Page 53 of Poisoned Kingdom
I watched the king warily, noticing how his hand trembled as he dragged it through his hair, his tick betraying how agitated he was. Then Reynard’s breathing became erratic, his injured face contorting in a spasm, but he closed his eyes and exhaled slowly, forcing himself to stay calm.
He’s in pain . . . but why?
I wanted to console him, but didn’t know how, so I offered another apology, wincing at how flat it sounded. ‘For what it’s worth, thank you for saving me that day. If I could undo the harm I’ve done, I would, no matter the cost.’ My voice was barely a whisper, but it was enough to make him look at me.
‘For what it’s worth . . .’ He huffed a dry laugh, shaking his head. ‘For what it’s worth? The gods must be laughing at me after placing you in my path.’
His gaze lingered on my face, his lips thinning. I could almost see the battle being waged behind those tortured features and wished I could offer more than an apology.
‘I think I preferred believing you planned it . . .’ he said, sounding so defeated. ‘Now everything feels like it was fate’s idea of a sick joke.’
I stayed silent, understanding how he felt. It had been easier to justify my actions when I’d thought it was my rapist I’d killed with my poison. Knowing I’d hurt the man who hadsavedme instead weighed heavily on my conscience.
‘Would you do it?’ he asked.
I looked up, confused.
‘Would you have tried to kill me if you’d been asked, if . . . if someone had paid or . . . forced you?’ he clarified.
I studied the man before me, ignoring his station. The anger had disappeared, and Reynard sounded almost . . . vulnerable.
It nearly broke me, but I had to answer the question despite knowing Jagon might actually force my hand. My response had to be truthful; otherwise, Riordan would know. Worse, if I didn’t answer, the inquisition spell would eviscerate my mind.
I prayed my words wouldn’t break this shallow truce between us.
‘They already did, and I refused.’
‘Why?’ Reynard asked coldly. ‘Wasn’t the money good enough?’
‘They didn’t offer money, but even if they had, I wouldn’t break the covenant between the Dark Brotherhood and the Crown.’ The words came easily, as there was no lie in them, no half-truth. I may have been forced into the Brotherhood, but what little integrity I had left drew a line no money could erase.
‘She’s telling the truth,’ Riordan said, but the king didn’t look at him.
‘I know,’ Reynard snapped before his expression softened. ‘Why did you really come to me that night? Forgive me, but I don’t believe you crept in just to warn the king.’
‘I knew someone of my standing wouldn’t get an audience with you. After the disaster at the Court of Aether, I had to try something. Your enemies are my enemies. Helping you was the only way to get rid of the man who’s after me.’
‘Who is he?’ Whether or not Reynard intended it, his question came out as a menacing growl, and I instinctively flinched. I didn’t want to reveal Brotherhood secrets, but looking at the king, I knew he wouldn’t let this go.
‘Jagon, the poison chapter master—but before you lead your proverbial cavalry onto an empty field, hear me out. He’s just an opportunistic fuck being bankrolled by someone powerful. That’s your true enemy, just as Jagon is mine.’
‘So, you wanted to use me. Fine, Viper, I can understand that, but why come in person? Why not tell Riordan?’
‘Oh, perhaps because I didn’t know who to trust? In warning you, I’m not only going against the strongest chapter master in the Brotherhood but putting my dearest friend in danger. Now, here I am, a prisoner, unable to do anything. If I’m lucky enough to be released, I’ll have to think of a lie to explain why I’m still alive,’ I responded, swallowing hard because saying it out loud was forcing me to face the hopelessness of my situation. ‘You’ve backed me into a corner, so please, give me a way out.’
Reynard and Riordan exchanged glances, but whatever the result of their silent communication, I wasn’t privy to it.
‘So the Brotherhood wants to kill me?’ Reynard asked resignedly.
‘The Brotherhood?’ I sighed. ‘No. But there’s an ongoing power struggle, and everyone’s looking out for themselves, with the less scrupulous members working against the grand master’s wishes. My friend considers you a worthy king, so even if it’s hard to believe, I thought maybe you’d be interested in a good opportunity.’
For the first time during the interrogation, Reynard smiled—genuinely smiled—and the sight was devastating.
I looked at the floor, trying to hide the heat crawling up my cheeks, a surprising reaction to the man who’d captured me. It was ridiculous, but I had to admit that when he wasn’t choking me, imprisoning me, or letting his mage dig around in my mind—so, in essence, when he wasn’t a total bastard—Reynard was a man who radiated danger in such a scorching manner that I wanted to dip my fingers in the fire just to see if it burned.
‘Alright, little Viper, tell me how we can help each other,’ he said in an almost playful tone before controlling it once more. ‘Starting with the man who’s paying Jagon. I’ll protect you, but I need their name. If you don’t know that, I need to know what they look like, or anything else that will help us identify them.’
I shook my head. ‘I don’t know their name. I only saw his proxy. He spoke with a southern accent and wore a palace guard’s uniform. You have enemies in your court.’
