Page 93 of Bloodguard

I point upward. “There.” Vitor follows the motion as I continue to point. At least nine have the emblem traced into their skin. Whoever Avianna solicited to create this supposed masterpiece painted the faces of the dead away from the viewer to give them anonymity and soften the horror of the murder scene it is. To Avianna, this was a moment of celebration. To me, it’s not even close.

Vitor doesn’t react. Which means this ball-less bastard already knew what I do now. I don’t bother to sugarcoat my response. “Nine,” I say. “I count nine dead Bloodguards. You see an amazing woman,” I tell him flatly. “I see a killer queen, a fallen king, and too many who recklessly died for glory.”

He doesn’t react other than to say calmly, “We saved Old Erth that day. The phoenix was a herald of death, razing friend and foe in the thick of battles.”

“How many died so that Arrow could claim victory that day and every one since?”

Vitor chuckles. He nods as if I didn’t just insult his precious Avianna. “One of our most costly victories, indeed,” he says and looks at me. “I should know. I was there.”

chapter 34

Maeve

We don’t move from the terrace railing until Vitor and his entourage disappear into the darkness.

“Odd for the generals to accompany Vitor when his own guards followed him here,” Leith says.

Father sniffs with disgust. “Keep your gators close and your vipers closer.”

Leith rocks back on his heels. “You think he doesn’t trust his own son.”

“Vitor has certainly embarrassed Soro enough for Soro to turn against him,” I offer.

Father nods. “Ugeen’s presence bothers me more.”

“Ugeen?” Leith asks. “He was here?”

I nod. “Soro laughed about it when you were in the parlor. He said something about him groveling to Vitor to be permitted to accompany him here. Vitor allowed it but then confined him to his carriage like a rotten child.”

Father nods carefully. “Why come just to be humiliated? Ugeen knows better than to think that I’d allow him in. If Vitor thinks Ugeen or maybe even Soro will turn on him, he’ll want Tut and Pua close by.”

Pua carries a bardiche, an axe as long as his body, with him at all times. The immense ogre likely sleeps with it. Tut keeps a double-headed war axe strapped to him always. Add in their strength and size, and the best way to survive a fight with them is to flee.

“Ugeen is too weak to lead nightcrawlers to a fish,” Leith says.

“Soro isn’t much better,” Father says. “He’s too reckless, and I believe he fears Vitor just as much as he may love him. For now, Vitor will remain the High Lord. And for now, we must take heed of the start of a potential war. As much as I don’t want to agree with Vitor, too many want the resources Arrow has.”

Misery and dread clamp my chest like a vise. War may be upon my country, and many of my people will die if it comes to pass. And on top of everything, I still have Soro to contend with.

Leith offers a short bow…and then offers us a moment alone.

Father gathers me to him again, and for a moment, I’m that little girl who always sought his kindness in times of distress. “War or not, Vitor will never grant me power, will he?” I ask.

Father kisses my head. “Not unless it directly benefits him.”

“I’m worried for Leith.”

“Stay by his side,” Father tells me quietly. “You’ll need his strength and his heart in the days ahead.”

He’s giving me his blessing. I only wish Papa could, too.

He chuckles as I squeeze him tighter. “I love you, Father.”

Sadness clouds his tired eyes, ringing the orbits with deep shadows. “And I will always love you, my dear, dear daughter.”

My smile arrives with unexpected tears.

“Now go,” he says. “Find your gladiator.”

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