Page 144 of Rook of Ruin
I let the poison take her, the one she placed in her mouth, because it looks painful. We stand still as she drops to the floor and begins to shake. Ignoring her flailing body, I pour five small glasses of spice. There’s a last struggle for breath before death takes the traitor.
We raise our glasses. “To the kingdoms we will save.” We take the shot and set them down with a sharpthud. Isle and Bow take Taen’s body out to the woods; she will get no last Rites, no memories will be passed on. Callan will not receive any new information.
“She wasn’t the one who left the vial in the bathroom.” She was in the kitchens—I checked the servants’ movements that night.
I pour another shot, and Dove frowns, taking hers. Stallion bobs his head as a thank you. We look each other in the eye and drink, the spice burning down my throat.
“Stallion, you are going to be my Shadow, my deadly weapon. Those who are stupid will dismiss you, butweknow you will be the most lethal in the room.” I hold up the soft leather straps attached to a cushy black leather prosthetic with metal joints. I show him what happens when it is pulled tightly, and a roguish smile goes over his face. “Especially with that. Don’t wear it untilyou have had more time to heal. Bow will show you how to put it on.”
“At least it wasn’t my sword arm.” He grins wide.
Dove and I smirk at one another, omitting a dick joke. Warrior minds are dirty minds, as are Rook minds.
“Ready?” she asks.
“No.” I don’t want to leave this room. I don’t want to face what’s out there. But I press my fingers to my temple and force myself to leave the study.
Our home is beginning to buzz with our warriors, who are excited to see their prince and princess join them in celebration. Word was sent from the Warrior King: the Bethalian and Acrosi forces have pushed back the Malevolent—for now. And the cruel king of Tynan has agreed to discuss a new treaty with Acros. This will be the first time in over one hundred years warriors from Tynan will be welcome in Acros.
Simon and I stand in the packed entryway with smiles plastered on our faces for them. We are paying honor to the men and women who sacrificed and fought for Bethal. We all know Simon is in severe pain, that he is dying from the curse. Yet Simon’s presence speaks to his strength and his love for our warriors.
Isle hands us each a shot of spice, and we lift our glasses, quickly taking the spice, and then we separate. My throat burns from the next shot that Bow hands me while Simon sits in a chair with wheels, designed to help him get around when his legs tire. He pushes it around the house and begins to watch a card game in the library, and I make conversation with many of the spouses or partners of our warriors. Giving them hope, passing on words of wisdom, and most importantly, listening. Simon and I keep our distance, and at the same time, continue the façade of a couple who isn’t on the brink of absolute destruction.
Isle catches my eye and inclines her head, asking subtly if I would like to leave. I look away quickly, smiling at Bow as he makes a joke and pulls a flower out of nowhere for Dove. She grins widely and kisses him passionately. I swallow and take the shot of spice I’m meant to be sipping.
I miss passion. I miss being held. I miss being loved and touched tenderly. I would give anything for a whisper of a kiss and a kind word. Now Viper brings his hands over Red, holding her close, and sorrow fills me. I’m jealous of the people I love. I quickly look away, hiding my hurt and embarrassment.
Taking another shot of spice, I stand. Isle stands with me. I smile at our warriors, who drink and eat merrily, and take my leave to the study and out through the gardens. Isle and my new Shadow follow me, keeping a respectable distance as I fall apart.
The next morning, I find myself in our library, bunching my dark brown skirt in my hands, trying to find a book Milo wanted to read to Simon.
“Help!” Simon yells. I run out of the room, crash into Dove, and we sprint down the hall, following the sound of his voice into the large guest bedroom. We find Simon out of his chair, unmoving. Milo is crying, and Dove takes him into her arms, pulling him out of the room, whispering calming, comforting words as I check over Simon.
“I can’t feel my legs,” Simon whispers. “I can’t—”
After the party, Simon’s teeth and nails began to fall out, and he has been in a steady decline ever since. I gently push back the few curls left from his forehead, his dark brown eyes meet mine, and for a moment, he’s happy. Dimples push into his face. I smile down at him, and we stare at each other in a bittersweetsilence before his eyes narrow, wrinkles form on his forehead, and his tan skin turns an angry red.
“No one wants you, not even him. You stupid fuckin—”
“That’s enough.” Isle’s voice cuts through his.
His eyes search for her, but he can’t immediately see her.
“Sir, you are speaking to your wife, who is very worried.”
“I’m speaking to a fucking whore.” Simon’s arms push out, but his legs do not lift.
I reel back, try to remind myself it’s the curse, but truly, his words cut deep. They always have. Isle ignores his anger, standing over him and looking heartbroken before reaching down to help him up as he continues spewing hate. Bow runs into the room, and his mouth screws down into scowl at the way Simon is speaking. Shame fills me; I can’t look them in the eye. They say nothing as they help him up.
Simon begins to sob as they carry him to the bed, carefully laying him down. I hold out my hand to Simon to give him comfort, but Bow quickly pulls me back before Simon swings out, missing me by a hair.
“Is it you? Is she fucking you? Is that why she took the potion?”
Bow releases me quickly. “No. I am loyal to you, sir. Just as Ruin is loyal to you, sir.”
Isle takes a calming breath. “Sir, the curse is messing with your mind. You knew this would happen. You made preparations for it. Would you like me to read the notes you made?”
I stand behind them as they soothe my husband. It should be the other way around—I should be holding his hand and helping him through this.
