Page 86 of Master of Storms
“Shewouldn’thave done this.” Marduk shook his head, trying to find the words. Words that, for once, escaped him.
Ishtar stepped closer to the body. “What happened to her?”
It was startling to hear her voice in company. She spoke aloud to him, but rarely in front of others.
“It’s all right,” he said, moving to intercept her. It was entirely possible she’d never seen someone die before.
“She’s silent,” Ishtar said. “She doesn’t sing anymore. Why is there no song?”
“Why—?” Draco’s face hardened.
But Andromeda pushed him out of the way. Empathy filled her dark eyes. “She has gone to ride the horizon with our brethren.”
“But why is she empty? It’s gone. The song is gone. Everydrekihas a spark of the song to some degree.” Ishtar looked to Draco. “His song is quiet and angry, like the crashing waves of the sea.” Toward Andromeda. “And yours is wild and beautiful, like a storm rolling over the horizon. And Marduk’s is a hint of laughter; a trickling brook babbling over stones. Her song is silent, as if it’s been ripped from her.”
Marduk could see the king’s anger sharpening with every word. He needed to get her out of here.
But Andromeda beat him to it. “Her song has been ripped out of her? What do you mean? Do you think… someone has taken her magic?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know.” Ishtar’s fingers curled into fists, and she continued shaking her head. “I’m tired. Can I go?”
“Not yet,” Draco said.
But Marduk put his hand to the king’s chest. “My sister is weary. And you’re not going to bother her with your baseless accusations. We don’t know who did this.”
His heart skipped a beat.
First Marthe. Now Kirstin.
He needed to talk to the others.
“I opened my lands to another clan for the first time in centuries,” Draco said. “And this happens. Why would I not suspect the perpetrator to have come from theZinidelegation?”
“Because I hear your twin brother is in exile, and apparently he’d love to tear you from your throne.” Marduk noted that Draco didn’t so much as flinch at the words. “Your uncle is also out there. And if I were to name a list of those who might wish to see the great king of theZilittuhumbled, I’m afraid theZiniwouldn’t be at the top of it.” He glanced once more at the body. “You have my condolences. But we had nothing to do with this.”
“I will find her killer,” Draco promised.
“If you wish assistance, then I am more than willing to offer it. Ishtar, do you want to sit with Árdís?”
“No. I want to go to my rooms.”
He’d spent enough afternoons arguing with her to know that once she set her mind to something, she wouldn’t change it. Marduk arched a brow at Draco. “Are we done here?”
“Perhaps in the morning, I might be able to speak to her?” Andromeda asked. “I can’t sense anything, but Ishtar might be able to help me discover who did this.”
“In the meantime, I want this kept silent.” Draco glanced at the guards. “My people are still growing used to having strangers in the keep. It wouldn’t be wise for too many to know what happened here.”
15
Dinner was a terse affair. Solveig had managed only five minutes alone with Marduk—just enough time to tell him what she’d learned from Andromeda—before he broke the brutal truth to her.
Another young woman had been murdered.
And Draco’s suspicions fell upon them.
In the wake of Kirstin’s death, Haakon had insisted that Árdís and Ishtar dine in their rooms. Which meant that Sirius, Malin, Elin, Andri, Solveig and Marduk were sent to entertain the king and his court. They had to be even more careful with their tongues this evening. Even more watchful.
Elin seemed to be the only one thrilled at the prospect. A pretty flush highlighted her cheeks as she laughed at something Draco said, and Solveig noticed the anguished look young Andri sent her.
