Page 96 of War Hour

Nearly a week has passed since Lord Drytas’s judgment hearing—or maybe for how it turned out, I could call it my own.

And since then, it has been increasingly obvious how unwelcome my presence is in the capital. My only hope of sanctuary within the courts lies in Truth, even if I have yet to confirm that with Lord Gennady.

At every meal, every moment I spend outside the walls of my rooms, I am watched. Watched with hatred and fear, suspicion and concern. Whether for what I actually did or what they’ve heard I did, doesn’t matter. They take the intriguing bits and pieces and stretch them just enough that the next person latches on.

Rumors and gossip surround me like air, burning as I inhale it into my lungs.

I tried to overthrow my lord, seduced another. I planned to assassinate Lord Drytas, organized an Untrialed rebellion. I infiltrated the capital to attack the Crowns. They never end, only getting more distorted and further from the truth.

Except that I’m banished from my own court. That part is true.

One can only take so many plates of meals knocked to the ground and shoves into stone walls. Eventually, I just stick to my room, grateful for when Evander brings me food, offering to escort me anywhere. He won’t let it happen in his presence, not that anyone would dare to.

That’s how I agreed to go to the next War Hour, even when every ounce of me warns against it. Why would I want to be in a place where my enemies could be weaponized against me for sport? But Evander says it may be our only chance to speak to his father.

In the Court of Truth viewing booth, I think it a curse until I realize who sits inside already.

“Lysta, you’re a hard person to get an audience with,” Lord Gennady says, his ocean eyes twinkling at me from his chair centered at the windowed wall.

My body stills, tensing for a fight after the week I just had. Even though I acknowledge Lord Gennady had fought for me during the judgment hearing, I want to be far from every Trialed in this building. But then Lord Gennady’s words hit me, and I frown, eyebrows cinching. “I hadn’t realized you were trying to, my lord. I’ve actually come to speak with you as well.”

The smile on Lord Gennady’s face drops before he gestures for me to take a seat next to him. “I’d hoped to speak with you immediately following the judgment decision, but Evander mentioned you were having a difficult time, and you were not up to such conversations yet.”

I nod, realizing what Evander had done for me. “I needed some time to get my bearings. It felt as if for a while all hope was lost, and I wasn’t sure what to do next. Evander helped me figure out my next steps, which is why I’ve come to speak with you.”

Lord Gennady leans back, eyes wide. “My son helped you come up with a plan? I’m relieved to hear it, as it was why I’d wanted to speak to you—about what we shall do next, about LordDrytas and Valor. I promise you we will not give up just yet, regardless of the other Crowns.” Eyes sparkling with excitement, Lord Gennady clasps his hands together. “What plan have you come up with?”

My heartbeat stutters as I look up to Lord Gennady in surprise. With the wind knocked out of me, I fumble for what to say.

“I thought we’d exhausted all options with the judgment hearing. I didn’t think there was anything left for us to do.” Rubbing my chest over my heart, I take a deep breath. The first hum of excitement runs through me, and I wish to tell Evander.

All is not lost. I can still do more for the Untrialed.

Lord Gennady frowns. “If you did not have a plan for Drytas, what plan did you come up with?”

My stomach drops as I remember what I’d come to ask Lord Gennady.

Praying he won’t turn me away, I straighten in my seat. “Since I cannot return to Falland, and the capital will end its session soon, I was hoping to convince you to let me become a citizen of Truth.”

I shift under Lord Gennady’s intense stare, waiting with bated breath as to his answer.

“This comes at my son’s prompting, I assume?” Lord Gennady examines me. He brings a finger to rest against the seam of his lips as he thinks, tapping his cane in a slow rhythm against the floor. “And this is your desire separate from Evander’s wishes?”

Jerking my head back, I fumble, not sure of his question. My hands tremble in my grip. Is he against the idea of my joining his court? My eyes flick to the door as I pray that, any second, Evander will rush through. He should be here for this.

Seeing my anxiety, Lord Gennady covers my hands with his. “Take a breath, Lysta. I have no intention of denying you citizenship in my court.”

I sag, sighing in relief. A small sob chases out of my throat, strangled, as I try to force it down. Looking away from Gennady, I blink rapidly, trying to dispel the tears gathering in my eyes. When a single tear swims along my cheek before dripping off my chin, Lord Gennady reaches forward, wiping it.

I startle at the caring gesture from the older man. Steadying myself, I nod that I’m fine, waving off his concern. “I’m sorry, this is not the reaction I meant to have.” Dropping my hands in my lap, I sag. “It’s been a long week.”

“Let me share with you why I think you should think further about your decision.” Lord Gennady pauses, letting me regain my composure. “Once you are a citizen of Truth, you will be under my protection. None of the other courts can conspire against you without it being a move against myself. This includes Lord Drytas.”

If anything can fix my situation, it would be that.

Shuddering, I inhale. Not only giving me a new place to make home, but removing the target that Drytas has painted on my back in bright red.

Lord Gennady hesitates, taking my shaking hand in his. “But there are sacrifices as well. While I believe your testimony against Lord Drytas, I cannot make any moves against him without the support of the other Crowns. Not without bringing the two of our court’s to War.”

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