“Yes.”
His eyes assessed me through the mirror. “Then stop fucking around trying to arrange private meetings behind my back.”
My breath caught. I’d only mentioned that to Kenna this morning. And I’d checked—I’d double checked the room for nahashim. I’d been sure none were in there. How the fuck had he known? Had Dario overheard and reported it? Another guard? Had Kenna been forced to betray me? Fuck. Fuck!
Either way, I couldn’t go to her now. Ally or not, she’d been compromised. And even if I dared risk it, I wouldn’t be able to form the words to her. I wouldn’t be able to disobey Imperator Hart’s direct command. Not without immense pain. The blood contract I’d signed made sure of it.
“The lady is a beauty, Dario. She’s finally fit to be seen,” Imperator Hart said then, stepping back, his voice now jovial and light. Like he hadn’t just threatened the shit out of me. He chuckled and winked at Dario, before stepping out of the room. The door closed, and I stumbled forward.
Dario was by my side in an instant. “Are you all right, Lyriana?” he asked, his hands reaching for me, but not quite touching me. “Fuck.” His dark eyes scanned back and forth across my shoulders in the mirror. He let his hands fall, his fingers twitching. “Did he hurt you?” He shook his head. “Of course, he did. I–I can get a mage in here, get some ice magic for your shoulders.”
Swallowing, I turned around, staring directly at him. “You’re being nice to me?”
He scoffed. “Don’t look so surprised. Wait here.”
I wrapped my arms around my chest, shivering with the remnants of fear and Imperator Hart’s aura.
But for the first time, I began to see why Rhyan and Dario had been friends. He was more like Rhyan than I’d realized. He had the same protective streak. I’d been so quick to write himoff—to distrust him because of the cave incident. Because he’d captured us. But I was slowly beginning to understand that no one became a part of Imperator Hart’s inner circle unless the Imperator could guarantee his control over them. The night Dario and Aiden caught us, they might have had no choice but to tie us up and bring us back. And all at once, I felt sympathetic to Dario. But still wary. If he was under orders, under a blood oath or a contract like mine, he’d always betray us in the end. It was entirely possible he’d overheard me and Kenna this morning and had no choice but to report his findings.
He returned a moment later, a mage at his side, her stave glowing with a bluish white light.
“Can she see your shoulders, my lady?” he asked, his voice gentle. “Just your shoulders, nothing else.”
Our eyes met and I realized he’d noticed my anxiety. He was more observant than I gave him credit for.
I nodded at the mage. “It’s fine.”
“Do you need help moving your sleeves?” Dario asked.
“I can do it.” I slid the material down to my biceps, wincing as I did so.
Dario nodded for the mage to approach.
“This will feel a bit cold,” the mage warned. “But it shouldn’t hurt, and will soften any soreness you feel.”
I sucked in a breath as the ice pierced my skin. “Dario.” I found his gaze, needing it as an anchor as the ice continued to burn. “Thank you.”
His eyes softened, but then he turned away, his body language that of someone on guard. “You won’t have long before they call for you.”
I swallowed roughly, my shoulder beginning to numb. “Can I ask you a question?”
His eyes remained on me, still soft, but wary.
“Is Aiden—” my throat caught, “Is he as protective of Meera as you are of me?”
“He is.” Dario looked toward the door. “Please, don’t ask me again. It’s time.”
I closed my eyes, praying she wasn’t suffering. At least, I knew that Dario wouldn’t hurt me, even if he couldn’t yet be trusted. But at the very least, if I couldn’t be at Meera’s side, Aiden was. And for the first time since our capture, that seemed a comforting thought.
I lifted my sleeves back over my shoulders with Dario’s help and walked out into a dining hall full of Glemarians. Immediately, I was given to Kane, who I couldn’t help but stare at and hug, and kiss on his cheek. Thank the Gods, Imperator Hart hadn’t asked me for anything more.
Kane gripped my hand, his fingers bruising mine as everyone cheered. I swallowed back the bile in my throat as I continued staring at him, unable to take my eyes off his, even when I knew Rhyan had entered the room. I’d always know. I could feel his aura. Feel his soul. But only in my peripheral vision could I catch a glimpse of him, his hand in Amalthea’s, his jaw tight and his emerald eyes blazing on me.
When we’d heard enough congratulations, when he’d emptied enough wine glasses followed by toasts, and after I’d danced with Kane for three whole songs, we were led away to the engagement parade and carried through Harton on litters. I managed through the change in venue to catch sight of Meera, dressed to perfection as a noble. Aiden stood by her side, his hand on his stave, his dark eyes looking every bit as eagle-like as his nose. He was guarding her. Her hazel eyes met mine. And for a brief moment, she smiled, a reassuring one. One that only a sister could read. It said both “I’m okay,” and asked if I was. I couldn’t smile back though, because I was pulled away.
I stopped paying attention after that. Barely noticed the shouts of congratulations from the crowd. I didn’teven flinch when we got back on the gryphon and flew to another town. I didn’t move when another set of servants arrived in another back room to freshen my hair and makeup and help me dress in a new gown. Identical to the first, but white.
I didn’t feel it when Kane took my hand at the next event. Or when Rhyan entered. I refused to give Imperator Hart any other reason to give me orders, or question me.
