I thought about how Keella had assisted Eythos with Sotoria’s soul and figured that was the dig Kolis delivered.
However, Keella showed no reaction to it as she stood, her spine straight and the clasp of her hands loose.
“So,” Kolis drawled, “what brings you today?”
Keella lifted her chin. “Her.”
My posture straightened in surprise.
“Of course,” Kolis murmured.
“She is the Consort of the Shadowlands,” Keella stated quietly. Attes and some of the gods turned to listen.
“Is she?”
“I was there at her coronation and marriage to your nephew,” Keella replied as my grip on the chalice firmed. “I know who she is.”
Air lodged in my throat as I angled myself to see both her and Kolis.
“You should know who she is.” Kolis’s smile, that well-practiced one, stayed in place. “Tell me, Keella, when you stood at her coronation, did you know?”
“I know her as Seraphena, the One who is born of Blood and Ash, the Light and the Fire, and the Brightest Moon,” she answered smoothly. “Nyktos’s Consort.”
So many things raced to the tip of my tongue, but this was one of those rare moments when I knew better than to speak and stayed silent instead.
“The Brightest Moon.” Kolis eyed me—my hair. “I can see why Nyktos came up with such a silly title.”
My fingers twitched. Stay quiet. Nothing about that part of my title was silly. I wasn’t even thinking about the reference to the prophecy. Ash had picked it because of my hair and how it reminded him of the moon. It was…meaningful. Sweet.
“And where is Nyktos?” Keella asked, causing my gaze to snap back to her.
“Where do you think he is?” the false King countered. “He killed your brethren.”
Wait. Was it possible that some of the Primals were unaware of Ash’s imprisonment?
“Did he do it to protect his Consort?” Keella’s arched brows rose. “If so, while I abhor such violence, his reaction is understandable.”
“Is it?” A palpable heat brushed against my skin on the heels of those two words. “His actions could’ve meant lasting, damaging consequences for the realms.”
“But they didn’t.” Keella had to feel Kolis’s brewing anger, but she remained undaunted. “Another has risen after all these many, many long years. One would consider that a blessing.”
“I’m sure Hanan would appreciate that sentiment,” Kolis remarked dryly. In any other situation, I would’ve laughed at that. “Nyktos is currently imprisoned, but he will be released soon. I do hope he shows more remorse for his actions than you have shown.”
I had a feeling Kolis would be disappointed.
“And what will happen then?” Keella pressed. “Will you cease…whatever this is? She is Nyktos’s Consort, Kolis.” Her voice lowered. “This is a breach of tradition and honor not seen since…”
“Since when?” Kolis asked softly.
Keella inhaled deeply but did not answer. Even I knew what she referenced. This type of behavior hadn’t been seen since Kolis killed Mycella in his rage. I glanced at Attes. Killed his children and many others.
Kolis shifted forward, his voice lowering. “I did not sanction the coronation you attended. It was a farce.”
I closed my eyes, my jaw clenching. I’d known what he planned to claim, yet it still made me want to scream.
“That is not the impression I was under,” Keella replied curtly.
There was a gap of silence, and then Kolis called for Kyn. My eyes snapped open.
The Primal of Peace and Vengeance approached without his twin, the silver cuff on his upper arm glinting as he held a less-adorned glass. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“You were present when Nyktos came to Cor Palace and asked permission to take Seraphena as his Consort,” Kolis said, and a jolt of surprise went through me upon hearing him say my name. He hadn’t since I’d told him I was Sotoria. “Did I give my permission?”
Kyn raised a brow as he took a drink. “No.” He glanced at me then, his handsome features apathetic. “You did not.”
I took in a small breath as my stomach clenched. Of course, Kyn would lie, but it was yet another shock for some damn reason and sent hot, pulsing anger through me.
“So, as you can see, she is no Consort.” Kolis nodded at Kyn. “Thank you.”
Kyn bowed curtly, the twist of his lips mocking as he turned, drinking deeply from his cup.
Bastard.
“Then is she here until Nyktos is released?” Keella asked.
Kolis chuckled. “She will not be returning to Nyktos.”
His statement felt like a blade to the chest, causing the glass in my hand to tremble.
The Primal goddess said nothing for several moments. “So, she is here of her own free will?”
A moment passed.
My heart sank because I sensed what was coming.
“Why don’t you ask her yourself?”
Keella’s gaze shifted to mine, the eather in her eyes swirling while Kolis’s stare drilled into me. I wanted to scream, “No!” But the deal…Ash’s freedom. The taste of vomit filled my throat as I said, “Yes. I’m here by…by choice.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
I never knew a half-truth could feel as bad as taking a blow to the chest.
But I did now.
“Has that addressed your concerns?” Kolis asked.
Tension bracketed the corners of Keella’s mouth as she gave Kolis an abrupt nod. “Thank you.”
I watched her step back and turn, my shoulders slumping under a sudden wave of exhaustion.
“Keella?” Kolis called.
She stopped, facing us again. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“It seems you’ve forgotten the oath you made to me. Question me again, and you will find yourself in the Carcers,” he warned in that soft, breezy voice of his. “Do you understand?”
Keella inclined her head. “Yes.”
“Good.” Kolis leaned back, finishing off his drink.
The Primal goddess sent me one last look and then turned, drifting back into the small crowd. I didn’t know if she believed me. I doubted it.
Still, the half-truth burned the back of my throat.
The same servant from before returned to refill Kolis’s chalice from a decanter. She left again, but this time as she headed toward the door, she didn’t make it out into the hall.
One of the unknown gods seated on a couch snagged her by the waist. She was barely able to keep hold of her woven tray and decanter as the god pulled her onto his lap. He said something to her, and she gave him a short nod before placing the tray and bottle on the floor.
My eyes narrowed as his head disappeared into the crook of her neck. A second later, her body jerked, and the one painted wing I could see contorted in pain.
“What are you doing, so’lis?” Kolis asked quietly.
“I’m not…” I trailed off, realizing I’d leaned forward, preparing to stand. Stomach twisting, I watched the painted wing smooth out as she relaxed in his arms. I forced myself to sit back. “Are the servants Chosen?”
“They are.”
So I’d been right when I suspected that when I’d been here with Ash. Aware of Callum and Elias standing close, I asked, “Are they also a part of the refreshments?”