Page 58 of Poisoned Kingdom
What? Is he bloody serious?
I huffed in disbelief, the question taking me aback.
‘I have no lover. Tova is . . . I’m his drah’sa—his sister, someone he’ll challenge a king for. Please . . . when will you free him?’
With each word from my lips, Reynard visibly relaxed. My bloody handprint marked his face, making him look like some ancient war chief, but he looked calm, almost happy.
‘Later,’ he promised. ‘His stay in a cell is simply a lesson in manners. You can see him tomorrow, you have my word. But only after he’s had a polite conversation with Riordan, of course. Then Orenson can crawl back up Veles’ arse if he so chooses.’
‘What about me? Am I free to leave?’ I asked.
He stared at me with an unreadable expression.
‘Free? Are you trying to trick me out of your oath, little Viper? I’m not freeing you—not now, maybe never,’ he said, stroking his scar as if he couldn’t believe it no longer hurt. ‘However, I will allow you to leave the palace, but not Truso, and you’ll work forme, Roksana.’
‘So, my leash just got longer?’
‘For now, yes, but we can revisit this discussion once you’ve fulfilled my request. Be my spy. Return to the Brotherhood and find out who’s behind Jagon and where the srebrec’s going,’ he said.
I frowned.
‘That wasn’t a part of the oath!’ I snapped, walking to the large window to give myself some time to think. ‘What happens if I refuse?’
‘Then you’ll leave me no choice. If you won’t help me end this threat, I’ll have to do it myself. And as I don’t know who to trust, I’ll have to wipe the Brotherhood from the face of the earth,’ he responded, smiling bitterly. ‘That is the harsh truth. So, what will it be, Viper? Will you work for me?’
It was no choice at all. As happy as I was at the prospect of Jagon’s and his cronies’ deaths, there was Boyan and Irsha to think about . . . They were the heart and soul of the Brotherhood, as were many others who had found structure and shelter within the Chapter House’s walls.
‘Congratulations, Your Majesty. You have your assassin,’ I snapped, feeling the cage of this voluntary trap locking around me. ‘How should I contact you? I can’t keep sneaking into your bedroom,’ I said, focusing on the practicalities of my hopeless situation.
‘You will meet with Riordan. You just proved Ciesko was right and that you can manipulate aether. I will ensure my mage is part of your training regimen.’
‘You’ve got it all planned out, don’t you?’
‘I didn’t plan to have an attack in front of you. Even I’m not that cunning,’ he said with a smirk that made me want to choke him. ‘But the rest? I don’t like taking chances. I was open with my plans, and I will honour my vow, just not in the way either of us expected,’ he concluded, coming closer and wrapping the shawl tighter around my shoulders. He paused for a moment, hesitation written all over his face before gentleness softened his features.
‘Thank you, Sanika. Your help has returned my life to me . . . and given me the hope I’d long since lost,’ he said, fingers lingering on my shoulders. A bird’s cry outside broke through the moment, and Reynard stepped away. ‘Now go. Liliana should be waiting for you in a carriage. Rest and await my orders.’
‘You are such a manipulative bastard,’ I whispered, unsure what to think.
His cheek muscle twitched before he released a humourless laugh.
‘No, my beautiful poison, I’m much worse. I’m the king.’
Chapter 21
Reynard
The wound on my palm stung, but the blood was already congealing, a darkening scab slowly forming. The slight pain felt strange, a pale shadow of the agony that had plagued me for weeks. I couldn’t stop staring at it, at the mark that bound me to my Viper. Each flex of my fingers sent a jolt of possessiveness straight into my heart.
Perun’s arse, I need to send her away.
This strange healing only exacerbated the yearning that continued to grow after that nighttime visit. I wasn’t sure how long I could stay away from her bedroom, but Roksana was set on leaving, making it clear my attention wasn’t welcome.
And yet, she had healed me. Her insistence; her brazen words; and her gentle, caring touch had given me back the life I’d thought lost forever, the time needed to sort out the mess my kingdom had become. I would live because she had chosenmebefore freedom.
Roksana Regnav was more than just an assassin, but I didn’t know what to make of her yet.
‘What do you intend to do with the dwarf?’ Riordan asked, entering the room. He hadn’t taken two steps before he stopped, staring at me in shock. ‘What happened? Why are you covered in blood? Did she . . . Why are you smiling?’
