Jamir’s brown eyes squinted as he cut a look at Janson. “It’s about bloody time someone showed up,” he growled. “Did the Rowan send you?”
“Yes,” Janson said shortly.
The Rowan. Amryn had never heard the term before, but it was clearly a coded name. For the leader of the Rising?
“Who are you?” King Jamir demanded.
“Your savior,” Janson said shortly. “We must leave. Now.”
Jamir took a step forward. He wavered, but was quick to wave off the rebel who tried to steady him. Even in ripped clothing, covered in dirt and grime, the king of Xerra’s arrogance and fury blazed bright. Amryn realized that the Jamir she had seen during his interrogation had been a lie. Even his emotions had been cowed. He’d been intimidated by the emperor and scared of Carver. But now? The man was blistering with rage. And as he stretched to his full height, Amryn felt a wave of fear.Thiswas the man who had abused his niece and young nephews.Thiswas the man Jayveh was terrified of.
Jamir froze when he spotted Amryn. “You.” A mix of shock and confusion tangled in his guttural voice.
“She’s one of us,” Chancellor Janson said.
Jamir’s brows slashed down. “But . . .”
Steel entered Janson’s voice. “If you wish to escape, Your Highness, we must go now.”
Jamir’s jaw hardened, but he moved toward the exit.
Amryn’s heart was beating too fast. She’d run out of time. Her part in the Rising’s plan was done. There was nothing else she could do to stall. She would have no choice but to watch as Jamir and Janson both walked out of here.
Then things got infinitely worse.
Janson turned to her. “The Rowan has requested your presence as well, Lady Vincetti. You’re coming with us.”
Her stomach plunged. “Bram said I’d remain here.”
“That’s what I told him,” Janson said. “But the Rowan gave me strict orders. He has asked for you specifically.”
The words stole her breath. The leader of the Rising had asked to see her. A chill tracked down her spine. “Why?”
“I don’t know.” The lines on his forehead deepened. “We really must go now, my lady.”
A thousand protests were on her tongue. She couldn’t leave.Wouldn’t.
“What’s taking so long?” Jamir snapped.
Annoyance sparked in Janson as he shot a look at the king standing in the doorway. When he looked back at Amryn, his expression gentled. “I know this is a shock, but I’m afraid we can’t delay.” He grasped Amryn’s wrist.
Adrenaline lit through her. It was instinct to break his hold as Carver had taught her. She stepped closer to slacken his hold, then twisted free.
Janson’s eyes flew wide as she lurched back, rubbing her wrist. “I can’t go with you,” she said. “I’m more valuable to the Rising here, as one of the Chosen.”
“The Rowan disagrees.” Janson’s confusion at her resistance was melding into something closer to suspicion as he eyed her.
The rebel who’d freed Jamir shifted closer, anxiety flaring. “We have to go, my lord. The guard will be changing soon at the gate.”
“I know.” Impatience hardened Janson’s tone. His gaze settled on her. “My orders are clear, Lady Vincetti. You will be coming with us, whether you wish it or not.” His eyes narrowed. “There’s a dying guard in the hallway who will be quite upset if you force me to persuade you.”
Fear punched her. “No,” she said, her throat thick. “That won’t be necessary. I was just surprised.” To prove her words, she moved forward, her heart thudding painfully against her ribs as Janson fell into step behind her.
As they moved past the pale guard, Amryn glanced down at him. He was still braced against the wall and bleeding too rapidly, but his pained eyes were fixed on her. Without saying a word, she tried to reassure him that help was coming. She prayed she would run into Carver on the way out of the prison.
That hope was shattered when the rebels ahead of her bypassed the staircase that would have taken them back up to the palace.
Jamir clearly noticed her confusion. “We aren’t exiting through the palace. The prison has a separate door which leads directly to the side yard. It will make an easier exit for us.”
