her skin and the embroidered leaves and white flowers along the straps looked pretty. At least the Satiroans had good taste in clothing.
“What brings you here so early?” Marietta asked, setting her book on the table between them.
“To make sure nothing went wrong after Keyain brought you back last night.” Her expression said more than her words, with worried brows and a grimace tugging at her lips.
“You haven’t seen that side of Keyain before, have you?”
“No,” Amryth said, staring out into the garden. “I’ve known him my entire life. Keyain is stoic, quiet; always the collected, fearless leader. Easy to smile, yet always a big deal if someone can get him to crack a laugh.”
“He was like that when we first met.” Marietta gave a weak smile at the memories. “A hard-ass, too good to dance and let loose.”
“Did he ever let loose?”
“With the right mix of alcohol, he did,” Marietta said, her smile slashing into a smirk. “Once, I got him to dance on the tables with me at a tavern in Avato. He was so embarrassed the next day.”
“Quite the difference to how he is in Satiros.”
“Yeah,” Marietta said, nodding her head, her smile fading. Keyain was nothing like himself in those days.
“His actions and words were inexcusable last night,” Amryth added, drawing back Marietta’s attention. “It doesn’t matter thatyou’re his wife, or that you left without him knowing—he let you waste away and his behavior was highly inappropriate.”
“Can you say that about your superior?”
Amryth laughed darkly. “Can I respect him as my superior when he threatens temple attendants? When he drags you through the city, not bothering to hide his anger after letting you deteriorate?”
“I guess not. That temper was part of why I left him.”
Amryth reached out to hold Marietta’s hands, her expression growing serious. “Do you feel safe with him?”
“Keyain would never lay a hand on me.” Marietta avoided Amryth’s gaze.
“Sure, but there are other ways he can hurt you. I already know you’re not here by choice, so your position is at his whim. Does he yell at you in private like he did last night?”
“Only once since I’ve been in Satiros. But I yelled, too, fought back against him.”
Amryth shook her head, her frown deepening. “You yelling doesn’t put it on equal footing. He has all the power in this situation. I fear for you. And not just me—Deania and Coryn from the temple agree.”
“Coryn?”
“The half-elf who held Keyain back last night. He and Deania were the attendants that helped me when I first visited,” Amryth said, squeezing her hand. “They also expressed that if you are ever in danger, the temple of Therypon will intercede on your behalf.”
“Gods, I’m not in that much danger.”
“There’s never been a half-elf at court, Marietta. Many aren’t happy about it—about you. Keyain protects you from the brunt of it.” Amryth paused, her face pensive. “If things get worse again, please come to me. I can help you—Coryn and Deania can help you. You’re not alone.”
The swell of emotion caught in Marietta’s throat, not realizing how much she needed to hear someone say those words. “And if Keyain prevents the temple from helping again?”
“Then he’ll be breaking the law. Deania and Coryn know you wish to return, so they’ll know when to come knocking.” She hesitated, uncertainty flashing across her features. “I hope it never comes to this, but the temple can also claim you under their protection if your position turns dangerous again. It can be a messy situation, but we’re here if you need it.”
Marietta choked on her words, and tears blotting her vision. “Thank you.”
