Page 84 of Dark Reign

“My ‘story’,” Julian seethed. “Are you implying I’ve been dishonest?”

The crowd began to murmur and the sentinels positioned around the perimeter were alert, poised to intervene should things get out of hand.

Jon gave a shallow bow neither of us mistook to be sincere.

“My apologies, Your Highness. I only mean to do the work of the people. It is our job as reporters to ask the hard questions,” he stated, meeting Julian’s gaze again, “and I suppose I just stumbled onto one of those hard questions.”

Heavy footsteps stormed out onto the stage, charging straight toward Julian and me. I suppose he felt my posture tense beside him because, without thought, his hand left mine and moved to engulf my waist instead, drawing me closer.

A strange mix of fear and excitement rushed through me and I breathed deeply. Julian eased me aside when our presence behind the podium was replaced with William’s—the Presiding Emperor’s righthand.

“That’s all the questions we have time for this evening,” he announced, not bothering to hide his displeasure with Mr. Carlisle’s behavior tonight. I found it odd that a man, in his line of work or otherwise, would dare to challenge a royal like he’d just done.

“Please,” Jon cut in, his voice silencing the crowd once again. “I’d just like to ask one final question.”

“As I said, we’re done here,” William reiterated. “We appreciate everyone’s time and encourage you to formally submit any further inquiries.”

Quiet conversation picked up and William gestured for Julian and I to exit to the right. I’d just taken a step when …

“Excuse me.” Jon’s voice came over the speaker and I froze, as did several others in attendance. “I’d only like to ask the lady a simple question,” he said, feigning innocence. “How do you feel?”

My brow knitted together, confused by his question.

Jon’s eyes widened. “That seems like a reasonable question. Considering several citizens of the Capitol reported seeing you being rushed into a vehicle, unconscious, covered in blood.”

Those who had obeyed William’s orders and began exiting suddenly halted, finding interest in Jon’s revelation.

“Well, if you don’t mind, I’d like to answerforyou,” Jon offered. “Judging by the fact that you’re standing here, free from any injuryIcan see … my guess is you’re just fine.”

I stared, but said nothing.

WhatcouldI say?

Distrustful stares and harsh whispers came from every direction.

“Settle down. I’ve already taken the liberty of sending the photos to each of your news stations for further analysis,” Jon stated calmly. “Oh! And I also managed to sneak a colleague into the booth so we could share this perfectly innocent moment with the entire world.”

The sarcasm in his statement wasn’t lost on me.

The next instant the room went dark, but only for a moment. The screen above that had once displayed the Eastern Quadrant’s flag … now glowed with an image that changed everything. While I had no memory of the incident, except for bits and pieces that flashed into my thoughts, there was no mistaking it was me, being carried in Julian’s arms.

That inkling to run struck again as did a sickening feeling that spread in my gut. It wasn’t bad enough that Ianites were seeing this … my friends, those who depended on me to lead our charge were watching, too.

My name, from this day forward, was ruined.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but humans who lose that amount of blood aren’t usually up and on their feet the next day,” Jon speculated.

“Just what are you accusing my son of,” came the booming voice of Emperor Westower.

Jon, unfazed by the show of authority, shrugged. “I haven’t accused him of a thing, Your Majesty. I simply stated facts. Whatever conclusion you or anyone else have jumped to, are merely the result of what you’ve seen here today. Cold, hard evidence.”

“What does this mean?” someone shouted from the crowd.

That same wicked smile broadened on Jon’s face. “I’m happy you asked,” he crooned. “In my humble opinion, there’s only one explanation for the Doll’s miraculous recovery.”

You could have heard a pin drop before his answer fell in the room like a bomb.

“She’s been bitten.”

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