Page 116 of A Blightress of Wrath
“Thedaughter of theBaronleavingFelgrenafter all these years to join us inHyrithia,” he remarked. “I’mwondering why.”
Thevinstepped closer to my side. “That’sfor theFourand the commanders to discuss, not for you to wonder.”
“Mytime spent fighting this war would say otherwise,” he countered, flicking his gaze back toThevin.
Ifelt the tension strike quickly between them, curious if the subtle animosity was from my leavingFelgrenor something from their past.
Ibroke the silence, folding my arms across my chest. “Areyou also aRunner, then?”
Mavrynnodded, tilting his head and giving me a wolfish smirk. “ThatIam.AndImust say, it is good to learn that you are real, and we do have a reason this war has been raging for so long.Allover a pretty girl who smells of—”Hecasually leaned in, taking a big whiff through his nose. “Pineand sea, is it?”
Shockedat his wordsIhuffed a nervous laugh, butThevin’sanger rose swiftly.
HepushedMavrynback, stepping in front of me. “That’senough.Youreek ofBlight,Mav.Getsomething to eat and wash up because your manners are fucking terrible.”
Mavrynheld up his hands in defeat, falling back and laughing, “Imeant no offense to the girl.Justas happy to see her as you are.”Hewinked atThevinand gave me a sweeping bow before walking away, greeting others in the crowd.
“Fuckingasshole,”Thevinmumbled, watching him go.
“Hey,”Icalled, pulling at his shoulder to face me. “Ihate to say it after you just defended me, but,”—Iruffled his dirty golden curls at the top of his head—“you don’t smell so great yourself.”
Chapter52
Thevin
Thecleverly namedmap room was indeed a room of maps.Oneenormous one lay across a wide table, providing the topographical elements of the entire isle.Moremaps were rolled up and shoved into baskets along the walls, sharing shelves of books aboutHyrithia’shistory.
TheBlighthadn’t touched a few rooms in the castle, this one included, though that didn’t save it from the ravaged dishevelment of becoming a council room in a time of war.
Iheaved a sigh, waiting for the council to begin the meeting which would provide us higher ranking officers with our next tasks before theDimming.
Saelynspoke quietly with theHandlessKing—who turned out to be her damneduncle—next to the tall fireplace.Myparents had left out that little detail, including that they had trained with him when they were channelers inFelgren.
Everyoneimportant to the cause was here, myself likely the least important one of all.Lannaconversed withMadameZoreyahand a beautiful woman with the same umber skin and the same tattoos.Iassumed it must be her first daughter and heir.
Therewere a few more faces of commandersIrecognized.OnewomanIdid not know spoke withClairannia, stealing glances atBaronKaruswho stood near the topographical map, chewing on her bottom lip relentlessly.
TheBaron’sblack eyes rose from the illustrated trees ofFelgrenForest, and she caught my stare.Tuckingher hands into the pockets of her skirts, she stepped around the table, joining me in the shadowed corner.
“Thevin,” she greeted kindly.Thoughwe rarely interacted, she’d always been pleasant to me and welcoming in my arrival at her forest every summer to steal her daughter away on adventures.
Iinclined my head, straightening my posture and forcing my own hands into my pockets. “Goodafternoon,BaronKarus.”
“Iam happy to see you unharmed from this morning.”
“Youas well,”Iresponded, squeezing my scarred hand in my pocket and stealing a glance at her daughter.
TheBarondidn’t miss it and turned her head toSaelynas well, saying, “Ididn’t thank you…for staying withSaelynafterItold her about her father.”
Icleared my throat and said, “She’smy best friend.Iwould do anything for her.”
Thetiniest glint of humor crossed her face before disappearing altogether, and she continued. “Iknow you would.It’swhyIneed to ask something of you.”
“AsaRunnerunder your command,Ifollow your orders.”
Sheshifted on her feet in unease.Takinga deep breath she met my stare, softly replying, “Ido not ask you asBaron,Iask you asSaelyn’smother.”
Ifrowned.Ididn’t like where our conversation had led, andIstole another glance atSae.Shelaughed at something theKinghad said, and he chuckled along with her. “Whatdo you ask of me, then?”Iquestioned, looking back into her eyes, black as an abyss.
