Lorian was surrounded by men dressed in Gromalian green. His gaze slid to mine, and a muscle twitched in his cheek. His eyes were empty, his expression…apologetic.
Dread swept through my body in a wave.
The king stayed on his feet, so everyone else did too.
“You’re probably wondering why we’re eating together this morning. Some of you may be aware that my queen was almost gravely injured yesterday. I’m pleased to announce that the woman responsible was executed this morning.”
My vision narrowed. I clutched at the top of my chair.
No. No, no, no, no, no.
Lorian was staring intently at me. I knew that look. It was the same look he’d given me every time he was about to berate me, about to order me to hold it together. I sucked in a deep breath, the backs of my eyes burning.
Don’t fall apart here.
“While she was put to death, she screamed a name that one of my guards recognized.”
The thought of Wila screaming as she died… My knees went weak, and I was instantly covered in a greasy sweat.
The king was sweeping his gaze over the entire room. “That name belonged to her brother. One of the corrupt.” His voice lowered to a hiss. “The corrupt had infiltrated this castle.”
Murmurs sounded as the nobles processed this news.
I stayed very still, ignoring the instinct to make myself as small as possible. That would only draw attention.
“Due to this event, my assessor will be examining every servant in this castle and the grounds.”
Lisveth leaned close. “I’m glad we don’t count as servants. The king’s assessor is scary.”
I gave her a nod. Tibris would be okay. He wasn’t a hybrid. But he needed to get a message to Vicer. He still had another rebel in the castle, and they needed to get out.
The king was still talking, his cold gaze moving to our table. Lisveth straightened.
“Thankfully, another maid was nearby and saved my queen,” he boomed. “One loyal to the crown. I have learned she has been rewarded with a temporary position as one of the queen’s ladies.”
The king’s eyes met mine.
Smile like your life depends on it. Because it does.
I beamed, lowering my head in a bow. I could feel the court’s eyes on me. All of them judging, weighing.
“Now, eat,” the king said. “And let us celebrate the burning of yet another of the corrupt.”
“Promise me, Prisca. Promise me you’ll free them. And one day, you’ll come back and burn this fucking place to the ground.”
I looked over my shoulder at the king, who was smiling at Lorian.
Burn this fucking place to the ground.
I sucked in a steadying breath. Just a few minutes, and I could fall apart.
“I don’t feel well,” I murmured to Lisveth. “I’ll meet you in the queen’s quarters.”
Pelopia’s eyes widened. “The queen won’t like that.”
“She won’t like it if I disgrace myself here either.” I smiled to soften my words, and after a moment, she smiled back.
I could feel eyes on me as I walked out of the hall. I made it as far as the closest storage room before I fell apart.
Slumping to my knees, I stuffed my fist in my mouth, sobs choking me.
My fault. I’d thought I could do this. Thought I could stroll into this castle and free the king’s prisoners. Instead, I’d gotten a good woman killed.
Strong arms surrounded me, and I lashed out. The guards—
But I recognized that scent. I stilled, and then I swung my fist.
“You’ll have to do better than that, wildcat.”
How dare he? “Don’t fucking touch me.”
“I’m sorry, Prisca.” His voice was grim. “Would you believe me if I told you I tried?”
“No.”
I was fighting him, rage burning through me as I hit and clawed. I made contact, and he cursed, catching my hands in his.
“Let go,” he growled. “Just fucking let go.”
I bowed my head.
Lorian pulled me close. I lashed out at him again, and he ignored it, his arms tightening around me. I sobbed, great big gulping sobs that choked me until I could barely breathe. Lorian was silent, but one of his hands gently stroked my back.
This place was worse than I could have ever imagined.
Lorian began humming, his hand still slowly stroking my back. I kept crying.
Eventually, I wore myself out. Sniffling, I wiped my face on his shirt.
He let that go.
The song was a tune I’d never heard before. Something strange and different. I finally lifted my head to find him gazing at the ceiling. His eyes met mine, and they blazed with barely suppressed wrath as he peeled me off him as if I were a kitten, his hand on the back of my neck. A tiny white line had appeared on his cheek. He was clenching his jaw. Lorian wasn’t unaffected at all. He was just as furious as I was.