Page 124 of Shadows of Winter

“He doesn’t love me.”

Kaylina had little doubt about that, but if Vlerion was drawn to her because she was an anrokk… might that not be as powerful as love?

“We’ll see.” Jana turned toward the stairs. “Unless you make the selfless choice and end your life before he can lose everything.”

After planting her vile seed, Jana walked away without looking back.

Alone again, Kaylina stared at the vial. A tremble went through her. She wouldn’t consider the horrible woman’s offering, but… Could she live with herself if she did get Vlerion killed?

“Gods,” she whispered.

A clank from the stairwell made her realize she wasn’t alone. The guard hadn’t left.

Kaylina plucked up the vial and slid it into her pocket.

Gripping the book in both hands, she stepped back until the cold chiseled stone wall pressed into her shoulder blades. The guard sauntered into view, his expression smug, that of a man who had dastardly plans in mind and knew he wouldn’t get caught.

Kaylina didn’t know whether to wish Vlerion were there to protect her or not. Seeing the guard approaching her might cause him to turn. The man might deserve an end at the claws of the beast, but… the queen wouldn’t see it that way. The law wouldn’t see it that way. And then there was the possibility that the beast would kill her after killing the guard.

“The king is giving his speech,” the man said. “Hearing him stumble through his rehearsed words isn’t that scintillating, but people are supposed to listen. I doubt anyone will come down here for the next hour or so.”

“Maybe you should go up and listen too. Prove yourself a good guard deserving of a pay raise.”

“I’ve already been paid more today than I make in a month.” He showed the gold coin, bit into it to dent the metal, and slipped it into a pocket. “And if I’m reading the moon craters right, the only one who cares what happens to you is that ranger, and he’s not here.” The guard opened the desk drawer and pulled out the keyring.

Nerves dampened Kaylina’s palms as she gripped the book. If he opened the gate because he wanted to rape her, and she could avoid that fate, she could get out. Escaping from the rest of the castle wouldn’t be easy, but if most people were watching that speech, maybe she had a shot. She would have a much better chance of clearing her name from outside the dungeon than in it.

But the guard stood between her and escape.

He stepped close to the gate, slipping the key into the lock. He was tall, muscular, and broad-shouldered, with a flanged mace at his hip and chain mail protecting his torso. And she… she had a book.

Nonetheless, she lowered into a crouch, Vlerion’s lesson on balance coming to mind. She might not be able to beat the guy, but she had to try.

“You going to club me with that?” Amusement gleamed in his dark eyes.

The lock clinked.

“As many times as I can.”

“Exciting.” He gave her a long look from head to toe, his gaze lingering in select spots.

Fury flowed into Kaylina’s limbs, making her believe that maybe she could get the best of the guard.

He opened the gate and strode toward her.

Instead of taking a swing, she threw the book at him, hoping to startle him.

He raised an arm, deflecting the heavy object. She rushed in, trying to take him off guard, and turned and dropped her shoulder, aiming an elbow to his groin.

But he was fast and shifted his body. Her elbow struck his hip, jarring her and not hurting him. He grabbed her and spun her, thrusting her against the bars and pressing his body against hers from behind.

“Very exciting.” He laughed and bit her ear.

Pain sent another blast of fury into her. She screamed, more rage than a cry for help, and stomped down, catching his instep. But she wore only slippers, and his boots protected him.

She grabbed the bars, trying to push and twist away, but he used his greater weight to keep her pinned. One hand snaked down, jerking her dress up.

Kaylina whipped her head back and caught him in the nose so hard that cartilage crunched. His grip loosened. For a second time, she threw her head back, clipping him again.

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