By Caelo…he did see it, didn’t he? He wasn’t even surprised. An icy shiver ran through his heart at the realisation. There was no denial this time, just dread and unstoppable guilt.
“We can stop him.” Amira’s determined voice saved him from drowning completely. “If you join us, we can stop Karwyn from damning Liraen and everyone in it.”
“You have been talking to Lora, haven’t you?” This discussion was all too familiar.
Amira fidgeted with the hem of her sweater. “Help us.That’sthe right thing to do.”
Rhay felt as if he was locked inside a cage and all the walls were closing in on him. On either side was a door, but he could choose only one. What was the right choice? He had witnessed Karwyn’s madness. He knew the king had lost himself in search for power, had committed unfathomable crimes. But still, he was—had been—his friend.
“I don’t want Karwyn to get hurt. I can’t…I can’t be responsible for that,” Rhay said.
“If he abdicates, he’ll be okay. We just want to end the madness.” Amira’s hopeful eyes wouldn’t let him have peace. “When I first arrived here, you fought for me,” she said, aiming right at his guilty heart. “Prove to me, toeveryone, toyourself,that you can do more than turn your head.”
What would be left of him once it was all over? Yet Rhay knew that running away wouldn’t save him, wouldn’t save his guilty conscience. With a heavy heart, he said, “If you want to dethrone him, I won’t stand in your way. I’ll stay.” He knew it wasn’t enough, but it was a start.
Chapter59
Amira
After arriving at the Turosian palace early in the morning, Amira had headed straight to her quarters, trying to avoid questions about her brother’s whereabouts. Luckily for her, everyone seemed more preoccupied with the planning of Caelo Night than questioning her.
She had run into Nouis after talking to Rhay, but she had simply informed him that her brother hadn’t told her why he hadn’t come with her. Nouis hadn’t questioned her further.
It was already late afternoon as her feet led her to the dreaded door on the ground floor of the palace. A lot had happened since she had first discovered the underground, but the memories of all the terrifying things she had witnessed there were forever etched in her mind.
Taking the familiar flight of stairs, Amira could almost smell the silvery note of blood. Nalani’s face came to her mind, but she quickly erased it. Soon, she would avenge her death.
Amira found her way to the tunnel leading to the forest with surprising ease. The last time she had been here was when she had tried to help Sydna and Mylner escape. She hoped her training in the forest wouldn’t end as badly as her attempt at saving the two fae. The painful memory forced her to think of Rhay. Her once closest friend in the Turosian kingdom. Would he choose to help them when it came down to it?
As Amira opened the door leading outside of the underground tunnel, she was surprised to find an unexpected face by the forest clearing.
“You didn’t tell me you were back,” Varsha said, playful accusation lacing her voice. She was wearing a burgundy leather skirt, and her short hair was artfully styled.
What was Varsha doing here? Amira had never considered the possibility that Varsha might be working for Karwyn. All her interactions with the painter had made her think that Varsha felt disdain, if not hatred, for the king. But what better cover story than to pretend to be his enemy to gain the trust of his true opponents?
Or maybe Varsha had been working for Wryen all along. Amira still hadn’t heard from her brother, and as much as she was trying to rein it in, she feared his wrath.
“My presence was requested. The wedding is fast approaching.” Lowering her gaze, Amira feared her duplicity could be read in her eyes.
“I’m on my way to a fabulous party. We’ll have to catch up later—if I’m not completely wasted,” Varsha added with a joyful laugh. “Did Rhay show you the tunnel access?”
“Yes. I wanted some fresh air without guards following me. It’s suffocating.”
“Ah yes, those pesky guards who you are not interested in.” Varsha winked at her, and Amira remembered when Varsha had caught her watching the guards in front of Karwyn’s room. “Enjoy your freedom while you can.” There was a hint of sadness in Varsha’s smile.
If Amira could sneak into the forest to meet Elyssa, Farren, and Tarnan, she might have a shot at unlimited freedom. “I should get going before any guards find me.”
“So should I. My presence is long awaited,” Varsha replied with confidence. “But I mean it, you better meet with me tomorrow. I need to know everything about your time in Carnylen, and I hope it includes somescandalousfun.”
Amira chuckled, her cheeks flushing at the memory of Elyssa’s lips on hers. “I’ll see you as soon as I can.”
They both started walking in the direction of the woods. Confused, they stopped and stared at each other.
“Your party is in the woods?” Amira asked.
“You’re heading into the forest by yourself?” Varsha asked at the same time, a suspicious glint in her eyes.
They stared at each other. Was Varsha onto her? Before Amira could speak, a voice disturbed their staring contest.
