Page 103 of Eldritch
She paused and lifted her gaze. “My brother is Kael Vexmoor.”
“Never heard of him.” Unimpressed, Zevander looked away, catching a glimpse of Theron watching the two of them, his body absent of the gold clay.
“Kael commands a Kastellian army of ten-thousand mercenaries. If he knew I was here, he would come for me.”
“And, so, what does that have to do with me?” His gaze remained anchored on Theron, who seemed to have no purpose at the doorway, other than staring back at them. “Careful what you say.”
She lowered her gaze and nodded. “One of the Bellatryx, Aradia, she is an old friend of my brother’s.” Keeping her voice low, she stirred the bowl of clay with her hand. “They have fought beside each other. Her loyalties are with General Loyce, but they are much stronger with Kael.”
“How is that possible, when she’s sworn an oath?”
“Kael saved her life many years ago. Ask her to deliver the message, and she will. Without hesitation.” She kept on with rubbing across his chest and arms, each stroke more frustrating than the last. Fucking hell, the woman was kind enough, but he couldn’t stand the unwanted touch.
“Why would I risk my neck for you?” he said through clenched teeth.
As if suddenly aware of his struggles, she glanced up toward him and drew her hands back. “Apologies. It’s not my intent to torment.”
Another glance toward Theron, and Zevander ground his teeth harder. “Keep on with it.”
Adding a bit more pressure, as if she knew the light caresses troubled him most, she continued to paint him in gold. “Aradia does not know I’m here. If she did, I suspect she would have told Kael long ago. Without a doubt, he’s been searching for me.”
“That doesn’t answer the question ofwhyI should bother.”
“Because I would help the man who set me free. And when Kael finds out I’m here, he will send his men across Solassios to hunt and kill General Loyce.”
Zevander studied the beautiful shimmer of the clay against the dark hue of her skin. Up until King Jeret’s reign, darker skin tone had always been a sign of royal bloodlines. Nowadays,it was a lineage the king longed to smother. “Why were you taken?”
“I am the illegitimate daughter of King Jeret.”
Zevander frowned, taking note of the many scars on her body. “Kael, too?”
“Yes, but he doesn’t know. I didn’t know until I was captured. Our mother was murdered when we were children. We were taken away to Eremicia.”
A rigid tension locked his muscles, as he recalled the story his father had told him. Was it possible the very reason he’d been imprisoned was staring him in the eyes right then? “Why me?”
“Because you’re the only one I know who isn’t looking to gain the general’s favor. I would do it myself, but I’m not permitted to attend.”
“Then, how are you so certain of what happens at this bacchanal?”
She gave a furtive glance around the room. “I’ve been informed by another. Rumor lives within these walls, amongst the slaves. I’ve had to wash wounds and care for those who were plied with too many elixirs.”
“How do you propose I pass along this message?”
“Unfortunately, I don’t know what opportunities you’ll be afforded. At times, the Bellatryx like to flirt with the slaves. Perhaps you can catch her eye.”
Zevander scoffed and shook his head. “You task me with treachery and no clear means of carrying out the act. Will all the Bellatryx be in attendance?” It troubled Zevander, the way Theron continued to linger at the doorway. “Busy yourself,” he warned her again.
“Yes.” She immediately turned for a set of golden horns, which she lifted over his head.
Zevander reluctantly bowed, allowing her to place it atop his crown.
She secured its chain to the band at his throat, the chains dangling at either side of his face. “The Bellatryx are required to attend on General Loyce’s order.”
“Then, how do I spother, specifically?”
“Very easily,” she said, her eyes focused on the task of adjusting the horns. “Aradia was mauled by a juvenile drake as a child, and has a rather grotesque scar across her lips and throat.”
“You mentioned elixirs. Tell me what happens during this bacchanal.”
