Page 21 of The Kingdom's Reckoning
Light laughter wrapped around Graeson like a noose.
"Why would I when I knew the result would be this?"
Graeson’s hands flexed at his sides. "Do not act as if you care about my suffering."
"Oh, no. It’s actually quite the opposite, son." The god’s words brushed Graeson’s neck as though he stood right behind him. "You need to suffer. You need to feel this pain. Without it, you will never become who you are meant to be."
Graeson’s skin itched as though the god within begged to be released. But if he lost control now, he would only be giving Barinthian what he wanted.
Momentarily, Graeson wondered who would have been worse to have had as a father: Domitius or Barinthian. While Graeson had interacted with Domitius very little, he knew the king was not an overly affectionate man. At least Domitius pretended he cared. Although Graeson wasn’t that sure that was any better. While Kalisandre might not have wanted to admit it, she had cared for the king once. Graeson wouldn’t blame her if part of her still did. Love and family were complicated. Even when they hurt the ones they loved, many still found themselves loving them. It didn’t matter if Domitius didn’t share her blood; part of her would always care for him in some shape or form. And that’s what made Domitius even worse than an unfeeling god.
Graeson never wondered about Barinthian’s true intentions. He had always known his father was a spiteful, egotistical god who thrived on the sufferings of others. There were no surprises with Barinthian.
When he was a child, there might have been a time when Graeson yearned for his father’s love. Growing up, he would see King Markus interacting with the twins, throwing them in the air with a bright, proud smile. While Esmeray and Markus had always treated Graeson like a son, their love for him was different. He could feel the difference when one ofthem would talk to their peers and boast about their children’s accomplishments.
Once, Graeson had overhead Markus praising Fynn’s ability to read minds to the captain of his guard. "He’s only just gotten a grasp of his ability," Markus had said, "but mark my words, my son is going to change the world one day." It was the pure adoration in the way Markus had said the phrase,my son, that had struck Graeson.
When Barinthian first visited Graeson, there was no adoration in his tone, no sense of pride or appraisal when he spoke to his son. Instead, Barinthian had treated Graeson as if he was merely an amusement, as if he was something to be studied, something that had not proven its worth yet.
Some things never changed, he supposed.
Graeson cracked his neck, a strange sensation crawling over his skin. "And what is that, exactly?"
Bright silver orbs peeked through the trunks of the trees, and his skin felt like it was on fire.
"You were born to tear this world apart, to burn it to the ground. You were born to be the kingdom’s reckoning."
Chapter 9
KALLIE
During the daysthat followed the meeting, Kallie made herself scarce, finding it hard to face the others. Their lack of faith in her had shaken her. While she understood their initial mistrust in her, she had hoped they would have learned to trust her by now. Although she supposed she hadn’t given them a reason to believe she could handle coming face-to-face with Domitius alone.
Maybe Cetia was right. Maybe Kallie was too much of a risk.
Riddled with shame, she avoided public meals and gatherings as best she could, finding any reason to hide away in her room or in the gardens with Nyrri. It was only a matter of time, though, before one of them came knocking.
She had expected it to be Graeson but was surprised, and a little relieved, it was Terin who found her sneaking outside after breakfast. Now, the two siblings strolled through the royal garden, both speaking very little.
Perhaps Terin needed the quiet just as much as she did.
When they had first arrived in Tetria, the garden had been full of life. But once autumn crept in, the vibrant colors had since dulled as if a film covered the land. It was as though theworld itself was reminding Kallie there was no stopping time, no matter how many times she asked the gods to do so.
As she walked beside Terin in silence, Kallie’s attention strayed toward the forest beyond the stone gate encircling the garden. A flash of black mixed among the white tree branches. It came and went in the blink of an eye, but Kallie recognized the drakonis’ silhouette easily. Graeson must have taken Nyrri out to the woods to continue her training. Although the exercise was good for Nyrri, Kallie longed for the drakonis’ presence. She had grown attached to the animal.
"Where will Nyrri go?" Kallie asked. She had only heard whispers of the arrangements Terin and Cetia were making for their return, but she had yet to hear what would happen to Nyrri.
"Medenia has volunteered to take care of her," Terin said, looking out toward the woods as Nyrri’s form appeared before disappearing again.
"Graeson is fine with that?" Kallie knew how much Graeson cared for Nyrri and couldn’t imagine him wanting to leave her behind.
"While her wing has healed, Nyrri is still somewhat skittish when it comes to flying. Medenia was able to convince Gray to let Nyrri stay until she gets over the fear."
Though saddened, Kallie nodded. She’d hoped for the drakonis’ company during their trip, despite the complications Nyrri’s presence would have likely caused. Terin had informed Esmeray about the drakonis’ existence, but seeing the creature was an entirely different experience.
"Are you nervous about returning home?" Terin asked, peering at her.
Home.Pontia was not her home. By now, Kallie had spent more time in Tetria than she had in Pontia. Either way,nervousdidn’t begin to cover her feelings.
