Page 75 of Poisoned Kingdom
‘Chess?’ Bolko interjected. ‘Who gave you the right to speak in our presence, Nightshade? You left the Brotherhood. You even left Dagome. You know the rules, and yet you walk into the Chapter House like you fucking own it. Why are you even here?’
I smirked. ‘I could say it’s none of your business, but if you must know, I met the king during his travels, and his mage discovered something so interesting he requested that I return to Truso. I asked for an invitation, of course, not that the likes of you are entitled to know the grand master’s and arch healer’s private affairs. But since I’m here, well . . .’ I shrugged. ‘I’m thinking of staying.’ I grinned, enjoying the sight of his thinninglips and gritted teeth before I hammered the nail into the proverbial coffin. ‘Especially since the arch healer wants to train me himself, but I guess your spies already told you I can use magic.’
Boyan’s head whipped in my direction, joy filling his eyes as if he’d . . . expected this?
‘Roksana, is that true? Was that the reason you left?’ he asked, leaning forward before he sighed, shaking his head. ‘You should have come to me instead of leaving.’
‘I’m sorry, but it’s been a turbulent time for me. However, the arch healer was so impressed by my healing of Wiosna’s miners that he offered to train me under his patronage,’ I said, pasting on a bright smile as I lied through my teeth. ‘Ask Jagon. He helped dissolve any obligation I had towards King Mlot and the Kingdom of Wiosna.’
As expected, Bolko frowned at the mention of Jagon’s name, glaring at him with distrust written all over his face. Boyan, on the other hand, sat taller, his shoulders broadening from their usual hunch. Seeing the glee on the old man’s face, and his less-than-covert glances at Jagon, he definitely knew it was rubbish.
‘You’re going to betray us to become a mage?’ someone shouted.
‘Betray?’ I repeated, a smirk curling my lip. ‘I’m no longer a dark sister; my scroll was burned to ash. I came only to pay my respects to the grand master. However, seeing as some of you have forgotten the Brotherhood’s honour, bickering at the high table like quarrelsome fishwives . . .’ I paused, savouring the moment. ‘Perhaps I shall renew my contract, this time as a mage, to teach you some manners, you witless cur.’
‘You fucking bitch,’ came from behind me, the sharp, metallic ring of a sword being drawn cutting through the sudden silence. ‘Do you think you can just march back in and we'll take you in?’
‘Silence!’ I snapped, spinning around as I whipped my hand forward. A small, poisoned needle flew from my fingers, sinking into the shouting man’s throat. He swallowed hard, mouth opening wide as he gasped for breath before dropping to his knees. ‘Did you forget who I am? Consider that a polite reminder. As for the rest of you—does anyoneelsehave a problem with my return?’
The entire room froze, watching while I strolled to my assailant. My smile was cruel as I crouched down to look into the helpless man’s eyes, hiding my emotions. I waited until his face turned purple, eyes tearing from the lack of air as he flopped on the floor like a dying fish. Then, I plucked out the needle, allowing him to breathe again.
‘I hate fools. Who does this one belong to?’ I asked coolly, gripping the man’s chin between my fingers.
Irsha rose slowly to his feet. ‘He’s mine,’ he said, approaching with measured grace. ‘Apologies for his lack of discipline. He’s hot-headed, but skilled. I’d rather not lose a good sword over a bad decision.’
‘Since you asked so nicely,’ I said, a slow smile curving my lips as he reached for my hand and pressed a kiss to it. Irsha was playing his part perfectly—my long-lost lover and loyal kindred soul, ever willing to stand beside me even if it cost his man his life.
‘Ah, my sweet Nightshade,’ he murmured, all warmth and charm. ‘Always so generous. The Blades have no objection to having mages in our ranks. This misguided soul . . .’ he said, watching as I pinched the man’s jaw and tipped a vial’s contents into his mouth. ‘I’ll handle his punishment myself.’
I caught Irsha’s smirk and responded with a raised brow and a roll of my eyes. Whatever price he’d promised his man for this performance must’ve been high. My mind raced as I glanced around, gauging everyone’s reactions. The room, once silent,was filled with whispers spoken behind my back, but all eyes followed my movements.
‘Thank you for your mercy, my lady,’ Irsha said, his fingers stroking my forearm. ‘Might you also spare a little pity for a man still pining for you after all this time? I have some sweet wine in my chambers.’
‘I don’t know if I can stay,’ I replied, my eyes trained on Jagon. ‘Your Blades may have no objection, but what is the opinions of the others?’ I leaned into Irsha, playing up my interest, before continuing, ‘If I’m forced to leave, visit me at Lilies. I also have sweet wine . . . and a bed that’s far more comfortable.’
This little performance wouldn’t work if not for our past, but knowing how adamant Jagon had been about the king’s touch, I’d played my wild card, hoping he’d believe that only by having me in the Brotherhood would he have access to me.
He was silent, but without his acceptance, the remaining chapter masters would never tolerate a mage.
Irsha frowned, then pulled me into his arms, his voice rumbling through his chest. ‘If you’re staying, you must join the Blades. The army has battle mages—why not magical assassins in the Brotherhood?
Despite the severity of the situation, the urge to laugh at our charade nearly overtook me.
‘No, she won’t.’ Jagon stepped forward, voice sharp and eyes narrowed in anger. ‘Sana was, and is, a poisoner. I don’t care if she has magic. She will remain as my poisoner or not at all . . . isn’t that right, my dear?’
Irsha didn’t move until I gave him a subtle nod. Then, with a shrug and his signature smirk, he raised his hands in surrender and backed off.
‘Does that mean you accept my return?’ I asked, eyes on Jagon. ‘And what of the others?’
After a moment’s silence, the two remaining chapter masters—Bolko and Tymon—exchanged a glance with Jagon, then nodded.
‘Thank you,’ I said, grinning as I turned to the grand master. He raised his glass of wine and dipped his head in silent approval.
‘Welcome home, child. I’m afraid that your former position is taken, but if we’re to have a mage in our ranks, I shall claim you as my own.’
Jagon looked like he was about to have a stroke. I could practically see the steam rising from his ears, and it took everything in me not to laugh while I waited for him to gather himself.
‘My lord,’ he said tightly, ‘her proximity to you and our secrets under such . . . unusual circumstances could become problematic. I’ll admit, I’m curious about Roksana’s choice to align with the arch healer. However, ties like that could make her becoming your mage . . . dangerous.’
