Page 58 of War Hour

“As endearing as this staring contest is, I do actually have a meeting that I’m now late for. There’s nothing you can do about it now except, like you said, train. Perhaps your new ally, Evander, can help you.”

Sniffing at the accusation in his tone, I cross my arms. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

Torryn sighs before heading down the stairs. “Nothing, Lysta. Now, if you would excuse me, I have a meeting.”

I’m left standing there, contemplating everything Torryn isn’t saying.

Chapter 23

Ihuff, muttering curses under my breath as I stomp down the stairs of the Court of Self’s tower. It takes everything in me to not hurry after Torryn and keep arguing with him until I’m blue in the face—or until he apologizes, which would never come first.

How someone could be so utterly and unbearably frustrating is a curse to humankind. It’s not like I think I knowmorethan him—obviously, he’s lived in this political landscape longer. But if you don’t share any of it with me, providing only vague and ominous warnings, then what do you expect me to do?

I push open the doors with more force than necessary, but my anger is instantly forgotten at the sight of Evander in a heated discussion with the guards stationed at the tower entrance.

“I just want to check on them. Do you know—”

Whatever plea Evander had for the Guard is forgotten as he catches sight of me coming through the door. His shoulders deflate, and he takes a deep breath, a relieved smile crossing his face.

Despite my conversation with Torryn, my chest warms that Evander came to see if Sar is okay.

There’s no hope of me surviving a week in this place without making an ally, and Evander seems willing to be that for me. If Torryn has a problem with Evander, despite seeming close with Lord Gennady, then he could tell me—blatantly. No more “trusting no one” nonsense. I can rely on Evander as a friendly face among enemies and not risk compromising myself or what we came here for.

Evander gestures for me to lead and follows me as we stroll the capital’s hall.

Folding my hands in front of me, I examine the paintings adorning the walls.

“I’m assuming that Sarielle is all right?” Evander asks with a frown.

Lips tightening, I nod. “Sar’s fine—or so she says.” I shrug, not sure what else to tell him. “You all just stood there.”

While I’m glad he’s here now, I can’t help but wish he’d cared this much when it was all happening.

Evander takes a shaky breath, knowing exactly what I’m talking about. “Interfering in other court relations is a political minefield. Aloria’s peace treaty draws exact lines of where we can interfere with other courts’ business, but when it comes to Sarielle, it’s a gray area.”

“Because she’s of two courts?”

Evander nods tightly.

Even though Evander owes me nothing, I can’t shove down how I wish he’d done more.

I stop in the middle of the hall, turning to him in disappointment. Lowering my voice, I stare into his bright blue eyes. “So, if Neith had tried to do worse, you would have, what, looked away?”

His body sags, a hand coming up to touch my arm. The heat from his fingers spreads through the sleeve of my dress. I pull away to reduce the contact, face warming.

“Of course not. It’s not the same thing, and it never would have gotten that far. Neith was just being a bully...”

Evander’s tone sounds convincing, and I’m tempted to believe him. I find it unlikely the man who has been so kind in welcoming me here would allow anything truly grievous to occur.

My neck cranes up at Evander as he leans over me. My back presses into the wall behind me when I try to increase the space between us. “And if someone attacks me? If I yield, and they do not relent?” I whisper.

Evander’s gaze softens when he looks at me. Licking his lips, he clears his throat. “You are under my protection, Lysta. I will defend you as if you are of my own court. No one will get the opportunity to hurt you. You have my word.”

Evander’s words offer some measure of relief, and I nod.

“I want—no. I need to train, Evander. But I can’t do that at the risk of making more enemies than I’ve already got.”

“Then, I will endeavor to make you some allies.”

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