His pale green eyes shift to the slight caster with olive skin and gray threaded through her black hair. “Yes, Master Scribe.”
“And the pendant I gave you … it remains where it is, out of sight, always.”
He nods, his face splitting with a wide grin that shows off his dimples. “I know, Master Scribe.”
“Good boy.”
I meet Zaleria’s gaze and she nods. I don’t have to say the words out loud for her to hear them.
Protect him.
And when it’s time, guide him.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
ATTICUS
“Let me understand this. She offered her vein, and you refused it?” Kazimir’s whisper is harsh, his pace steady with mine as we march toward my throne room.
“She offered it because she felt she had to, not because she wanted to.”
“You are the king. Did you expect her to refuse?”
“No. I expected … I don’t know what I expected.” A filthy little fantasy has been lingering in my thoughts since the night in her servants’ quarter, of the demure mortal pushing me backward onto my bed and claiming me. But that’s likely all that will ever be—a fantasy. Despite all the pressing matters that weigh on me, I haven’t been able to shake Corrin’s warning words from earlier, of all the ways Lord Danthrin defiled and abused Gracen.
It’s a wonder she can even stand to be in a room with me, her keeper.
But that kiss we just shared … that was something. Intoxicating and urgent. The conflicting stir inside her says she felt it too.
“They cannot all be like Sabrina. And fates knows what that last keeper did to her. I told you what I overheard.”
“No, you did not.” I glare at Kazimir. “What did he say—”
“Nothing you need to hear right now.” Kazimir shakes his head. “Remember, he is our rabbit. We need him hopping.”
“I haven’t forgotten.” Yes, hopping all the way to his co-conspirators. Adley and Spire think they can use a lowly lord from the west to scheme in plain sight and no one will be the wiser? We shall see about that.
“I know you. Do not so much as glance at Danthrin in there,” Kazimir warns, his finger in the air. “Otherwise you will tip him off, and then where will we be?”
With a heavy sigh, I nod. He’s right. I’m liable to murder Danthrin a thousand times with just a look.
“But you should have taken her vein. You would be calmer now. Stronger.”
“I was so close,” I admit. I had my mouth on her neck, the taste of her sweet skin and the scent of her even sweeter blood engulfing my senses. “I could not bring myself to do it.”
“After this assembly, I will find a tributary—”
“No.”
Kazimir’s mouth gapes. “No?”
“I don’t want someone else.” I can’t explain it. It’s never happened to me before. Gracen lurks in my thoughts day and night, far more than any mortal should. Taking from someone else doesn’t appeal to me.
I want her.
All of her.
He sighs, shakes his head. “I didn’t take you for a masochist, but we’ll deal with that later. Are you ready for this?” Kazimir nods toward the heavy doors ahead, where Boaz and a handful of guards wait. Beyond it, voices buzz, none the wiser. “It could get ugly. Many are angry about the gates being shut.”
“Why? Where else do they have to go that’s so important?” I drawl, but my humor fades instantly. “It must be done.”
Boaz charges forward to meet us. “Your Highness.”
“How goes Wendeline’s work?”
“All mortals within the castle have been marked. None appear to be tainted.” He emphasizes the word appear, to highlight the fact that he doesn’t trust Wendeline and is convinced she’s still trying to kill us all.
“Good. After the assembly, have her begin branding the city’s mortals. She should not stop until every last one is marked. Take her door to door and bring any tainted ones to the arena.” I hesitate, though I know what must be done, as distasteful as it may be. “Also, collect all children and bring them to the castle.”
“All, Your Highness?” Boaz falters as if he might have misheard me. “Where should we put them?”
“In the west wing ballroom. They are to remain there until after Hudem.”
He dips his head. “By your order.”
“Now, let us take care of this business.” I steel my spine and lift my chin.