Page 163 of The Kingdom's Reckoning
Within his fear-filled gray eyes, Kallie could see everything he didn’t say aloud. He thought they had defeated the Fates. He believed they had chosen the path that would allow them to stay together, one that would keep them both protected, that would keepherprotected. But it seemed the Fates were still playing with them, determined to keep them apart. If Kallie came with him and a battle started without the support from Pontia or Tetria, Graeson feared what would happen.
But Kallie had made a vow to herself that she would never allow anyone to control her.Shewas the holder of her fate. No one else.
She grabbed Graeson’s hands, gripping them tightly, and whispered so only he could hear, "Fuck the Fates."
He tilted his head to the ceiling and took a deep breath. When he exhaled, a wisp of smoke circled them. "All right, but I wasn’t planning on riding horseback," he said, with a hint of challenge in his eyes.
The flames within Kallie only grew brighter.
Chapter 64
MYRA
A flurry of white,opulent feathers blurred past Myra and sent a gust of wind pushing back her blonde hair. Myra bit the inside of her cheek, unsure whether to follow or stay put.
"Is he…is he going to be all right?"
Myra’s attention flicked to Bax. The guard sat on the edge of the chair across from her. He leaned forward, his palms digging into his thighs, as he peered down the hallway where Laurince had disappeared.
Myra ran a hand across her throat. "He will be."
That morning, Phaia had slipped into the castle through the tunnels to gather intel. There, she had learned that the hospital ward was overflowing with victims of the attack. Civilians, guards, and staff members alike were fighting for their lives. Many had died during the attack. Those who survived were riddled with fear.
The news of the trial had spread across the capital, and the people of Frenzia no longer knew who to trust. Many had yet to leave their houses, afraid of encountering the beasts that had wreaked havoc in the throne room.
Although Phaia said some people were hesitant to believe that King Rian was behind the attack, others took to Sebastian’s lies easily. Even Bax had admitted that many of the guards who previously mistrusted Sebastian were now hesitant to act against him. Myra refused to give up, though. For her entire life, greed and cruelty ran free and unchallenged. It had to be stopped.
They had spent the past three hours discussing how they could put an end to Sebastian’s reign of terror. And while their options were limited, there were options.
Even though many of the guards were turning a blind eye, Bax believed they had allies in Freniza. Myra had also suggested reaching out to Tetria. Rian had initially opposed the idea, not wanting to drag other kingdoms into internal affairs. However, this was not only a civil matter. Sebastian had already attacked several Tetrian villages. The people of Frenzia might have been told that these attacks resulted from Rian’s actions, but they knew the truth. Sebastian wanted not only Frenzia but the seven kingdoms.
"You should go, Bax," Rian said, his attention fixed on the floor, "before anyone gets suspicious."
Bax frowned. Sighing, he pushed himself to his feet. "Don’t lose hope, Your Majesty. There are guards who saw how you fought against the drakonises."
"Yet they believe I created them," Rian mumbled, his hands clasped together in his lap.
Bax’s lips parted, but he swallowed his response when Phaia placed a gentle hand on his arm. She shook her head.
They had spent the entire day cooped up in the house, trying to plan their next move. Rian was clear about his desires. He still wanted to take back his throne, but without a proper army, there was no easy way to do it.
"I will see what I can do," Bax offered.
Rian remained hunched over, his head in his hands.
"I’ll walk you out," Phaia said to Bax, leading him toward the back door.
"Thanks," Bax mumbled.
As they walked away, Myra held back a sigh. Their hope was dwindling faster than she wanted.
"Do you have everything you need?"Myra asked, hugging the satin chemise Phaia had let her borrow. She stoodwith one foot inside Laurince’s room and the other outside.
Laurince nodded, riffling through the clothes Bax had delivered.
Bax had left nearly two hours ago. When Phaia had returned, Rian had followed her into her room, where hushed conversations slithered beneath the door. For a while, Myra had kept to herself, not wanting to disturb the others. But then she heard a commotion coming from the guest room. When she had knocked, a low grunt answered. She pushed open the door and found Laurince tossing clothes all around the room. She debated leaving him alone since he was clearly upset and working through everything, but she couldn’t bear to leave him alone.
"I could get you some tea?" Myra offered.
