Page 22 of Poisoned Kingdom
‘I know you needed to leave, but I’m still mad that you just disappeared. That bloody note you left me—“I’m fine and will contact you when I’m settled”—did absolutely nothing to help. Did your arms drop off? Because we never heard from you again.’ Lily’s voice had slowly risen until she was almost shouting by the last word. ‘When I went to the Brotherhood to ask about what happened, Irsha told me that you’d just thrown your bondage price on the grand master’s table and left. Gods, Sana! He had such a haunted look on his face, I thought the Brotherhood had had you killed and covered it up!’
Lily turned away abruptly, then opened her wardrobe and pulled out an exquisite shimmering gown that highlighted her natural beauty.
I just stared, open-mouthed, wondering what to say. I couldn’t share everything, but I knew I had to provide an explanation for my silence. ‘I was afraid Jagon would hurt you if he knew we’d spoken, and . . . I was afraid you’d talk me out of leaving. I’d had enough of a life where I had to kill for every moron and his donkey who paid me. Then that bastard . . . he was sointense. Jagon behaved like I belonged to him, not as a poisoner or apprentice, but as his woman,’ I spat.
She whirled back around, frowning at me, and I instantly regretted telling her. I’d intended to take that secret to the grave,but I couldn’t hold it in any longer. ‘I fended him off, but Irsha would have noticed and challenged him eventually, then Boyan would have intervened . . .’ I said before adding quietly, ‘You know I never wanted that life in the first place. But then I left, and I realised the grass wasn’t any greener on the other side, and that I missed you and this city.’
Liliana looked at me for a long moment, sadness deepening the bright blue of her eyes. She understood. Her career wasn’t exactly what young girls dreamed of either.
‘So, you ran away. Now you’re back, and you’ve landed in the middle of a vicious battle for the Brotherhood. The grand master is ill—some say it’s the graveyard cough, others that he’s been poisoned, but the dogs are fighting over the bones, so to speak.’
‘That explains why Jagon’s behaving like he already owns the place and insisted on my return to Truso without Boyan’s invitation,’ I said. For Lily’s benefit, I explained what had happened in Wiosna, skipping over the name of the target Jagon wanted me to kill.
‘Don’t tell me he wants you to kill Irsha. I can’t imagine Boyan would let that happen without an official challenge,’ she commented while I helped lace her bodice.
‘No, but the position of grand master has to be his primary focus, and if Irsha still harbours feelings for me, I could be used as leverage against him.’
‘Well, one way or another, you’re here. Okay, tell me the perfect plan I’m sure you’ve come up with, and we’ll get it done,’ Lily said, sitting next to me.
‘Not perfect—half-baked at best. I need to weaken Jagon’s position. He has deals that he knows can’t see the light of day or fall under the scrutiny of the mages. That’s where I’ll start. Do they still hold Petitioners’ Day at the Court of Aether?’
‘Yes, every Wednesday, but what does the Court of Aether have to do with any of this?’ Lily asked, confusion marring her features.
I had a one-word answer: ‘Srebrec.’
‘Veles’ pit. Yes, you mentioned that.’ She sat on the edge of the sofa, clearly invested in my story, and I couldn’t help but smile.
‘Mlot is trading it. Jagon is the middleman, but I bet he’s getting a big slice of the cake. So imagine how happy the mages will be knowing someone in our kingdom is helping sell ore that could put magical collars on their necks. If they disrupt his plans, Jagon will have to find another way to move his merchandise, and that should take him out of Truso for a while.’
‘Well then, you’ll need some decent clothes. Those mages are snobbish bastards and won’t allow beggars into their public areas. We’ll find you something appropriate to wear tomorrow,’ she said, pausing at the sound of the gong announcing the start of the business day. Lily stood with the elegance of a dancer, turning back towards me. ‘Would you like to join us downstairs? Who knows, maybe someone will catch your eye and warm your bed tonight.’ She winked.
I burst out laughing. I was in no shape or mood to enjoy the pleasures her business was famous for.
‘No, thank you,’ I said, rising slowly.
Liliana gave a small nod. ‘If you change your mind, simply come downstairs. Our people will be happy to see you.’
She left the room, and I stood alone, the weight of exhaustion settling over me. There was no point in lingering in her chamber, so I made my way to my own.
Drawn to the window, I looked out at the city. The nightlife in Truso blossomed with the lighting of its pleasure district’s myriad torches. Some opportunistic soul had added a line of fae lanterns to the noble quarter, for obvious reasons, even extending it to the illustrious heights of the king’s palace. Atthis early hour, people were still rushing around, determined to finish their business before seeking entertainment. I saw masked men and women in rich clothing heading to The House of Lilies, while soft music and the sounds of laughter filled the street each time the doorman answered their knocks.
The noise faded into the distance as I turned away.
Sleep claimed me quickly once I hit the bed, deep and dreamless, and I welcomed its sweet embrace.
***
A hand pressed against my mouth, waking me from my slumber, and I lashed out, hammering a fist into the dark figure leaning over me. With a grunt, the man stepped back, and I leapt out of bed, reaching for the knife I’d left under my pillow.
‘For fuck’s sake, Sana, it’s just me,’ a deep masculine voice muttered next to my bed, a voice I instantly recognised.
‘Are you out of your mind, Irsha? I could have killed you!’ I snapped, throwing the knife on the table, only to squeal when he grabbed me and I ended up plastered to the broad chest of the master of the Blades. I couldn’t help sighing as his arms locked around me.
I’d missed this massive man with his infectious smile, tanned skin that shone like a polished bronze, and deep brown eyes. He’d stood by me even when I was a fumbling apprentice in Jagon’s workshop. After a moment of hesitation, I closed my eyes and let the familiar sense of security seep into me with the peace of his steadfast friendship.
A peace that, unfortunately, didn’t last long before he laid into me.
‘You came back to Truso, and where did you go? To a wretched brothel—as if you forgot the way to my house. Veles’ pit, Sana.’ He leant back, but his hands still rested on my shoulders. ‘Did I hurt you somehow and you didn’t want to see me?’
