“But you are also being a bullheaded ass. I am no traitor. I accessed that knowledge in my mind, escaped Koerlyn, and fought that terrible river to come back toyou,despite your secrets. Despite how you hid the fact that your father’s men killed my parents while you were there.”And then kissed me and held me like I mattered.“Despite the fact that you have been nothing but terrible to me since I’ve returned. Say what you will, act like I am some evil, traitorous prisoner, but I am helping youby choice.”
The kernel of warmth beneath my ribs jumped, as if sharing its enthusiasm for my statement.
With a tired voice, I added, “Though you are making that choice harder and harder with every passing hour.”
Harthon’s nostrils flared, his fingertips flexing ever so slightly on my jaw. He was completely unreadable, his thoughts carefully contained behind a rugged face that regarded me with intensity for more than a few breaths. Then that focus slid to my lips, which parted in invitation before I could even think about why they shouldn’t.
One shallow breath passed. Then two. Logic charged to the surface.
My mouth snapped shut, and he abruptly released me from the hold of both his eyes and hand.
The sounds of camp rushed back in as I stared at the tree trunk, Harthon at my back, my thoughts scattered. I was about to rise when his fingers threaded through my hair once more. As if I hadn’t just called him a bullheaded ass, he picked up where he left off, delicately separating the knots with a deceptive amount of care until there wasn’t a single tangle left.
Chapter 4
When we entered the city center the next day, it was like we’d entered another battle arena.
There were screams. An endless sea of people in frenzied chaos. Men falling to their knees.
They didn’t wield weapons, but they offered gifts—breads, fabrics, children, coins—all thrust toward us by desperate hands. And then there was me, right in the center of it all, where I absolutely did not belong.
The only time I’d experienced this type of welcome was when Harthon had first taken me to his city center, but then, I’d been blindfolded to hide my eyes. Today, I was doing the opposite: sitting proud atop the horse, my oiled hair woven into a tight braid, my unnatural eyes on full display. Most voices addressed Harthon, who rode by my side, though some praised themagvis, extending offerings toward me. I would meet their eyes with what I hoped was gentle acknowledgment and look away before they felt encouraged to engage any further.
I should have been a panicked mess, overwhelmed by the attention and the eager horde that could easily crush us. But I simply didn’t have the energy.
The moment I’d closed my eyes last night, I was haunted by my time with Koerlyn. In my dreams, he slaughtered children as he questioned me about the path. I’d woken up gasping,drenched in sweat, and stared at the starless sky, trying and failing to chase the images from my mind until the camp woke.
No doubt the circles beneath my eyes were as purple as my irises.
The mayhem ended when the gates to the Citadel opened, welcoming us into the heart of the city—Harthon’s home. There was no dramatic greeting there. Only Ana, who appeared when we entered the small stables. She was impeccably dressed in a regal emerald dress that highlighted her eyes, the curls of her dark hair gleaming, despite the low light. It’d been cloudy ever since the partial sun during the battle, yet Ana glowed as she always did.
From the way she carried herself to her impeccable appearance, she looked every bit the Princeps’ minister that she was.
As I stiffly dropped from the saddle, she strode toward me, skirts rippling. Concern twisted her lovely features as she said, “It’s so good to see you back here.”
There was no bite beneath the statement, no sign she was upset with my choice to leave in the first place. Perhaps she shared Callen’s opinion that my actions were justified.
She scanned me from head to foot. “And I’m so glad you’re alright.” Her gaze landed on the area beneath my eyes, and she faltered. “I should ask, actually. Are you alright?”
Was I?
I wasn’t physically injured, and I’d accessed themagvis’knowledge. So as far as she and Harthon and everyone else were concerned, yes, I was. I relayed that with a slight nod, adding, “I can lead us into the Domus.”
“That’s wonderful news,” she replied, though her eyes lingered on my face with a hint of concern.
“It’s news we’re going to unpack in a moment,” Harthon interjected, drawing her attention. She hadn’t even acknowledged him yet. “We’re heading to the library to discuss.”
“Of course it needs to be discussed. But don’t you want a moment to eat first? Bathe?” She looked at me. “Breathe?”
Harthon watched me, silent. When he didn’t answer for me like I expected, I said what needed to be said. “I don’t need a moment.”
“An hour wouldn’t hurt,” she argued.
I’d had no choice in going to Koerlyn, but people had suffered because of my actions. I wasn’t in any position to ask for selfish luxuries.
With a firm shake of my head, I said, “We have things to discuss.”
My legs were lead weights as I trailed behind Harthon and Ana, who spoke in low tones as they navigated hallways and stairs. What they discussed, I didn’t know. I was too focused on stopping my chin from sinking as we passed guards who bowed their heads at us.
