I swallowed.
Would they turn on me as quickly if they knew? If my vorakh was exposed, would it even matter how many of the others I’d captured, how many I’d taken off the streets?
I’ll still get you.
Arianna continued, “Before this terrible turn of events, we were to announce another most happy event—the engagement of Lady Lyriana to the Heir Apparent of Korteria, the son of our great Imperator, the grand-nephew of the Emperor. Lord Viktor Kormac.” The crowd cheered at this, shouting out traditional wedding congratulations.
“I believe in my heart,” Arianna continued, “my nieces are alive. And they will be found. Then we shall celebrate not one, but two weddings.”
Naria groaned. “She might not even be alive, and still, she’s taking attention from my celebration.” She tugged me toward her, whispering in my ear, “With two weddings, you better remember you’re marrying me, and not her.”
“Trust me, Naria,” I said, kissing her cheek. “You’ll never be confused for her.”
Her eyes twitched, unable to tell if I’d just offered an insult.
“As you all know,” Arianna’s voice rang out, “our great Arkturion Aemon Melvik, the Ready, has been tirelessly searching the Empire for my nieces.”
This led to the audience screaming, “The Ready!” for a whole minute.
“But in his absence, we are without an Arkturion to defend us from the increasing threats. Though his silence has been concerning, I will not replace the Ready,” Arianna said, her voice hardened. “For he is irreplaceable. I pray for his swift return. But until that day comes, we must be safe. It is my duty to protect you. Therefore, I have selected a new warlord.”
The doors opened again. Arkturion Waryn Kormac appeared, his bulky body covered in his red cloak, the lifeless hide of a wolf strapped to his back. He marched forward, causing the wolf’s head to bounce grotesquely with each step.
The Bastardmaker.
This time, the audience remained quiet, until a string of boos and curses rang out.
Without warning, soturi adorned in silver rose through the stands, rushing toward groups of protestors. Yells turned to screams of horror as anyone vocalizing their disdain of the Bastardmaker was grabbed and dragged through the aisles. One by one they fell, the wolves punching and kicking the objectors into submission.
I averted my eyes, unable to watch the violence. What was happening? Since when did they take people away just for expressing disagreement?
Bellamy and Eric both closed ranks, a dome of protection suddenly forming around me and Naria. But it was unnecessary, as Arianna revealed two dozen soturi standing in the shadows.
“Our continued partnership with Ka Kormac, and Korteria, is crucial to keeping us all safe,” Arianna said.
I barely hid my scoff.
Partnership? Or occupation?
For years the soturi of Ka Kormac had been increasing in number in our streets, fully armed. No soturi were allowedto be armed outside their country. Except for the soturi of Ka Kormac in Bamaria. We had always been the exception.
Lyr had always been upset about this, and while I’d shared her concerns, I’d thought the numbers were bound to decrease again. But now? We were under the Bastardmaker’s rule. Policed by a foreign Arkturion. Until the Ready returned—assuming that Arianna allowed it. After all, he was the one who originally prevented her from becoming High Lady—the Ready was the one who stopped the Emartis’ first rebellion, and killed its leader, Tarek. He was the one who’d killed Arianna’s husband. Naria’s father.
I suddenly wanted nothing more than to leave the Katurium.
The Bastardmaker bowed before Arianna and kissed her hand, then hugged and congratulated me and Naria on our engagement. Again.
Once close enough, he pulled me aside. And all I could remember was that this man hadn’t been so careful when he’d dragged Lyr from the temple the night of her Revelation. Seeing his rough hands on her … I’d wanted to punch him ever since.
“Lord Tristan,” he grunted. “I have a message for you. From my brother.”
The Imperator.
“Of course,” I said.
“He wants to remind you of his request. He says bring the forsworn bastard to him.” His eyes flashed with malice. “Or else.”
“Or else?” I asked.
