Page 10 of Claws of Death

“Ephegos will never rule over the Crows. If anything, he’ll betray you the way he betrayed his own people. There is nothing in that male’s heart other than selfish hunger for power, and if you believe for one moment he won’t walk right over you the second he no longer has use for you, you believe wrong.”

It’s the most I’ve ever said to Erina and probably the most honest, so it’s no surprise he’s staring at me with those dark brown eyes that want to peel my skin away and shove every thought back into my skull.

“Well spoken, my lovely fiancée.” He leans in so his lips are at my ear, and I fight the urge to retch all over his pressed uniform. “Don’t think I don’t have an ace or two up my sleeve.”

No one hears our exchange—the distance to the other tables makes sure of it—but I can’t help wondering if one of the other nobles notices my discomfort at the king’s closeness—not that I shy away from him. I know better than to do that, but the tension doesn’t leave my body until Erina leans back in his chair and picks up his fork when a servant places a plate of fish and greens in front of him.

“Eat, Ayna. Who knows when’s the next time you’ll get a proper meal.” The way he says it informs me he has plans.

I do exactly as he says, eating the meal set in front of me with more enthusiasm than I feel. Any bit of strength I can gain will help me the moment I get out of here. IfKaira stays down in the dungeon any longer, she’ll lose even more weight and muscles, and it will be on me to drag her out of the palace. Because wewillescape. I won’t accept another outcome.

By the time we reach dessert, two women in sepia and turquoise dresses have started playing the abandoned harps, the music a blend of traditional Tavrasian songs and something more melancholic that I can’t place. I’d ask Erina, but he bends closer as he notices where my attention lies and explains, “The music of Dunai, the heart of the Southern Continent.”

It’s only then that I notice the two women have darker features than Tavrasian folks from even the most southern parts of the realm.

“Guestsfrom our southern neighbors,” Erina adds with a smirk, and I realize they might beguestsas much as I am. I don’t dare ask.

The way their fingers glide across the strings of their instruments is dizzying and exhilarating all at once, and for a moment, I wonder if this music holds magic of its own, a power that can’t be dulled by a drug made from Flame blood.

One of the players notices my stare, her black eyes snapping up without her fingers failing to continue the intricate melody. She inclines her head before turning to do the same with Erina.

I don’t know how long I listen to the music, escaping, if only in my thoughts, for a little while. In my mind, I conjure Myron’s face, his ocean blue eyes, his sharp features, silky black hair, the cords of muscles lining his arms and chest.The scent reminds me of wind and forest and freedom. As if in response, my shoulder tingles, and I can almost feel his touch on my skin. Heat flushes through my veins, and where weakness and fatigue reigned a moment ago, a sense of new strength fills me.

“Lady Wolayna.” The music has swept me away so thoroughly I barely notice Lady Andraya’s voice as she addresses me from the foot of the dais. “My apologies for disturbing you during this outstanding performance.” She curtsies briefly as I turn my focus on her. Today, the lady is dressed in a gown of bold azure and her neck loaded with thick golden necklaces and bracelets.

My gaze falls on my own wrist where a wide golden band hides my Fort Perenis tattoo.

“What is it you’d like to speak to my future wife about?” Erina inquires with less patience than any monarch should hold for his subjects.

Lady Andraya merely shakes her head. “I came to say goodbye. I’m needed back at home before the month ends, so I regret to inform you I won’t be able to attend your wedding.”

The strange thing about the situation is she is speaking only to me, even when her king is right next to me, demanding answers.

“What a shame I won’t see you in your wedding gown. I’m certain you’ll look even lovelier on your wedding day.” Her words are polite, cordial, but the expression in her eyes… Something about it is off, as if she is truly asking a question rather than paying me compliments.

“I can’t wait.” If only I could speak the truth. The way she keeps waiting, keeps her full attention on me while the rest of the room is captivated by the harp players, tells me there is more to it than a simple goodbye.

“It will be good to finally call her my wife,” Erina involves himself yet again in the conversation.

Graceful like a queen herself, Lady Andraya inclines her head at him and smiles. “I can imagine it will be a relief to finally call this lovely creature your own.”

Again, I don’t know if it’s only me, but I hear more meanings in her words than just what she says.

I can’t ask her for help in front of Erina. I can’t ask her for help at all, not even in a dark corner. If Erina ever finds out, he’ll make Kaira pay for my mistake. However, I can give her an indication that something is amiss. Just a tiny sign. Even if it won’t make a difference.

“I would have loved to see the ocean again before my wedding day,” I say as casually as I can manage.

Lady Andraya casts her gaze to the empty plate in front of me then to Erina, who is waiting on pins and needles for her response. He can’t hurt me here in the throne room in front of everyone, but he can hurt me later, have others hurt me for any word misspoken.

“I see.” It’s all the woman says before curtseying deeply to Erina. “Good luck, Your Majesty. You picked a beautiful wife. I hope you’ll be able to keep her.”

Before Erina can come up with a response, Lady Andraya strides away, crossing the room and vanishing out the door. I wait for Erina to call for the guards tostop her, to throw her in the dungeon, but all he does is stare—at me.

“The ocean?” His smile has slipped, and the wineglass in his hand seems forgotten.

I swallow the panic at what he might read into my silent cry for help. “I miss the waves and the endless blue on the horizon.” The shrug I muster is more to hide my shaking than because I feel it.

Erina dips his chin. “After the wedding, I’ll take you as a reward for being a good bride.”

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