Page 42 of The Umbra King

Those thoughts turned into thoughts of her mother, and hot tears pricked the corners of her eyes. She stood lost in thought, fighting the urge to cry at what herlife had become.

“Miss Raven.” Caius’ deep voice brought her back. The room had cleared out, and the shadows protecting her vanished. “Did you need something?”

As he closed the distance between them, she turned her head to discreetly wipe her cheeks before turning back to him. “Just waiting for everyone to scatter, so I’m not execute me as I leave.”

His movements ceased for the briefest moment before his arrogant demeanor returned. She may have imagined it. “Why are you crying?”

She stood taller. “I’m not crying.”

“Don’t lie to me,” he said in a low voice.

“I’m worried about my mother,” she snapped. “My apologies if my emotions have offended you,Your Grace.”

His eyes were not amused or cruel as he regarded her. “She is aSibyl, yes?”

She nodded. “Yes, but it doesn’t matter now.”

“It does to you.” He motioned to her tear-streaked face. “Is there someone to take care of her in your absence?”

Rory couldn’t stand the pity and answered by walking away. She expected shadows to stop her, but they didn’t. His voice did.

“I will send Samyaza to check on your mother.”

Her eyes watered as she turned to face him. “What?”

He stuck both hands in his pockets and lifted his gaze. “I’ll send my commander to check on her. If she doesn’t have care, we’ll arrange it.”

Rory’s mouth moved wordlessly, and her skin felt clammy. “Why would you do that? Is this a trick?”

Caius’ face darkened. “I am not the heartless man you believe me to be. Your mother should not suffer for your transgressions.”

Involuntarily, her body moved forward, but she stopped herself. The instinct to hug him was strong. “Thank you.” It was all she could manage without making a fool of herself.

She thought everyone exceptRoyalslost their memories after leaving Vincula. MaybeAngelswere an exception, or perhaps the kingwas lying. If it was a ploy to make her suffering worse, she would kill him on the spot and hope someone would put her soul in a jar next to Cora’s.

Rory’s armthreaded through Bellina’s that evening as they made their way across the palace courtyard. It was Rory’s first time “going out” with her new friends, and she hated to admit she was nervous.

Her outfit was simple, consisting of jeans, a black top, and black heeled boots. Despite being able to see the king in color, everything else was still in grey-scale, meaning her wardrobe stayed basic. She braided her hair back in two simple braids in the event someone tried to attack her because loose hair was a weakness when fighting.

Bellina bumped her body into Rory’s as they walked. “There is nothing to be worried about. No one will mess with you.”

Rory side-eyed her. “You don’t know that.”

“No onein our groupwill mess with you,” Bellina amended. “If anyone says anything, we’ll leave.” Bellina nodded to the guard at the gate as they left the palace grounds.

One of Rory’s braids fell over her shoulder as she shook her head. “Absolutely not. If I need to leave, I will, but under no circumstances will I allow you to ruin your night.”

Bellina patted Rory’s arm. “You are not my boss, my mother, or my wife. Therefore, you can’t tell me what to do.”

Rory smiled to herself. “Thanks, B.”

Bellina pointed to a large building down the street. “There’s the bar. Let’s get drunk.”

Steppinginto the bar was like stepping into another realm. A band played loud music in the back, people were everywhere, and what must have been hundreds of lanterns hung from the ceiling.

“Could you imagine having to refill the oil and light all of those?” Rory said to Bellina. “I would rather scrub the ovens again.”

“Be careful what you wish for, butcher bitch,” Nina’s voice said from a few feet away. “Or maybe you want to watch again?”

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