She hesitated a moment and then said, “My upbringing was not what you might imagine of a noble woman’s formative years. I wasn’t born into a prosperous family—I had to work for my position, to rise through the ranks of this realm. All of the things I have done to get here…”
She paused, and I ran my thumb up and down her gloved knuckles. She wore a ring under the glove, which made me wonder—how much had she once lost? To my knowledge, she’d never mentioned a husband, and she seemed to own her own estate.
She cleared her throat. “I’ve made enough mistakes to fill a book—a thick one. I deserve every scar I wear. Sometimes the life you wish for leads you to places that later bring you shame.”
“I’m sorry that life dealt you that hand. But I don’t believe for a moment that you deserved it.” The maroon void where her face should’ve been turned and stared at me. “Maybe things don’t have to be so dreary forever.”
I lifted her hand to my lips and placed a tender kiss on her palm. I imagined being able to look into her eyes.
“Doubtful,” she answered. She abruptly pulled her hand away, stood, and headed for the door to the sitting room. “Beneath the veil, I am monstrous. I should be going, King Mattock.”
Too forward, you idiot. My heart pounded, and I desperately wanted to take back the last thirty seconds.
“Wait, Ryssa,” I said before she could get to the door.
She peered at me over a cloaked shoulder.
“Whatever is under that veil—it doesn’t matter.”
She stiffened.
“Forgive me for my advance,” I continued. “But I have spoken to you enough to know that no person can be so kind on the inside and be anything but a joy to look upon.”
She shook her head. “You are wrong. Goodnight, my King.”
With that, she left the room, and I felt empty.
Chapter 28
Sybilla
Dear Sybilla,
Sheffield and the Nadiars have sent letters agreeing to open their cities as a haven for Source-wielders to reenter, effective immediately. They state: “We do this in support of Queen Sybilla Wymark of the Central Corridor’s long reign; we do this for unity and a prosperous future for our realm.” All that will be required is proof of identity upon entry for appropriate record keeping. Theuse of magic within their borders is still, unfortunately, illegal under Henosis law. Changing that will require the agreement of all ruling parties.
It seems that not all is lost—but I brace you for the next news.
In response, Emmerick and Bringham made hostile moves this week, positioning troops along the northeastern and central borders. They have decreed that anyone from theWastelandsSahlms setting foot on their land would be an act of war. The only safe travel routes are by Egress to the East, South or Central Corridors directly.
I hope you are well. I apologize in advance. Van dug up your rose bushes.
With love,
Asterie
I stared at the documents she sent along with the letter that committed to allowing Source-wielders access to more than half of Henosis. It wasn’t enough. Why shouldn’t they be allowed to use their powers within our realm?
I set Asterie’s letter down. With a wince, I pulled on my leathers and a thin cream tunic. Inevitably, when Krait heard this news, there would be that clench in his stupidly handsome, chiseled jawline.
When I opened the bedchamber door, Ryn stood outside, fist raised as though he were about to knock. “Ready to get your ass kicked, Princess?”
I greeted his mile-wide smile with one of my own and nodded. “Todayis the day I best you, friend.”
My body felt like an unoiled metal gate, and I doubted my words.
My training sessions with Ryn and Krait had done nothing to help my growing pain. They’d begun drilling me on disarming them with my mind. Ryn ruthlessly teased me about my swordsmanship, which, admittedly, was not my greatest strength.
We were in the amphitheater, a place on the northern edge of the city where theater productions often put on shows. The space was empty today besides us. Thousands of marble seatstowered around us as we stood in the “pit,” an oval dirt arena below the upper stage.
