The senators dragged their hands across their chests in solemn unity.
Chapter Seventy-Six
To Ruin Him, Reverently
He gave her the truth, the vow, and the breaking.
She gave him only this—her hands on his body, and her answer in the ruin.
Dispatched by the hand of
Prince Xavien Elyander Draekenra
Crown Prince of Elváliev
To Her Majesty, Queen Amerei of Casqadia
My queen,
Your presence lingers in my home like an intoxicating mist, and already I mourn your absence.
Elváliev recognizes you as Queen of Casqadia. As assurance, we send one hundred Sagittarii archers, their ledger enclosed.
Duty has prevailed over love. I could not secure my divorcement—the elders prize Gearíya’s minerals above their sovereign’s happiness.
Do not lose heart. There is no power in all the realm that could keep me from you.
Yours,
Xavien
The sky darkened over Fyreglade—the glowing orbs flickering like distant stars.
Viktor swung down from Ruby, catching Amerei against him in a hold too fierce to be gentle, as though fate itself might tear her away.
“We’re safe now,” he murmured into her hair.
Storne stripped off his gloves, voice hard.
“The estate goes to ground in the castle. We may already wear the brand of traitors.”
His nod was curt.
“Pray Xavien sends word swiftly.”
For a fleeting moment, Viktor pitied the prince—bold choices often drew blood. Yet pity curdled to anger as quickly as it came. His hand closed around Amerei's arm.
“Inside. Now—with me.”
She startled at the edge in his tone, wide eyes lifting to his—yet she did not resist. She went where he pulled, as if some part of her knew his fury was only the shield of his love.
Her silken skirt whispered behind her, but Viktor’s hand twitched near the hilt of his blade, restless as a caged beast.Gabriel matched their steps up the stairs.
“What did Xavien say?” he asked low, eyes to the veranda. “In the garden?”
“He knows.”
Viktor’s grip splintered the railing, knuckles bone-white. He cut his gaze to Amerei, fury burning through his restraint.
