Stumbling, I pressed my palm against my chest. What was happening? I could feel . . . I didn’t know what it was.
Vexxion?I screeched.
I’m fine.
A subtle sound outside sent me rushing to the window. The air froze in my lungs as I gaped down. The Lieges who had gathered on the bridge now littered the ground, their bodies lying in tortured poses, their robes wrenched back to expose their skeletal frames. Kerune stood among them, a sword in his hand.
Stunned, I couldn’t speak or move. Had the king demanded he do this?
The Liege I’d killed in the cave saw this and so much more coming.
Kerune lifted his fist, shaking it in the air. The king’s enforcer had slipped into a new role, one that would now control the dregs that could roam the ground and fly through the air.
Did this mean the king now had direct control of the powerless Nullens?
As if he sensed me looking, Kerune’s head tipped back, his eyes seeking my window. I ducked to the side and slowly peered through the filmy curtain.
His gaze locked on mine.
He lifted his blade, pointing the tip right at me.
52
TEMPEST
I’d made another enemy, but it was inevitable. Delaine tried to kill me, but I eliminated her instead. Her fiancé and father would seek vengeance soon.
I’d spent weeks preparing for this day, but I felt like I rode an out-of-control dragon spiraling toward the ground. I was losing my seat in the saddle and would crash.
Are you alright?I asked Vexxion.
I’m in control. No worries. Proceed with the plan.
I shared an image of the carnage outside.
I’m not surprised,he said.I have to go.
Be careful.
My hands shaking, I flitted to the back hallway and strode into the kitchen, peering around while cooks scurried every which way, hard at work preparing the wedding feast. When I didn’t find Brodine, I looked in the staff dining area, not finding him there either.
Time was running out, and I needed to wrap the new collar around his neck before the wedding.
I rushed down the hall, bumping into Airia who was dressed in a simple day gown.
“Do you know where the male Nullens sleep?” I asked her.
“Sure.” Frowning, she studied my face. “You look like you’ve been running all over the place. Aren’t you supposed to be with the would-be queen right now, helping her get ready for her wedding to the king?”
“I need to find a friend who works here.”
“What’s their name?”
“Brodine.”
“He was collared by the king. If I were you, I’d stay as far away from him as possible.”
“We grew up together. I need to talk to him.”
