Page 59 of Bloodguard

“Uncle,” I begin, speaking softly. “Why do you humiliate Soro this way, in front of the people he’s meant to lead?” It’s true. I despise Soro. That doesn’t mean I agree with how Vitor treats him. “I would think they need to respect him as their new High General of Arrow, ever since you became regent.”

“Respect is earned, my darling daughter, as you earn it by helping and treating our people.” He runs his hand down his tight braid. “My son attempts to earn it in the brothels.” He reaches for the platter of fruit at the corner of the table and snags a handful of grapes. He chews angrily. “Bah,” he says. “Enough of this. Tell me something good.”

“Father’s reconstruction project continues at a rapid pace. You should see—”

“I know your father’s skills, Maeve. I also make it a point to tour the new buildings.”

Of course he does. The Regent of Arrow must take credit for it, after all.

“Has your gladiator survived?” he asks.

Mygladiator. I really wish to speak of anything but Leith. “He is still recovering. The wounds and envenomation were severe. It’s far too early to tell…”

Vitor nods thoughtfully. “I hope he makes it. He’s an inspiration for Arrow. Our people need something to believe in…”

I was going to say it’s too early to tell “how long he’ll take to heal fully,” but if Vitor believes that Leith is still close to death, it might buy him more recovery time.

In the back of my mind, I’m reminded of Aisling’s words about Bloodguards. How only the ones approved by Vitor make it to the finish. By Vitor’s words, I hope Leith has his approval.

“I’m glad you think he can inspire our people, Uncle,” I feel compelled to say.

“I look forward to meeting him,” Vitor tells me. But something in his deep tone carries a warning that punctures my heart with wicked cold. Even as he smiles.

chapter 22

Maeve

I leave my uncle as other officials and delegates enter the room, their voices competing in varying pitches and accents, interrupting one another and requesting a moment with him. The skirt of my floor-length dress brushes the well-tailored breeches of several men scrambling to Vitor’s side. It’s startling how they beg for his favor. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to this switch in power. Stars willing, I won’t have to.

I was at Grandmother’s and Papa’s sides my whole life, until three years ago. They included me in conversations, taught me how to act, what to say, how to deliberate on big decisions, and how to interpret information that we received.

“Everyone has their own agenda,”Grandmother used to say.

But since her death, and with Vitor assuming control as regent—because I am too young and unmarried and, let’s be honest, because no one is ready for the Queen Killer’s daughter to take the throne—I am treated differently.

But the blame is partially my own. I’ve not been as strong or visible as I should have been. In avoiding the arena, the grand parties and interactions at court…I’ve diminished my presence.

If I want to be queen, I must act like it.

Yes, indeed.

I decide to adjourn to my uncle’s private council room and wait to speak with him alone. The way Tut and Pua acted…I will not tolerate such petty behavior. And Ugeen…I don’t trust that jackass of a human at all. He should not be privy to matters of country. Thankfully, Vitor and I are in agreement on that front.

I enter my uncle’s private chambers and stop short at a loud and pronounced moan.

I jump, which makes Soro smile. Eyes never leaving mine, he uncoils Aisling’s legs from around his waist and lifts her bare ass off my uncle’s desk.

“Maeve,” Aisling says. “This is a surprise.” She shimmies her gown’s skirts down, not looking the least bit embarrassed.

Sparks of lavender magic color her pale skin as she slides closer to Soro’s side.

Soro crosses his arms. “What are you doing here, Maeve?”

“Mm, my guess is she hasn’t spent enough time with our cherished lord regent,” Aisling drawls. She plays with one of Soro’s braids. “Is there perhaps a way we can be of service?”

A waywecan be of service?Aisling is getting rather bold with her claim on Soro. But she can’t make Soro king. It’s the one thing—besides a soul—I have that she doesn’t. I suppose that’s why she makes such a grand spectacle of placing her head against his shoulder.

“No, there’s just something minor I need to discuss with the regent.”

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