Page 242 of A Queen's Game
Marietta nodded. It was the confirmation she needed. She could head back with Keyain to the palace, and with her new powers, she would free Tilan.
Keyain paced in the antechamber, wearing metal plate armor of Satiroan green marked with the wisteria crest. “The King’s summons came five hours ago. I won’t ask again,” he growled. “Where is Marietta?”
The doorway to the front framed Keyain, making him glow in the dim of the interior. His back-lit silhouette was ominous, with the cacophony of voices beyond. Ambient calls carried up the temple steps, echoing in the temple. Some chanted; others yelled. All Marietta could discern was the unrest in their tones.
Coryn leaned closer to her. “You must leave with Keyain,” he murmured in her ear as they approached, “but they can’t lay a hand on you now without serious consideration. Nosokyma will petition on your behalf, but we don’t know how long that will take.”
They paused at the precipice of the antechamber, hidden by the hall’s shadows. In front of them stood a line of Therypon’s attendants, adorned in armor and brandishing their swords.
“No matter what happens, we’ll be there to support you.” Coryn wrapped his arms around Marietta, pulling her close. “May Therypon guide your way.”
“Thank you,” she whispered into his chest, surprised at the lack of fear in her voice. “For everything you have done and what you have yet to do.” She stepped back with her hand clasped in his. Coryn smiled, a hint of his dimple showing, and she nodded her head.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Coryn said, stepping into the light. The attendants stepped aside, letting Coryn stand among their ranks. Marietta remained hidden, waiting for him to call her.
Keyain’s head whipped to Coryn at the sound of his voice. “Where is she?” he ground out, taking a step forward.
“Where is who, Minister Keyain?” Coryn asked with mocking confusion.
“I don’t have time for this bullshit.” Keyain stomped forward, and the attendants raised their weapons.
“Of course, you’re a busy male,” Coryn said. “If you state your business, then we can send you on your way.”
Keyain stepped close to him, his jaw tight and his chest heaving. “Where is Marietta?”
“Ah, that’s why you’re here.”
Keyain took a steadying breath as his face slipped into a sneer. Of course, Coryn was taunting him. Marietta felt nervousness pull at her stomach as she watched Keyain’s mood further deteriorate.
“King Wyltam summoned Marietta Vallynte to the palace,” Keyain continued. “And I came to escort her.”
“You talk as if she doesn’t share your last name,” Coryn said with furrowed brows. “Is she not your wife?”
“Yes, she’s my wife,” Keyain snapped.
Coryn looked over his shoulder at Marietta, beckoning her forward. “You best remember that as you march her to her demise.”
Marietta approached his side, wearing the bright blue uniform of Therypon. Coryn placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.
Keyain’s sneer dropped, his jaw slacking. He stared at her neck, the twin snakeheads that now climbed up her skin. With a heavy breath, he stared at her as if she were a ghost, at a loss for words.
“Marietta Vallynte, newest to the ranks of Therypon’s Iros,” Coryn announced. “Goddess-chosen and protected by the divine.”
The attendants of the blockade dropped back their heads, their faces turning towards the ceiling. “Goddess, bless those who brandish your mark,” they murmured in unison.
Keyain shook his head, scrubbing his face. “You’ve ruined her.”
“Says the male who upended her life and put her in this position.” Coryn’s hand fell from her shoulder. “You chose to wed Marietta and to bring her Satiros. All the blame falls to your shoulders.”
Keyain’s features twisted with rage. “You—”
“Enough,” Marietta called out, her voice ringing in the antechamber.
Keyain’s words died on his lips as Marietta stepped toward him, staring into his face.
“What did you do?” he whispered, his breaths sharp.
Marietta lifted her chin higher, looking at Keyain from head to toe. “I saved myself.”
