Nyelle gave her a grim smile. “The world has a way of stripping away what it doesn’t find useful about a thing instead of taking it for what it is. As Haidra’s light spread south, where the Isherwoodswallowed the land, and beast attacks were common, people began to blame the creatures for their misfortunes, a sentiment my ancestors used as a platform to gain power. In the end, they lost the throne to the Ralks, and now here I am, trying to undo everything they stood for. But this battle will be lost before it begins if Allaster isn’t prepared to fight.”
Kasira should have used that moment to plant a seed of doubt. If Nyelle thought Allaster weak, she might withdraw her support from him. It was exactly what Kasira had warned him against when they’d arrived at the party, and it was exactly what Vera would have wanted her to do.
So when instead she found herself saying, “Allaster will protect the Library with his life,” without a shred of doubt, it left her disquieted.
Nyelle bowed her head. “I believe you,” she said and rose. “One of the King’s aides is approaching, and I have a feeling she isn’t here for me. Until we speak again.” She departed as Kasira rose to face the approaching aide.
And came face-to-face with Revna.
CHAPTER 37
KASIRA
KASIRA’S OLDMALIK PARTNER WAS BEDECKED INKALISH ROYALblues, the golden crossed swords stitched atop her breast. Her face looked healthier, fuller, and her brand had been tattooed over by the same symbol as on her clothes—a royal pardon.
“You made a deal with the King,” Kasira said.
The smile that cut across Revna’s face made Kasira’s skin crawl. “It seems we’re both in the habit of bargaining with royalty.”
Already Kasira’s mind was seeking an escape. She could easily avoid Revna and return to the Library unimpeded, but she didn’t know what she would be running from. Had Revna approached her independently or as a messenger of the King? She was one of the few people who knew Vera and the Paratal had visited their Malik campbeforeKasira left, and it sounded very much like she knew exactly what that knowledge was worth.
“What do you want?” Kasira asked.
Revna’s face twisted into a snarl. “I want my life back! The one you took from me.”
“I never meant—”
A sharp laugh cut her off. “Do you think I care what youmeantto do, Kas? You knew how important my position was to me, to my family. My father—” She broke off, her eyes filling with a distantpain. “Everything that happened to me is your fault. All so you could go play at having magic.”
“The Library isn’t what you think, Rev,” Kasira insisted. “Magic, beasts, none of it.”
It was the wrong thing to say—she knew it even as the words left her lips. But it was also the truth, and some part of her could not lie to Revna any longer. That was twice now that her instincts had failed her. What sort of con artist refused to lie?
“You think I’ll believe a word you say?” Revna hissed. “Don’t forget I know exactly where you come from, Kasira. You’re not a mage. You’re a thief and a liar and a fraud. I should never have shielded you. You deserved every word of their judgement.”
Kasira didn’t defend herself. It didn’t matter what Revna thought of her. Didn’t matter what anyone thought. Caring about that was a luxury for people who stayed. People who built relationships with others to make them last, not who crafted them to fit a story, a goal. If she wanted to survive, if she wanted her life back, she couldn’t afford to care.
So then why did Revna’s words needle at her?
“I’m sorry,” she said, feeling a sharp twinge of emotion in her chest. “I truly am.”
“Your apology is too late.”
Kasira’s blood chilled the same way it once had before a beast. “What did you do?”
Revna swept a hand toward the castle. “The King wants to see you.”
In that moment, Kasira understood. This was how Revna had gotten her pardon: She had exchanged it for the knowledge that Vera had visited Kasira at their camp. Vera’s story that Kasira was a random criminal who had infiltrated the Library of her own accord wouldn’t stand up to the revelation that she and Vera not only knew each other, but had met directly prior to Kasira’s arrival at Amorlin.
The King knew his cousin was up to something. The boy Kasira had spared in Ayador had died for nothing.
Calm down, she told herself.The King can’t touch you.As Assistant Librarian, she had diplomatic immunity. The King would have tocall the Conclave to have her tried, and if he intended to do that, he wouldn’t waste time speaking with her first. It was with that certainty that she followed Revna.
The two guards at the castle doors didn’t stop them or even check Kasira for weapons, which she supposed was a benefit of her position. Revna led her through a low-ceiled entrance hall to the first room on their left. The windows overlooking the garden had been curtained shut, and the King sat on one of two opposing couches with a glass of wine in hand.
King Carthur gestured for her to sit. “Assistant, good of you to join me.”
“Your Majesty.” She bowed, realizing now that when he’d said he hoped to speak to her later, he was setting the stage for this encounter. If anyone discovered them meeting, the excuse for why was already in place.
