“This is the most protected district in the queendom. The queen regent’s orders are to kill whoever disobeys the law and enters without permission.”
“Why not arresthim and sort out the misunderstanding?”
“Because there are no simple misunderstandings in our world right now. One wrong person inside could lead to another attack that could kill more people. The people here are not simply rich. They’re devout, faithful, and loyal. Critical tomaintaining the Astrals’ strength. Besides, there are other more lawful ways that child could have found his way in here.”
“How?” I demanded. “Whatwaysare we giving them to succeed? To live? To survive?”
“There aren’t enough resources to go around for everyone. Not yet.” Felaf looked at me with her earnest topaz eyes. I didn’t believe her to be indifferent or unaffected. To her, following the ruleswaskeeping everyone safe.
For once, I found myself having a strong opinion on the political state of things: I didn’t agree with any of it.
Chapter 43
Rahzlyn
“Perhaps we should returnto the palace,” Felaf suggested.
I sat with my chin propped atop my knees outside a print shop’s exterior. The wall’s stony grooves dug into my back. It took several rounds of breathing exercises to settle myself. Even though I was no longer on the verge of hyperventilating, there was nothing that could be done to erase the boy from my mind.
Harsh sunlight gleamed down on us. Our black layers were light, concealing every inch of our skin apart from our eyes, but black absorbed the heat too well. I itched to return to the palace and douse myself in the cool waters of the terrace. The absence of water was everywhere, especially compared to the palace where it trickled in every crevice.
“No,” I answered her finally. “I’m fine.”
“You’re certain?”
“Yes, Felaf,” I grumbled, looking up at her.
She hesitated. “Did I do something to offend you?”
“You did nothing.”Absolutely nothing. Felaf could have saved that boy.
I understood getting involved would have exposed our presence, but following the rules wasn’t a good enough excuse tostand there and do nothing. Her penchant for rules wore on my patience.
“I know you’re upset, and honestly so am I, Princess. It’s against protocol for you to go anywhere without both guardians. Raithe should beherewith us?—”
“He’s probably too busy nursing his self-inflicted wounds.” Despite my apathetic tone, the idea pained me. His powers would quicken his healing, but I doubted he would want that for whatever reason. “I’m not ready to go back.”
“Alright, then.” Felaf accepted my wishes and extended a hand to me. “Where to next?”
I wanted to step beyond the other side of those gates and see for myself the wastelands of the city, not caring if what I witnessed tormented me for the rest of my life. I would rather be burdened with the truth than liberated by duplicity.
“Let’s just walk,” I settled on.
Felaf pondered our surroundings. “There’s a communal thermae at the bottom of this path.”
“Thermae?”
“Bathhouse.”
“Great.”
“We shouldn’t linger long though, for it is also up the road from the city dungeons. Remember to keep your?—”
“Scarf up and hood drawn, I know.” I secured both back in place, catching Felaf’s wounded expression from my tone. I added more gently, “It’s too dusty without them.”
While the Baron’s District had an underground reservoir to keep its foliage alive and nourish its residents, it was still unforgivably dry. It felt like we were walking in Leo, a kingdom known for its deserts and arid landscape. Somehow,theymanaged to thrive under such conditions.
Scorpio, I was learning, was not built for aridity.
