Page 29 of Scourged

“Rumors,” Kiira answered, “surrounding the new problem with the pirates from the Kizar Islands. Rumors that they are only here, plaguing your people, because your queen is not.”

Sebastian’s veins flushed with ice.

He hadn’t given much thought to the beliefs and opinions of the common people these past few weeks. He was dedicated to protecting them, to keeping this city and its occupants safe from the threat on the Bay. But how they interpreted that threat, what they believed caused it, and why their queen—or queen apparent—wasn’t out there, helping to defend them or broker peace … those weren’t things that had crossed Sebastian’s mind.

He should have considered how it would look, what rumors might run rampant.

“What are the people saying?” he gritted out, chest heaving with effort.

“I already know,” Ciana said, lifting her chin. She still ignored him, directing that rich, amber gaze at Kiira. “The people are saying that Mariah has abandoned them. That the queen apparent has fled the city and has no intentions of saving them.”

Kiira and Rylla shared a grim look. That was the only confirmation Sebastian needed. He didn’t know how Ciana had learned of such rumors. But truthfully, that was the least of his concerns.

The people knew Mariah was gone.

And, worse, they believed she’d abandoned them. Vanished into the night, leaving them to suffer and die.

“I take it,” he said, forcing the words through clenched teeth, “that you are not inclined to believe those rumors.”

Kiira shook her head. “We have only met your queen twice, but the moment we heard the people talking … we knew this was not the truth. We knew there was more to the story.”

A pregnant pause followed Kiira’s words. The Kreah sisters waited for information, and Mariah’s court just … waited.

Sebastian was the decision-maker. The leader. But at that moment, he didn’t know what to do. He was paralyzed by his choices, by his mistakes, by his failures. The weight of all he’dlost and all he’d destroyed rested on his shoulders, wrapping around his ribs, and he worried he’d crumple right there on the marble throne room floor.

“Mariah didn’t abandon the city.”

Ciana’s golden blonde hair was still wild about her, her freckled cheeks still flushed rosy-pink, but her small frame had straightened, amber eyes clear.

It was only then that she turned his way. Not seeking permission, but … telling him she would share the truth. She would make this decision when he could not.

He simply inclined his head, and she turned back to the Kreah sisters.

“Mariah didn’t abandon the city,” Ciana repeated, “because she was taken. She has been missing for nearly eight weeks.”

Kiira blinked in shock, and Rylla’s brow furrowed.

“What do you mean,” Rylla said slowly, “that she was taken?”

“She vanished, early one morning, along with one of her Armature. Her onlyunbondedArmature,” Quentin interjected. He toyed with the knives strapped in his baldric as he stepped up beside Sebastian.

Kiira and Rylla shared a look. “And what steps have you taken to find her?”

Sebastian grimaced. “We were about to search when the pirates arrived.”

“So … you have done nothing.” Kiira’s words sounded harsh in her Kreah accent, an accusation that pierced Sebastian’s flesh.

“If you’re here to offer help,” Ciana said, “then we won’t turn you away.”

The sisters shared a glance.

“We will help you,” Kiira declared.

“Besides,” Rylla said, a sly smile spreading across her face, “we have certain skills which might prove helpful.”

Delaynie crept forward cautiously. “What do you mean, certain skills?”

Rylla shifted on her feet. “You Onitan’s have your magic—not just the energy you callallume, but gifts that can control the elements of fire or wind. Or the gift of light borne by your queen.” Her smile widened. “Us in Kreah have similar gifts. And our goddess is most generous with them.”

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