Page 19 of Ironhold, Trial Four

“Why wouldn't I?” Alaric’s voice comes from the doorway. He steps into the gallery space. “After all, I've gained somuchglory.”

“But you've also been made to fight people who didn't have a choice about it,” Rowan points out.

“And the arena is filled with corruption,” I say. “So many of the nobles use it as a place just to play gameswith one another. To try to manipulate one another.”

Alaric shrugs. “I'm not saying it's perfect. Just that it's glorious. You must agree with that, or why would you come to look at all the statues? Do you have a favorite, Lyra? Or you just go with whichever catches your eye?”

For a second, I suspect that Alaric isn't talking about the statues. His jealousy has always been hard to ignore.

Alaric advances, and Rowan moves to intercept him. I must leap between the two of them before anything happens, before this turns to violence.

“Valerian,” I say. “My favorite is Valarian. Please, you two… we’re meant to be allies.”

Alaric’s eyes widen in surprise briefly, presumably that I know the name, but I got it from Vex on one of my visits here.

The statue is half hidden by the others. It is of a woman sitting on a pile of slain beasts as if they are a throne. Vex told me the history: that she was a great beast whisperer, but a cruel one, who was able to get beasts to rip out their own throats if she wanted.

Briefly, Alaric looks as though he might still fight with Rowan, but he stops himself. I don’t think it’s just because I gave him an answer to his question. I broke up the moment, butI know that it’s at least partly because he knows that fighting within Ironhold is forbidden.

Both he and Rowan calm themselves with an effort.

“I guess that makes sense,” Alaric says, as if the two of them were never on the verge of violence. “Although if you were to ask people today who the most famous beast whisperer of the colosseum has been, I suspect it might be your name that they say. You have achieved real fame, Lyra. I suspect they don't even say my name in quite such hushed tones.”

“It must be hard for you to admit that you're not as well liked as someone,” Rowan says.

“I console myself with the fact that they hardly say your name at all,” Alaric replies. “Except among certain groups of noble women, wondering which will be the first to bed you. My understanding is that Lady Tyra is trying to persuade them to take bets on it.”

I see Rowan wince at the mention of his former mistress, especially since we all knowthat she still has some leverage over him, since she has his sisters. It's a low blow.

“Lyra, we've found Alaric. I'll leave the two of you alone,” Rowan says. He’s obviously worried that if he stays, there will be a fight.

“You don't need to go,” I insist.

“I do,” Rowan replies. “I really do.”

He turns and leaves Alaric and me alone in the gallery. I look over at Alaric, trying to make it clear I'm not pleased with him and the way he's acting at the moment.

“Did you have to do that?” I say. “To drive Rowan away like that!”

“Well, it means we can be alone,” Alaric says. “Why was he even with you? Were you giving him the tour or just looking for a place to be with him?"

He seems determined to hide everything behind his mask of sarcasm and cynicism. To not show his feelings.

“This is serious, Alaric,” I say. “Rowan was with me because I'm in danger. Do you know what happened in my fight?”

Alaric shakes his head. “I was… I finished my fight and then…”

“You were with your mother,” I say.

“My father wasn't home so I got to spend the day at the family villa,” Alaric replies. He looks worried now. “What happened in your fight?You don't seem injured. Some trick set up by Lord Darius and Lady Selene?”

I shake my head. “They were the ones who saved me.”

“Saved you?” Alaric says. “What do you mean?”

“Callus, the gladiator I fought? He isn't a null. Instead he's some kind of assassin, he drains the life from his victims with a touch. The emperor thinks he's been sent after me.”

“So he's been thrown into a cell or executed?” Alaric says.

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