Page 74 of The King is Dead
‘Change of plan, friend. I’ll be needing your unwavering support again.’
I sent her an image of myself throwing open the cell door, and now my view as I descended the stairs.
‘Wait, I thought you were staying until tomorrow?!’
‘No. New plan. Come to the tower as quickly as you can. I imagine I’ll need as much back up as I can find when Turo hears about this.’
There was a beat, then she sent back.‘I’m five minutes away. Go slowly down the stairs. I want to see their faces when he appears.’
26. Take Your Orders
SOUNDTRACK:Nerveby Skycabin
~ YILAN ~
It took a moment to realize the sudden clench in my chest that was restricting my breathing was the fear that Melek might disappear, or abandon me. I stopped at the first landing and made myself breathe deeply and slowly, reminding myself of our plan—and the goal we would achieve through it.
Let them see him.
Let him prove himself an asset tothem.
Then I could claim him.
Then he would be crowned, and we could turn our attention to the Nephilim at the border.
Together.
All of ittogether.
When my heart had settled to a more normal beat, though still quick, I lifted my chin and made myself walk down the remaining stairs until the hallway opened below to reveal the four guards.
They’d heard my footsteps, and the two closest to the stairs turned, hands on their weapons, while the other two gripped their weapons openly and scanned the hallway for the possible approach of others.
“At ease,” I sighed as I made it the bottom. “All of you.”
Their brows rose when they saw me in fighting leathers, but I ignored the unspoken question and let them remember that I, too, could be deadly.
“You are all relieved of your posts,” I said calmly as their expressions turned to shock—and wariness that made me grind my teeth. “The prisoner has allied himself to the throne, and will be given his freedom.”
The shift leader blinked and stepped forward as the others looked to him.
“Of… of course, Your Majesty…” But none of them moved.
“I understand your concern, but I assure you it is not needed. The prisoner, Melek, theGeneral,is not a threat to me, or our people. And he will be given the opportunity to prove that in the coming days,” I said briskly.
The shift leader’s mouth opened, but he closed it with a snap, gripping his weapon, then his breath huffed out of his nose.
“Majesty… please, I mean no disrespect, but… are youcertain?”
I nodded, praying they didn’t see my jaw clench in frustration—this was only the beginning of the opposition I would face for this decision.
“I appreciate your concern, but I am certain. You may all go rest. See your families. Report to your Captains for new assignments tomorrow.”
The ones who had drawn their blades tentatively returned them to their sheaths, looking back and forth between me and the shift leader.
He licked his lips and did the same with his sword, but his forehead was lined with worry.
“What is your name?” I asked him gently.
