ThiswasRíoghain’s Jewel.
After centuries of it being lost, she had found it just as a new war blossomed in the raging winter. Had Clía’s discovery been accidental, or a purposeful reveal by the gods?
All she knew was that she couldn’t take this blade with her, away from the castle. It was too powerful, held too much potential.
Thankfully, she knew just the person who deserved to wield it.
However, before she could bring it to Niamh, she needed to finish packing.
***
ROUGH KNOCKING ONCLÍA’S DOOR ROUSED HER FROM SLEEP. She sat up from where she had been slumped over her trunk—she couldn’t even remember falling asleep. The emotions and exhaustion must have caught up to her.What time is it?
Clía climbed to her feet and opened the door, revealing Niamh glaring down at her.Well, Clía thought,at least I won’t need to search for her later.
“What do you think you are doing?” Niamh asked, a mother chastising a child.
“I think I should be asking you that question. You nearly broke my door,” Clía replied.
Niamh ignored her. “Why weren’t you at the meeting last night? And why did Ronan look like he wanted to murder Kordislaen where he stood?”
Clía’s heart stopped in her chest. “He didn’t do anything, right?” Her mind filled with images of Ronan’s brutalized body.
“No, I spoke some sense into him.” Her tone was almost regretful. “But I have a feeling you know why he was feeling suddenly so bloodthirsty.”
Clía turned back to her packed trunks, fidgeting with the locks. “I’m leaving Caisleán.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t think I heard you correctly.” Niamh’s voice was careful, edging on threatening.
Clía was glad she couldn’t see Niamh’s face. “You heard right. I’m leaving.”
Pounding footsteps, and Clía suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. “What made you think that’s a good idea?”
Clía was turned around, forced to look into Niamh’s thunderous eyes. The lie she almost said caught on her tongue. “Kordislaen made it clear that I wasn’t invited to stay here because of my skill. He only wanted me for my title. Because he thought it might be of use.”
“He’s an idiot,” Niamh said. “And you’re an idiot for believing that shit. I’ve watched you over these past months. I wanted to hate you—I did for a couple of weeks before you, against my better judgment, won me over. You have talent. It’s obvious.” Clía would almost feel honored if every word wasn’t heavily coated in disdain and annoyance. “There’s this power about you—an infectious, if not frustrating tenacity. As if you could break any barrier through will alone.”
Clía shook her head. “You’ve got the wrong girl.”
“No, I don’t.” Niamh glared at Clía, daring her to challenge the words. “We wouldn’t have made it out of that Tinelann camp if it wasn’t for you. Gods, Dornáin had almost convinced me to leave them there and save myself. It’s because ofyouthat Ronan and MacCraith are back where they belong. Where you belong as well.
“I can’t pretend to know Kordislaen’s motives. But whatever he said to you, whatever he thinks, there’s no denying that you’ve saved lives. If you stay here, you’ll be able to save even more. But if you think those lives are worth less than your bruised ego, then maybe I have it wrong.”
It was clear Niamh did not believe herself wrong. Under her withering stare, Clía let the words sink in.
She didn’t know what to think. What to believe. Niamh had a point. Kordislaen may have manipulated her and used her. He may see no value in her, but his beliefs couldn’t erase the tangible effects of her actions.
Shehaddone good things since coming to Caisleán. Certainly more than she ever would have done if she’d stayed in Álainndore. And she knew, deep in her soul, how much more she could do. There was a fire raging against her ribs, and no man’s shadow could smother its flame.
What, exactly, that meant for her future, or her worth as a person, she wasn’t sure. But she knew she wasn’t ready to stop fighting.
However, some facts couldn’t be ignored. “Kordislaen wants me gone.”
“He needs to learn to live with disappointment,” Niamh replied. “Want me to help you unpack?”
“I can’t stay here, not when Kordislaen kicked me out.” Clía could tell Niamh wanted to argue, but she didn’t give her the chance. “I can’t stayhere. But I do know a place I can hide until we figure this out. Help me with my bags.”
“Fantastic.” Niamh stepped forward, hefting a trunk. “I need to catch you up on what you missed in today’s meeting.”
