Visions flashed before me of Ezrielle or Zandyr sitting on the throne, of the havoc their reign would bring.My own life flashed before my eyes.The slave I would be to their rule.The choices determining the direction of my life I would have no say in.
“Father—”
He lifted a hand.“I’ve made my decision, Valeris.You cannot talk me out of this.”
Not long ago, I wouldn’t have cared, would have never dreamed the throne might one day be within my reach, but after having it within my grasp, it was one of the hardest things to let go of.Not when I knew what would happen if I couldn’t claim it.Failure weighed me down like a castle wall, threatening to crush me.
My fists clenched, and I marched around the desk to face him.Lifted my chin with authority.I would no longer tolerate his berating or condescension of me.I knew he wanted me to challenge him.Wanted me to push back even if it was only so he could push me down farther.He would never let me off that easy.Accepting defeat was never an option for him.
“You said yourself you know I’m better than this,” I argued.“Let me prove it to you.You know as well as I that I am a far better candidate for the throne than Ezrielle or Zandyr.Name your price, and I’ll pay it.Do whatever it takes to prove to you that I’ve learned from my mistakes and that they will never happen again.”
He eyed me and chewed on his lip, respecting my challenge but not wanting to approve my terms.
His face transformed into a deep frown.“I will offer you one last chance to prove yourself, only because I do not like narrowing the candidates down to two.You will secure every alliance I originally gave you, and you will retrieve the alliance the diplomat stole from you.Now get out.”
I dipped my head, making my way to the door.Retrieving a stolen alliance was no small task, but it was better than being removed from the chess board.I hadn’t expected to get off without more tallies required.
I opened the door.
“And Valeris?”
I cringed, knowing I had hoped for too much, afraid of his next words.
“I want that assassin found and brought to me by the end of the finale.Ifyou can complete all of those things, I will consider you for the crown.”
I ground my teeth together.She was probably already gone, out of the city.I had no idea what my father would do to her if I brought her to him.
I dipped my head, agreeing to his terms.Pushing away thoughts of Analleia’s fate because it was no concern of mine.
This family would always come first.
––––––––
ACHILL RADIATED THROUGHthe dungeon, my skin growing damp and clammy.A shiver ran down my spine as a sense of trepidation overwhelmed me.I’d always despised coming down here.My footsteps echoed off the confining stone walls, the torches flickering in the darkness, casting eerie shadows across my path.
Howland led me to Kallistar’s cell, clinking the key into the lock and opening the door.It let out a loud groan as it turned on its hinges.We hadn’t executed him.Not yet, but I was a witness to him breaking Nadiyah out of the dungeons.Aiding a criminal.He could be executed for less.
He hung from a chain mounted to the ceiling, his hands shackled over his head.Sweat and blood poured down his chest in a gruesome mixture of pain.I avoided looking too closely, glad it was hard to see the injuries in the dim light.They hadn’t managed to pry any information from him.As soon as I caught wind of the interrogation methods, I had put a stop to them.
Kallistar didn’t meet my eyes as I stepped into the room.He stared beyond me as if in another world.
“My men informed me you haven’t talked.”
His face remained unchanged.
I circled him, keeping my eyes on the blood-splattered floor.“I’ll let you in on a secret.I don’t care about you.I don’t even care to waste the time to hang you when we could slit your throat right here.However, what Idocare about is your sister, and I would be happy to clear you of all charges should you provide me with her whereabouts.”
I came to a stop in front of him, watching for any reaction.
He spit in my face.
One of the soldiers surged forward, hand raised to strike him, but I grabbed his arm, stopping him as I wiped the spittle from my face.
I sighed.“I thought that might be your answer, which is why I’m prepared to offer you a trade.”
I motioned behind me, and two guards dragged the other prisoner into the room, her body sagging between them.Desmond’s eyes snapped to attention, surprise and relief overwhelming his features even as he tried to stifle his emotions.
The girl wasn’t conscious.I motioned for them to take her back out of the cell.
