Finally, she stopped. “I want to help you.”
My eyes narrowed. “You want to help me kill Weylin?”
She swallowed hard, drawing my attention to a few dark smudges on her throat. Leftover makeup, perhaps. “To help you put Everett on the throne.”
I mulled it over in my mind. I’d never considered that she mightwantto help me since I couldn’t stand the idea of letting her.
Melaena caught my eye, giving me a subtle nod. Of course, she wanted to keep Kiera. She seemed oddly protective of her. But then again, Melaena collected women like Kiera, giving them a home and a purpose, a new joy in life.
But Kiera wasn’t fleeing an abusive home or a life of poverty. She had escaped Renwell’s prison, stolen Asher’s gold, and was now offering to help me stage a royal coup.
She could die for this. An excruciating traitor’s death.
Ifshe was telling the truth.IfI trusted her not to betray us.
“I’ll think about it,” I said.
She nodded. “Where’s my cut of the gold?”
Gods, the heist seemed like it’d happened days ago instead of hours. “Safe. Did you return the key to Asher?”
Her cheeks turned a light pink. “Yes.”
I scowled. “He didn’t suspect you at all?”
“No. We parted ways on friendly terms.”
Friendly. Jealousy slithered through my stomach.
“You’re having your dancer party tonight, yes?” I asked Melaena. She nodded. “Good. Kiera, you will remain here for that while I sort out a few things. I’ll return for you in the morning with your money and my decision.”
Kiera’s mouth dropped open. “You’re leaving me here? And holding my gold hostage?”
“Are you going to run?”
She scowled at me. “No. Where would I go?”
“Nowhere I wouldn’t find you,” I murmured. “All the same, I want to ensure you’re still here when I get back.”
Something flickered in her eyes. For a moment, we were back in that hallway, wrapped around each other, desperately wanting to get closer. Maz had teased me about the paint streaks on my face and hands, but I’d only wanted more. More of her. More of this feeling.
Kiera looked away from me, breaking the moment.
My chest tightened. “Melaena, would you unlock the sitting room for me?”
She nodded and led me out of the room. I didn’t look back.
Chapter 27
Kiera
My father was goingto die.
Or at least, I had to pretend that I wanted him to. While trying to figure out a way to keep it from coming to that. I’d already had one parent die by someone else’s hand. Despite his crimes, I didn’t see the sense in further bloodshed.
There had to be a better way to put Everett on the throne.
I spun ideas around and around my head while Melaena stuffed me with fried eggs and toast and insisted I get more sleep. I barely spoke to her.
