Page 43 of Ensii
“When?” Surely, her blood loss-addled brain had misheard that. “I never had control of the army.”
“Your grandfather announced it. The day after you declared your intentions to go after Gilsazi, but you had already left.”
Talitha swayed. That couldn’t be right. “He never…no.”
“He did, my lady. Nehemian pushed him before the entire court, tried to force him to disinherit you for disobedience in favor of Esreth or Naram. Ensaak Morzei declared the army yours and had them all swear to your service the next day.”
“He did?”
“I was as shocked as you, my lady. But yes. Ask anyone who was in the city. He did. Naram began spreading rumors of your death or abandonment as soon as he could.”
Talitha couldn’t have said what broke in her, but it cracked open like a broken dam. A sob choked out her throat and she doubled over in Ashek’s arms. Her knees buckled and she hated her own weakness, but was unable to do anything about it.
Ashek stroked her back once before scooping her up in his arms. He said nothing, letting her cry and bleed against his chest as he carried her to her room.
