With a gasp, I ran to him, kneeling as he set my father on the ground.
Kadin stood, walking toward us as if wading through water, but I barely noticed.
“Somebody help,” I called, not caring that it wasn’t dignified. “Please, somebody help him.”
The dark stains on the bandage wrapped around my father’s head and his utter stillness terrified me. I dropped to my knees beside him. Those nearby moved closer, surrounding my father as they tried to get a better look.
Kadin moved around them to stand by me in silent support.
The Gifted healer pushed through the crowd forming around us, and people let her through out of respect. “Let me,” she said, leaning heavily on a shoulder as she lowered herself beside my father. “Someone get me warm water and fresh bandages.” People obeyed.
As she unwrapped the dirty cloth from Baba’s head, I whirled to face Gideon. “Can’t you see how King Amir is abusing his Gift?” I cried. “Will you not bear witness to his crimes? He needs to be stopped!”
“Whereisthe king?” Gideon asked.
My gut clenched. When I spun to look at the dais, he was gone. Rena stood on one side, Lady Eiena and the holy man on the other.
But no Amir.
His guards stood dumbly, holding the air between them as if they thought they still held the king.
The coward had seen his chance during the chaos and disappeared.
CHAPTER 51
Arie
“CAN YOU SENSE HIM?”I clutched Gideon’s sleeve in a panic. “Is he nearby?” If Amir escaped, there was no telling what he might do. What if he turned the people against me? What if he came back with a mob?
“I’m not a magical bloodhound,” Gideon replied, but he held up a finger at the genuine horror on my face. “Hold on, one moment.”
He flashed out of sight, and I choked back my anxiety under everyone’s stares. Kadin pressed closer, though he never touched me, letting me know he was there.
We waited.
Out of respect, the guests stayed seated, whispering among themselves.
