Page 29 of The Poison of the Earth
Lilac’s eyes flick to me and I am still, frozen, so she nods to Kai and heads out.
Kai and I stand silent until the door shuts behind her.
His head shakes, “I was afraid she was a spy.” His face is tense, almost hurt.Probably because I was thinking with my dick.
“Kai–” I start.
“Don’t,” he snaps. “Not a word, Lo.” And he turns on his heel and leaves.
Chapter Ten
Oleander
The kitchen doors open and Lilac paces in, followed by a worried looking Lu, wringing her hands. “Captain, please, this must be a mistake.”
Cook looks up and takes in Lilac’s face. She straightens. “What’s going on Lilac?”
Lilac crosses to me, grabbing my upper arm. “We need to talk to our guest here,” she says quietly.
“Nonsense,” Cook starts, but Lilac’s cold glare stops her.
“What? What is wrong?” I ask, aiming for guileless, but my heart is pounding.
“Come,” she simply says.
LILAC DRAGS ME OUTof the kitchen, my feet heavy with fear, and down a flight of stairs. Back to that cursed gaol. I struggle to control my magic so I don’t harm anyone. Being in danger makes it harder to control, to not lash out.
Lilac pushes me hard, back into the same cell, and I lose my balance, tripping and landing hard on the ground, my face hitting the floor. I sit up and glare as the barred door is swung shut, but she simply turns on her heel and leaves.
IT’S HOURS BEFORE THEdoor to the gaol opens again. It’s Lonan. I stand, wrapping my hands around the bars. He crosses to me, his hands rising as if they’re going to close over mine, buthe freezes. I felt...feel, as if he’s here to save me. What is wrong with me? Did I hit my head harder than I thought?I know by now the only person to save me is myself.I break my gaze from him.
My stomach hits the floor. Behind Commander Lonan is General Kai and next to Kai is that Ordained, who also happens to be a soothsayer.Oh fuck.
“Lonan,” I whisper, letting my voice shake–which is easy, “What... why... why did you do this?” I gaze up at him, eyes wide.
He stands still though his body sways towards me just a tiny bit. “I’m sorry sweetheart,” he whispers, “It must be done.” His eyes harden a moment and he turns. “Take her out,” he commands.
Kai unlocks the door and his hand wraps around my upper arm. He tugs me out of the cell as I stumble. His touch is hot through the fabric of my dress and I eye him even as I try to catch myself. I yank my arm out of his hold though he’s trying to steady me.
The black eyed, limp-haired soothsayer steps forward. My stomach turns as I look away from their black robes that are so familiar. I loathe the Monkswick family. And this one is particularly creepy.
I look to Lonan. He’s my only way out of this. “Please, Sire, why... why are you doing this to me?”
Kai steps between us, glaring at me. “Enough. We have some questions for you. Be glad that we have a soothsayer in residence and we don’t need to use more... intense... questioning methods.”
My face hardens and my mouth gets away from me. “It would take more than you to break me.”
Lonan blinks, surprise obvious on his face.Fuck.
Kai grabs my upper arm again, turning me back to look at the soothsayer. I glare at them, and toss Kai a glare too for good measure.
Kai looks to Lonan, but Lonan’s eyes are locked on mine. Kai grunts in frustration.
“Ask her if she’s ever worked at RedWater,” he directs, when Lonan stands silent.
The soothsayer looks at me and I feel the ripple of magic over me. “Have you ever worked at RedWater?” Their voice is high pitched.
“RedWater was my home for many years,” I answer.
