“Soturion Alistair,” I said, rising to my feet.
“I don’t mean to disturb you,” he said. “But a guest has come. One of us.”
Us? There was no us. We had nothing in common. There were just the people who wanted to use me for my bloodline. Who thought that I could fulfill some need in their life because of who my parents were. And then there was me— literally using that just to survive.
“I’m a little tired,” I said.
Alistair’s brows drew together. He was older, the blond in his hair now gray. His muscles were more lean than stocky. But I couldn’t forget that at the end of the day he was Korterian and a soldier. A wolf.
“If it is a quick meeting,” I amended.
“Would you like one of your companions to accompany you?”
I looked back. Not a lot of options. Meera wouldn’t be up to it just yet. And I didn’t want to ask Dario. Not after our last interaction. Aiden? But I’d have to go through Dario to get to him.
“No,” I said, “I can come on my own.” I paused. “You’re sure it’s safe?”
“It is. This is a long-time member ofEl Zan Vylette.”
“Very well,” I sighed and followed him out of the room and down the stairs. He led me into a drawing room with two long couches. A middle-aged woman stood at once, nervous hands twitching together, her blue eyes widening as she saw me.
“Oh,” she gasped. “Your Grace.”
I started to shake my head. But what was the point?
“May I present,” Alistair said, “Lady Aliyah of Elyria.” He gestured to me. “And of course, Her Grace, Lady Julianna Azria.”
I stiffened. That name.
“My dear,” Lady Aliyah said. “You look …. By the Gods. You look so much like your father.”
I blinked. That was a new one. I looked like my mother. Like a Batavia. Like Lyr and Meera. And Morgana. No one who knew me now had ever known my father. Or the truth.
I had a feeling she was just saying it to say something. Make conversation, pretend we were actually connected. I doubted I looked anything like him. But I nodded graciously. “Thank you.” I drifted to the couch and sat down before any more formalities were announced.
Alistair and Aliyah sat across from me, silent for a moment. She had a determined look in her eyes, one that I immediately recognized and distrusted. I’d seen it before in the men at the Palace. It was the look of someone who wanted something from me.
“I can’t tell you what a wonder it is to sit across from you, Lady Julianna. To know that Ka Azria’s time to rise grows ever closer. I know you are busy, so I will get right to the point of my visit. A long time ago, I was tasked with an important job. I’ve been putting together money for you,” she said. “For a very long time.”
“Money?” I asked. “To do what?” Help me get to safety?
“To put you on the Seat of Power, of course,” Aliyah said.
My stomach sank. Of course. What else did these people ever want from me? My power so they could secure their own? I sat up.
“You say it’s nearly time for Ka Azria to rise, but how will money do that? There’s no Ka Azria right now. Gods. There isn’t even an Elyria to take over or back. It’s New Korteria now. So I ask you, how will your money change all of that?”
“There’s much it can do. We can buy favor, bring more nobles to our side, and of course, there’s the need for soturi?—”
I shook my head. I’d heard enough. And I was done. Done wasting my time on fantasies, and done being used. “I’m sorry,” I said. “Can we do this another day? I’m just—not feeling well.”
Aliyah frowned, looking hurt.
“My lady,” Alistair said, and I could hear the anger simmering under his words, “Lady Aliyah has gone through much trouble to arrange this meeting.”
Fuck. And by extension, I supposed, so had he. This safe house was only open to us because of who I was—or rather, who everyone else wanted me to be. They only cared about the Heir of Ka Azria. Julianna Azria. Not Julianna Batavia.
“Tomorrow,” I amended, trying to sound as gracious as I could. I even smiled. “I would love to speak more tomorrow. And hear of your plans. But I truly am not feeling well.”
