“I’ve been trying to get close to you since you arrived,” Bram said, heedless of her inner panic. “I finally managed to get on your room’s guard rotation.”
“You’re working here,” she stated. “For the Rising.”
He nodded. “Your uncle and King Torin . . . they couldn’t bear to leave you completely unprotected on the far side of the empire,” Bram said, breaking into her thoughts. “They asked me to join the Rising. It was too late to be hired as a guard at Esperance, but I was able to secure a job as a palace guard here. Positioned in Zagrev, I could reach you more quickly than Rix could, if something happened at the temple. And we knew that if things failed in Esperance, this is where you and the other Chosen would be brought.”
Amryn couldn’t stop staring. She’d last seen Bram in Esperance, the day she’d married Carver. Had he already been part of the Rising then? Why hadn’t Rix told her?
Then the full import of Bram’s words finally hit. He knew Amryn had been part of the Rising. He’d discussed it with Rix and Torin. The very thought made her cringe. That the two men she’d always trusted implicitly—the men who had raised her—had exposed her treason to someone, even someone as trusted as Bram, made her skin prickle. Her heart squeezed, and betrayal curled low in her gut.
Then shame washed through her. Because theirs wasn’t the only betrayal.
She’d told Carver and Argent about Rix and Torin’s involvement with the Rising, limited as it was. And while she may have ensured fair trials and possible leniency for them, they would always be under the emperor’s scrutiny.She’ddone that, to save lives. She’d risked their safety to protect the very people they would have considered enemies.Carver. Argent. Jayveh.
She pressed a fist to her chest, though that did little to ease her breaths.
Bram’s expression gentled. “I know this must be a shock. Rix debated telling you about me, but he ultimately decided against it since there was no way for you to callupon me for aid. I’m sorry if you’ve felt alone, my lady.” His jaw firmed. “And if you’ve been harmed, we will burn down the entire empire to avenge you.”
Pain lanced through her—because he was completely serious.
Bram Davies had been her uncle’s trusted bodyguard for years, which meant he’d been a fixture in her life as well. She wasn’t especially close to him—truthfully, she wasn’t close to many people. It was safer that way. But she’d known Bram for years. Generally quiet, but always kind. He’d given her small candies when she was a little girl to distract her while waiting impatiently for Rix to come out of some meeting or other. Bram had even brought her flowers once, when she was terribly ill and unable to leave her bed. He could be deadly in battle, but he was gentle in spirit. At least with her. And now he was a rebel. Someone else she would have to betray, if she was going to remain loyal to Carver.
Everything suddenly hurt.
Bram must have seen her distress. With a low curse, he came forward and wrapped her in an embrace.
She held on tightly, even though she couldn’t remember a time they’d ever hugged before. At least not since she was a child.
“It’s all right,” he said, his rolling Ferradin accent a surprisingly potent comfort. “It’s going to be all right now.”
Tears burned her eyes. Hearing his voice, feeling his strong arms around her, reminded her of her uncle’s love. Of Torin. Of home. Emotion pinched her throat. “This is a great risk for you,” she managed to whisper.
Bram drew back, his hands gripping her arms as he met her eyes. His own glinted with sudden brightness. “I have no regrets, Lady Amryn. Joining the Rising . . . it has given me new purpose. Something to truly fight for.”
Amryn had never sensed a burn of rebellion in Bram. Had it been carefully banked, or was it newly stoked? It didn’t truly matter. The moment she shared his name, he would be arrested. Interrogated. Possibly tortured. And then he’d be executed.
Her heart cracked, and guilt soured her stomach. She couldn’t do it.
But she couldn’t keep this secret from Carver. She refused to do so.
Perhaps she could bargain for a fair trial for Bram—the same as she’d done for Torin and Rix. But would that be enough to save him? Would it be enough to saveanyof them?
Bram frowned. “Lady Amryn? Are you all right?”
She shook her head, struggling to think through all the ramifications of whatever choice she made. “I just had no idea you’d be here,” she finally said.
Bram’s concern relaxed. “It’s a shock, I’m sure.” His brow furrowed. “I need to know what happened at Esperance. My superior is desperate to know everything. Obviously, no one discovered you’re a rebel, or you’d be in a cell.”
“I . . .” Amryn’s throat pinched shut as realization struck. Bram thought she was still loyal to the Rising. Had Tam not reported Amryn’s betrayal yet? Or had word simply not reached the rebels in the capital?
Saints, Amryn had feared the Rising might seek her out in retribution—not to come to her for help. And she certainly hadn’t expected Bram. She had no idea how to proceed. No clue what she should say. What would Carver do?
Learn everything you can.
It was like she heard his voice, a whisper of calm in the center of her chaotic thoughts.
If the Rising was operating in the palace, then the danger they posed was very real. Not only to Carver, but to Jayveh as well. What if the Rising had sent that assassin to kill her? She needed to find out.
She met Bram’s stare. “Did the Rising try to kill Jayveh two nights ago?”
