Tairna nods. “I have spies in both palaces. Sauzon is one of them.”
It can’t be.
I’d questioned Sauzon thoroughly when Mayah began healing in the infirmary. I’d asked him point-blank if he had any ties to the Rebellion. There were no prickles.
What the fuck is wrong with my truthwielding?
Tairna seems to understand my internal conflict. Her eyes flicker as she glances at me, dipping her chin slightly. I raise my brows in silent question.
“Sauzon is a shield.” Tairna answers my unspoken question, though I remain just as confused.
“A shield?” Mayah repeats.
“It’s a unique wielding capability,” she explains. “We’ve only recently learned of it. They are impervious to the effects of heart- and truthwielders. Most shields are assumed to be nonwielders their entire lives. We only learned of them last year. There was a new recruit—she was hysterical after enduring severe trauma. One of our heartwielders tried to calm her, but his power wouldn’t work. After that, we began testing everyone.”
My breath escapes my lungs. My mind reels with this new information.
Ashield.
Is that what Mayah is? Does she somehow possess athirdwielding capability?
And, fuck—Sulon. Shielding must’ve been his second affinity. I’d relied blindly on my truthwielding my entire life. How many lies went undetected? What other atrocities did Sulon commit under my nose?
Tairna’s eyes brim with a sad understanding, lips twisted as she watches me process this revelation. She cuts her gaze to Mayah. “As I said, Mayah, I have no doubt you’d be an incredible queen. I want someone who cares for both wielders and nonwielders alike. A better world forallof us.”
“But how can you trust us so quickly?”
“I told you I’ve had spies in both Tundrayn and Arbinj. I know you’ve been fighting for nonwielders for years. And from what Sauzon tells me, I know you’re a kind, good person.” She gives me a faint smile. “And I already know my son’s heart.”
Her words stoke the simmering embers of rage in my chest.
She knowsmy heart? After abandoning me? After not setting eyes on me for over half my life?
“What do you think, Zev?” Mayah asks softly, turning to me. “You don’t want to rule.” She doesn’t mention that our marriage is a farce.
“Zev…” Tairna repeats, a soft smile on her lips. “No one’s called you that since—”
“Lev,” I grit out.
“Yes,” she murmurs. “I was very sorry to hear of his death.”
“Were you?” I snap, leaning forward. “Did you also hear of my father’s reaction?”
The blood drains from Tairna’s stricken face. She shakes her head.
“He said Lev must’ve been a worthless wielder if he managed to get himselffrozen.” My voice cracks. “Wouldn’t let me attend his funeral. Couldn’t risk the kingdom seeing their commander weep like a pathetic girl.” Rage burns inside me, hot and violent. If not for the iron cuffs, there’d be a storm gathering above us. “He mocked Lev in every council meeting for two months, calling himfrozen fucking dirt, until I could get through without showing any emotion.”
Twin tears slide down her cheeks.
“I’m so sor—”
“Spare me your useless apologies. You’ve done a great job with the Rebellion. Well fucking done, Tairna.” She flinches. “Tell me, how did I fit into your grand plan if I hadn’t married Mayah and fallen into your lap along with her? Were you planning to kill me, too?”
“Vayru, please, of course not!” With the iron, I can’t even sense if she’s lying. “I-I am truly sorry for what you’ve endured. Without me there to support you. But Varad’s cruelty is exactly why we need to—”
I slam my fists against the worn surface of the table. Both women jump at the harsh clack of iron against wood.
The chair nearly tumbles backward when I shoot up and storm toward the door. Mayah’s soft footsteps echo behind me.
