Page 128 of Poisoned Kingdom
When I returned, Reynard was standing by the window beside a tray of breakfast and a jug of water. My kirtle lay folded beside it.
‘The servants brought your dress,’ he said. ‘But must you return to Tova?’
I froze, frowning at the note in his voice.
‘Well, Ilivethere, remember?’ I chuckled, trying to lighten the moment. ‘And if I don’t go home tonight, I imagine Tova will be here soon enough, shaking his axe at your head.’
He didn’t laugh.
‘You could come with me. To the palace.’
‘And do what there?’ I asked, blinking. ‘My life is here. I can finally learn how to use my power properly and help Boyan get the Brotherhood in order. We’re getting so close, Rey. If I can push the Mules into revealing their routes and pressure Jagoninto exposing his backer, we can eliminate the threat to your throne.’ I picked up a piece of bread and popped it into my mouth.
‘You could still do all that,’ Reynard murmured, moving to stand beside me and sliding an arm around my waist. ‘But from the palace. With me. I know it’s a change . . . but we’ll figure it out.’
I swallowed a small canapé that suddenly felt dry and tasteless in my mouth and reached for my kirtle. As tempting as it was to wake up by his side every morning, Dagome wasn’t ready for that—and neither was I.
The geas trial had revealed more than just the key to my soul. It cracked open a truth I couldn’t ignore: I needed to find out who my real father was.
My suspicions pointed towards someone high-ranking in the Brotherhood, but I wouldn’t accept it without confirmation from the grand master himself. Being the daughter of an infamous assassin, on top of finding out I wasn’t entirely human, wasn’t something I could leave unchecked to simply move into the palace.
‘Rey, there’s so much I have to tell you . . .’
Before I had a chance to finish, a decisive knock disrupted our conversation.
‘Oh, go away!’ Reynard shouted, just as I said, ‘Enter.’
The door opened, and Riordan stepped into the room. He glanced between Reynard and me, frowning at the tension. I hoped he wouldn’t try digging into my mind because I didn’t want anyone learning what I’d discovered in the Geas Hall before investigating it myself.
‘My apologies for the intrusion, Your Majesty,’ he said, voice taut. ‘But some problems have arisen that require your immediate attention.’ He hesitated, gaze flicking to me. ‘Though perhaps we can discuss them at the palace—’
‘Whatever it is, you can say it in front of Sana,’ Reynard cut in, tugging me closer.
Riordan’s mouth tightened. Whatever news he brought, it wasn’t good.
‘I can step out, if that makes things easier,’ I offered, but Rey’s grip on my waist only firmed.
‘I trust you with my life, Roksana,’ he said simply. ‘Why wouldn’t I trust you with my country?’ He turned back to Riordan. ‘Spit it out.’
The mage braced himself before inhaling deeply. ‘Fine,’ he said. ‘A messenger arrived from the northern garrison—Mlot’s finally lost the last of his marbles. His army’s crossed the border. Two villages are gone, possibly more; I’m not sure. That was the situation when the rider left for Truso.’
‘What?’ Reynard’s voice cut sharp and low. Then a dark smirk curved his lips. ‘That fool attacked us?’ He huffed, shaking his head. ‘If he wants to play stupid games, I’ll give him exactly what he wants.’ But then his tone shifted, and he gestured to Riordan. ‘You saidproblems. Plural.’
The mage looked like he’d swallowed a bug that was trying to crawl its way back out to freedom.
‘I’m not sure if itisa problem,’ Riordan hedged, ‘and I really don’t think we should discuss it now . . .’ He paused. ‘Your scribe found a letter.’ His fists tightened, and I didn’t need to be a psychic mage to see he was growing more agitated with each passing moment.
‘And that is important, why?’ Reynard looked puzzled. So was I.
Riordan passed him a small envelope sealed with the Tivala family crest, and as I looked at it, a feeling of dread washed over me.
Had the old duke found out about Lily?If Jagon told him, I’d kill the fucker.
‘Rey, whatever he wants, you swore to protect Lily. I’ll take the blame if needed,’ I said, tightening my fists as he broke the seal.
Reynard said nothing as he unfolded the letter, but I could see the way his jaw tensed the more he read. His brows furrowed, his lips thinned, and his entire body wound tight with fury I recognised far too well.
Then he snapped.
