Page 52 of A Fate so Cruel

“It’ll be fine.”

“Withdraw.”

“No.”

“Rion, you can’t seriously be considering this. It’s unethical and unheard of. I don’t know what’s going through Alec’s head, but—”

“The citizens are rallying against him because of me.”

“That's no—”

“It is,” he leveled her with a stare. “And threatening him is the same as threatening you.” Which he most certainly wouldn’t tolerate. “They plan to use this mission not only to eliminate the rising faction but to prove my loyalty to the High Lord.”

“You don’t need toproveanything.”

“Don’t I? The world perceives me as a monster. Perhaps painting a different picture will change a few things.”

She went silent and placed a finger on her bishop, rocking the piece back and forth before saying, “I never should have let you take the blame.” He didn’t respond. They’d had this conversation a million times. He never budged on the matter.

“I’ve been thinking—”

“No.”

“You didn’t even let me finish. It’s not right for everyone to keep blaming you for something you didn’t do.”

“It wouldn’t change anything and you know it.”

“It might.”

“Saoirse,” he sighed. “Their opinions of me won’t change no matter what you say. There’s no point in dragging your name down, too. They’ll probably just think you’re trying to protect me anyway.”

“Alec would know the truth. The council would know the truth. Then maybe you could join in on the meetings and—”

She stopped talking when he shook his head. “The only thing the truth will accomplish is tainting your reputation. You might even lose your position at Alec’s side. If you lose their trust, then any move you make in the future will be met with doubt. Alec might even be forced to imprison you and have you tried.”

She shrugged. “He wouldn’t let it escalate that far. Besides, I’ve sat in a cell before. It’s not that bad.”

His voice turned icy. “I’d tear the whole damn palace apart before you spent ten minutes in a cell.”

“It’s not—”

“I couldn’t handle it,” Rion finished. “Besides, you still have to find our mother.”

Saoirse looked away at that and finally sighed. “Fine, after Mom, then. When I bring her home, will you finally let me tell Alec the truth?”

Rion stared at his sister and the silver lining her eyes. His mouth had gone dry all over again. “Do you think she’ll—”

“She won’t think anything of it. You’re her son.” A smile spread across Saoirse’s face. “And arguably her favorite.”

Rion smirked at that. “I was just a kid.”

“A very cute kid that she hid away from all the cruel things in life.”

“It always irked Father.” His smile faded. “Do you think she knew?”

Saoirse finally moved a piece on the board. “It’s hard to say.”

Silence again.

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