That was too far.
“Desmond...”I began, but he was already moving to the door.
It slammed closed behind him, the sound echoing in the silence.
Nadiyah refused to meet my gaze, her body angled away from mine.I had jeopardized her objective as well.I slipped inside my room, leaning against the door and shoving my fists into my eyes.
Desmond never talked about that night.
Ever.
But shame and regret over not being there to defend his kingdom or protect his family haunted him.I had seen it in his eyes every day since.In his willingness to follow me to the assassin’s tower, his dedication alongside me in the training, his commitment to our plan of vengeance.He always went above and beyond what was needed, sacrificed whatever he had to in order to make it happen.I didn’t understand the depth of his guilt, but I always knew it was there.
And tonight I had made it so much worse.
Chapter Forty-One
Valeris
Ididn’t leave my roomthe next day.Not the smartest play on my part, but I didn’t have the desire or energy to interact with anyone.Ezrielle had stolen my victory at the puzzle ball.If I had been more careful, Analleia and I wouldn’t have both gotten stuck inside the tunnel.I was smarter than that.
My loss last night all but eradicated my chance of wearing the crown, but I refused to lose hope.If I knew Ezrielle, she had more up her sleeve, other plans.I needed dirt on her—and fast.
I’d underestimated her abilities; rather, I’d underestimated my father’s faith in her.It was hard to fathom he would even consider letting her sit on the throne, but he knew how cunning she was.How manipulative and crafty she had become in her deceit.My own foolish jesting had failed to anticipate her as such a threat.
A knock came at the door.
“Go away,” I called.
They entered anyway.I recognized my uncle’s silhouette out of the corner of my eye but refused to acknowledge him.
“Valeris?”
I sighed.“Wasgo awaynot instruction enough?Let me phrase it another way: Don’t come in.Leave me alone.I do not wish to be disturbed.Understood?”
He matched my sigh.“Your cocky attitude will be the death of you one day, Valeris.”
