Page 121 of Rook of Ruin
“A large one.” I blow out a steadying breath.
We walk down to our usual spot in the comfortable study, and I fall onto the sofa. Callan hands me a glass of whiskey filled to the brim, and he sits down across from me. I stare at him as his teeth bite the glass while he drinks, and his eyes show no sorrow for the loss of his mother. There is no remorse or sadness, there is only cold, hard calculation. Realization seeps into my skull.
“You killed her?” I drink deeply, watching him carefully, remaining calm.
“I did.” Callan smiles, waiting.
Playing the game, I ask, “Did it make you happy?”
He taps a finger against his glass and leans forward, “Yes. Although I was surprised about the snake. She would have died the moment it struck you. I’m glad I didn’t wait.”
I say nothing, and that nothing says something.
His turn. “Does Simon know?”
I raise my eyebrow. “About?”
He leans back and spreads his arms over the couch. “Your power, the one beneath your skin.”
I will the Ossian mask on my face not to crack, and I give him a smile. “Well, I—”
“He doesn’t.” He chuckles. “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything.” He waves a dismissive hand. “Something else for us to share. You know my secret, I know yours. If you betray me and tellanyone, it would make things difficult for our family. You understand.”
It’s a threat I choose not to acknowledge, and it causes him to laugh in amusement. I remember Baron Kyre from Tynan, who said most can’t see the light. “Do you see the light?”
Callan shrugs. “I see and know most things others do not. Did you know the demon wolves we slaughtered were once people?”
“Yes.”
“Simon told you? Good. There are many evils in this world, but mymotheris no longer one you must worry about.”
Curiosity rears her head. “Why did you kill her? Why not—”
“Isn’t it obvious?” He bites his glass again, gulping down most of his drink. “Mymotherwas going to murder the most powerful woman in Bethal. If she killed you, thousands would die. We wouldn’t stand a chance against those who wish us harm. The moment I met you, I decided to save you, just as you tried to save me. You are a powerful woman. Power is everything, and one day, I will be the most powerful man in all of Bethal and Acros.”
“How do you plan on that?” Fear, relentless fear pulses through my body. Callan is fucking dangerous, and I need to keep him on my side.
“I will be king of course.” He tilts his head, and I remain calm with my Ossian mask intact—however, what he says is alarming. “Orlaith, my brother is not who you think he is. Do you know why they call him the Sly Man?” His light brown eyes search mine. “They call him that because he is always steps ahead; he plans years in advance for things that may or may not happen.”
I assumed as much, but I wait for him to continue.
“I was surprised that he finally married. He was always interested in warfare, but now that I know you, I understand why he chose you.” I remain silent, and Callan stands. “Simply put, you are wonderful. You were made to be a queen.”
“That is very kind of you to think, Callan. I hope that never happens. I have no designs on the throne, and neither does Simon.”
Callan ignores everything I said, his eyes gazing down my body. “Did Simon hurt you?”
“No.”Truth and a lie.
“Interesting. I could have sworn I heard you say he was hurting you. If he ever hurts you, you will come to me.” He stands, swallows the last drop of his whiskey, and stretches while yawning. “Good night, O. I hope you rest well.”
“Good night, Callan. Rest well.” My body is numb. I feel used, and I don’t like how Callan said,“You were made to be a queen.”
It sounded like a promise.
The funeral service for Queen Ffion Caddel was swift. Anna took the Rites for the family, making her an Untouchable, and I almost laughed when Callan reminded her of that responsibility as the future queen. A part of me feels very sorry for her, and another part of me is squarely on Callan’s side. Simon has been distant and ill-tempered the last few weeks since the night of the queen’s death, coming to bed late and leaving early to spend time with his father.
The Great Warrior King of Bethal puts on a distraught face in public but is quite happy behind closed doors. Apparently, it is customary for Bethalian warriors to change their Warrior’s Name after the death of their spouse, but the king scandalously did it only when Simon’s mother passed away. He once was the Lion, and now he only goes by the Great Warrior King—kinda pompous. I have no doubt he hated his own wife as much if not more than Callan and Simon did . . . perhaps their sisters as well, though I have yet to meet them, nor does anyone speak of them. It’s strange, they won’t speak of their other brother either.Almost as if he will pop up as a ghost and scare them. Although, what’s even stranger is how the queen survived as long as she did. It’s a testament to her sheer cunning.
