‘Majesty,’ Aya whispered. ‘I can’t be—’
‘You question your gods?’ the priestess interrupted. Aya could just make out the downturn of the priestess’s lips as she stared at Aya from beneath her veil. ‘They say the Second Saint will lead the righteous should war unfold. They say the Second Saint will right the greatest wrong should the Decachiré arise once more. You would deny the realm a chance at survival?’
Aya couldn’t breathe. Her lungs ached as she tried to force air in, as she tried to steady her pounding heart.
‘What other explanation could there be for the power you displayed, Aya?’ Gianna asked, a gentle smile lining her lips as she dropped her hand. ‘We’ve just seen the toll dark-affinity work takes on someone. The Diaforaté was weak and showed visible signs of his power’s corruption. We know you have done no such thing. You … you are a blessing.’
A lie.
This was not the confirmation they thought it was. She did not deserve such words of praise. If anything, she deserved their scorn. She should be on her knees, begging her gods for forgiveness.
Begging Mora for a different fate.
Tell them.
‘But it is true that further confirmation is needed. Wemustbe certain that we are correct in our assumptions that you are who the prophecy speaks of.’
Gianna turned to Will. ‘She leaves for Trahir with you. Tonight. The Saj of the Maraciana will be able to sense her power, and their studies could aid in developing her affinity. Perhaps they’ll have specific instructions on how it is to be used in the coming war.’
The Saj were the keepers of knowledge, blessed by Sage, the goddess of wisdom. Some used their affinity to study thereligious law; some even became priests and priestesses themselves. But those who studiedpower… they lived mostly in Rinnia, where the greatest libraries, the Maraciana, had been established after the War. They dedicated their lives to maintaining and increasing knowledge around affinities.
And while they didn’t concern themselves with the Old Customs of the gods, there was said to be no one who understood Visya power better. The Saj of the Maraciana developed their power so that they could identify an affinity in a Visya instantaneously.
Trahir suited them well.
‘Do not speak a word of her power. Dominic is expecting you to discuss the trade terms, but I’ll send word ahead that Aya is joining you to meet with the Saj to help us understand what’s unfolding in Kakos. Perhaps our signs of preparation will encourage him to take the threat seriously, and will helpyougain the commitment of their forces should Kakos attack.’
Too fast.
Things were moving too fast.
‘I can’t leave,’ Aya uttered, her voice hoarse. ‘Tova. Majesty, she’s innocent. You cannot—’
‘Yes,’ Gianna cut her off, her gaze turning steely as she looked back to Will. ‘I told you toquestionher. Surely you must have known how easily that information could have been planted on her. Your severity was unwarranted.’
Will’s jaw shifted, his gray eyes stony as he focused on the queen. ‘My apologies for misunderstanding your orders, Majesty,’ he finally said slowly.
‘Nevertheless,’ Gianna continued as she met Aya’s gaze, ‘I cannot take any chances. Darknessisrising. And if you are indeed the one the prophecy speaks of, we must know how your power is to be used. I tried to warn my father when the rumors first arose of Kakos experimenting with affinities,that they would not be content to keep their heresy confined forever.’
‘And Tova?’
Gianna’s face was grave. ‘Lena will lead the search for the supplier here. Until we find who is responsible … we must let whoever framed her think they were successful. It’s far safer for her in here. We’ll ensure her comfort.’
Wrong. This was all wrong. Her friend would be disgraced.
‘Yet you know she’s not behind any of this,’ Aya started, her brow furrowing as she stared at her queen. Will shifted slightly, his arm pressing into hers further. A subtle warning.
‘I will not be seen as weak,’ Gianna replied evenly. ‘And allowing my general to walk free after being caught with such a relic would do just that. Not to mention the perpetrator might make another attempt on her life.’ Gianna smoothed the folds of her white gown. ‘Tova will take responsibility for the fire to keep you protected. The guards will be persuaded to the same story. Those who are not amenable will be dealt with.’
Tova would be dishonored in the eyes of their kingdom. There would be rumors of treason. She would be forced to stay here until the true threat was found. How long would that be?
Aya should be leading this search. She could be clearing her friend’s name.
Because this … this would cost Tova her reputation. It would cost guards their lives if they couldn’t be persuaded.
Her tally of suffering and dead kept growing.
‘She will be well cared for, Aya,’ her queen promised. ‘I will see to it myself.’
