Page 156 of A Crown of Tears and Treason
I hadn’t even had to ask–for the opening, the saddle, anything. I simply mentioned I wanted to do something and Zandyr made everything happen.
I was so focused on the words I would write, I almost didn’t notice the figure waiting at the edge ofmyroad, leading tomyhouse.
Almost.
My shoulders instantly tensed as Valuta’s overflowing dress creaked my way; the blood-red fabric must have been starched beyond comfort. Three dozen guards stood behind her, spears gleaming. Owyn wasn’t among them, thank the gods.
The weight of my switchblade, tucked inside my bracelet, felt heavy and grounding, and the pocket of power inside of me sizzled.
“I went to visit you at your residence, but your servant said you were gone.” Her glassy eyes slashed over my armor, lingering on the blood vials. “The traitor with the knives. She was rather rude, you know.”
Valuta should have been happy Adara hadn’t thrown one of her knives after her. “Adara is not my servant, nor a traitor.”
Valuta fluttered her bony hand in the air as if it didn’t matter. She didn’t take her eyes off the vials, though. “I see the prince doesn’t shy away from protecting you.”
Danger, all my senses blared.
“Why would he? The Protectorate would have his head if he didn’t show me the respect our contract demands.”
Good, good. Keep it logical and detached. Make it sound like a simple Clan transaction.
“They could certainly try, I suppose,” Valuta said. “I understand Silas doesn’t care all that much for blood. Or combat. Or victories.”
The scheming piece of–
“He has just taken the throne, he has plenty of time to prove himself. Are you in a hurry for a Clan war?”
Valuta’s eyes narrowed as she angled her body so that the guards wouldn’t see her face.
“Of course not,” she said, voice rising so that her entire audience could hear. “How could you suggest I, the grand advisor, would ever want my people slaughtered by your kind? We would win–the Blood Brotherhood’s might is renowned–but I would not risk it.”
“Ourpeople. In four days. And I’m glad we’re in agreement, I wish a Clan war even less than you. That’s why I’m here and that’s why Zandyr is marrying me.”
Detached. Aloof. More courteous than this snake deserved. But I wouldn’t let her twist my words.
“Yes, a gift from the gods.” Valuta prowled closer. “Though I am surprised you’re still here. So resilient.”
I shrugged, even as my insides constricted. “All that Vegheara blood.”
And pure stubbornness to not be felled by creatures such as her and Banu.
“Yes, quite menacing.” The glint in her eyes was a warning that slithered all the way to my frantic heart. Menacing, menace–it wasn’t exactly a grand leap. Sheknew. She probably didn’t know everything, but she knewsomething. “One has to wonder if your particular skills are better suited elsewhere.”
Danger, danger, danger.
The snake was getting ready to strike.
“Oh?” I asked, feigning naivete and hoping I pulled it off. “I’m flattered you’ve noticed my abilities. I wonder when you had the time, what with the many,manyresponsibilities you have as an advisor.”
Valuta’s face narrowed as she stopped a breath away from me; she must’ve taken a bath in perfume, because she reeked of honey and vanilla. “One of my main responsibilities is managing this Clan toward its betterment. Even when the throne doesn’t see the proper way forward. The safe way. I am here to observe and guide.”
She spied and twisted reality, but sure.
“Are you implying the king and queen don’t know what is best for our Clan?” I asked with a gasp, raising my voice as well. We both could play to our audience. I couldn’t lie, not to save my life, but I was a fast learner.
Valuta’s already thin lips tightened until they vanished.
“Listen to me, girl,” she whispered harshly. “I’m done playing. Name your price.”
