Page 133 of Rook of Ruin
Throwing myself down, my heart shatters, I place my hand on his throat as blood gurgles up and through my fingers. Tears threaten to fall down my face for my young warrior.
Callan bends down, watching Boots die in my hands. “He betrayed you. He was the one who told me where to find you. None of your other warriors would.”
I glare up at the man I will one day murder, tears blurring my eyes, and I swear my vengeance. Dove and Bow gently pull me back up, blood staining my hands and dress. I look into the eyes of every warrior who serves Callan, and they cower. I won’t give Callan the benefit, the knowledge that he’s hurt me.
Shaking, I spit out, “I’m hungry. Take me to the dining room for dinner.”
Callan laughs as Dove frowns in clear disapproval. “We should get you cleaned up, Ruin.”
“I should do a lot of things, Dove.” I smile, still not feeling any pain other than deep within my heart.
“Hells, Ruin. Feckin’ fierce,” Bow says quietly while helping me up the stairs.
Through clenched teeth, Dove says, “Fucking fierce is right.”
The pain finally comes with a vengeance in the middle of the night. I lie in our bed, not getting up. Tears fall down my face while Dove and Bow gently lay strips of cloth coated with a paste that will numb and hopefully prevent scarring on my back. A knock at my door has Bow straightening as Callan comes into my vision.
“I’m leaving soon. I came to check on you.” Callan gently places a cloth over my butchered back. “I’m sorry this happened. I don’t bear any ill will against you or Simon. It was a lesson we all have learned from.” He takes my hand in his and kisses it.
Placing a soft smile on my face, I squeeze it gently and quietly say, “I understand. I do. This was how you showed our warriors your strength. We can’t have them betraying us to the enemy. What you did makes us stronger. Thank you.”
His mouth widens, showing more of his teeth. “I knew you would understand. You are wonderful.” He plucks another cloth out of the tray and lays it over my back. “I have a few things foryou, an early birthday gift, when you are ready. I would like for you to wear them and think of me.”
I want to reach up and strangle him; instead, I give him a bigger smile. “That is very generous of you, Callan. Please give your father my best, and support Simon.”
He kisses my hand again and leaves before I put my head deep into my pillow and scream. Tears fall down my cheeks as I wait for the numbing to take effect, and I wonder how Simon will take what happened. If he will kill Callan at the castle or simply wait for a more opportune time. Either way, I want the final blow. I want to see the light dim from his eyes. He baited me, and I took it like a fool.
A few hours later, my back is completely numb. The lashes drew blood, made welts and bruises, but it isn’t as bad as missing fingers or a hand, which I am thankful for. Taen offers to help me, but I refuse her. Instead, I carefully wiggle my way into a completely backless dark green gown, and when I finish braiding my hair up off my back, I stiffly walk to the stairs.
My warriors stand at attention in front of Isle. With tears in her eyes, she kneels and yells, “Aeternus fidelis, Princess Caddel—our Ruin—loved by all.” Her fist goes over her heart, and her head bows. The rest of my warriors do the same.
“Aeternus fidelis, brave warriors of Bethal,” I reply and place my fist over my heart. I descend the stairs looking for Simon and Paul, but I see neither. Isle and my warriors stand.
“I need to speak with you,” Isle requests. “Dove, with us.” I hear her gasp when I turn around, but I ignore it.
We walk into Simon’s study, and Isle slams her fist against the desk. “What the fuck happened?”
I don’t feel like speaking, so I motion for Dove to do it. I stand by the glass door, looking outside to my garden. Tears form as Dove tells Isle about Boots. I start to withdraw into myself as they talk, realizing how exhausted I am. I want to feel safe. Iwant someone to wrap their arms around me, hold me tight, and whisper words of kindness. I miss Simon. I miss the Simon in Acros by the lake.
Opening the glass door, I walk out, the smell of lavender and roses churning my stomach. A deep buzzing beneath my skin begins to sing, wanting release. Afraid, I slip off my heeled shoes and run. Fear of what I’m becoming, of what I am, drives me to the lake.
A low golden light begins to glow under my skin, the same power as if I had my brace on, butmore. I squash it, pushing it down deep but it comes back stronger. It roars to life, and I struggle to contain it as the light begins to pulse around me. Gentle sparks push out from my fingers and float in the air. In utter terror, I cry out.
Isle whispers in awe. “I see it. I see you now.”
Startled by her presence, I snap my eyes to her, pulling at the power like I would if I had my brace on. If this were my brace, if this were my own power, I wouldn’t fear it, I would embrace it. I would use it. But I can’t control this; it comes and goes on a whim. I don’t know what it is.
Then it’s gone. I begin to shake, and tears fall down my face as Isle kneels down in front of me and holds my hands.
“I don’t know the power you possess, but I swear I will do everything I can to protect you, Your Highness.” I meet her blue eyes that speak truth, and I collapse into her arms, darkness consuming me.
Their voices intermingle as I wake up. I lift my face off the pillow to see Simon sitting on our bed with his hands covering his face. I reach for him, but he pulls back, revealing tears streaking his face.
“Simon.” I push up to a sitting position, my back still numb. I reach for him again, but he ignores me to stand and pace.
His voice goes low. “I arrive to see Dove and Isle carrying you. Callan had our warriors whip you.”
“I know. I’m okay.”
