Page 192 of A Queen's Game
“Easy there, you’re going to bruise me if you squeeze any tighter.”
His hands loosened, but his jaw remained taught. “Why is he here?”
“Don’t worry about him. Just enjoy this moment with me.” Marietta placed her head on his chest, letting the music carry them. How easy it was to pretend they were in Kentro, that Marietta still helped businesses and Keyain remained a mystery.Those days were forever gone, and she knew better than to dwell in the past. It was time to let them go.
The song ended, the pace picking up with a new tune, forcing Keyain to dance faster. She smiled at him, remembering when she finally got him to dance back when they traveled. It had taken a few months and alcohol, of course, but he would dance. It seemed silly that such a prominent politician would be self-conscious. A voice yelled over the crowd, announcing the last call at the bar.
“Is it that late already?” she asked, wiping sweat from her brow.
“It’s been hours, Marietta,” Keyain grumbled.
She laughed, stepping off the dance floor. “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
“Right, fun.” Keyain waved down Amryth, still with Deania, who gave her a quick hug before darting back into the crowd. At the door, Wynn and the other guards fell into step as they left the tavern.
The summer night was refreshing compared to the stuffiness inside of the crowded tavern. Keyain didn’t send for a carriage, which Marietta was thankful for as she leaned against Amryth, walking the streets of Satiros. That evening was her reset—her reminder of the freedom, of the life she had prior, a reminder for why she worked with the Queen, getting information for the Exisotis.
Life with Keyain would end—likely her friendships at court, too. Perhaps Elyse would want to leave Satiros, if not going to Chorys Dasi with her dashing man. With Amryth, they could turn their backs on the crown and live in Enomenos together.
Marietta could return to Olkia with the friends who helped heal her heart, who made her jail cell feel like home. She could imagine showing them all the sights of Enomenos. Elyse wouldlove the artistry in Olkia, and Amryth would love the taverns in Kentro.
Perhaps, after everything, Marietta would come out stronger. Yes, losing her husband shattered her heart, her resolve, but she’d come back more resilient than before, proving that Keyain couldn’t break her. To show that Satiros could not break Enomenos.
Grysella was right; Marietta was a martyr, and she would make herself the symbol Enomenos needed.
Chapter Seventy-Four
Marietta
Energized by the different people she met, danced, and sang with, Marietta felt sure of herself. Confident. Amryth walked arm in arm with her, both giggling at Wynn’s jokes, most at Keyain’s expense. If his mood at the tavern was dour, it only further deteriorated while returning to the palace. Even a few of his guards couldn’t hold back their snickering. If only she had met Wynn sooner.
The palace was only a few blocks from The Snapdragon. Keyain navigated them towards the main gate, leading the party with a scowl. Flanking the palace’s entrance were two female forms, hair twisted into branches, like statues guarding the sculpture garden. Except they scaled higher than any person or tree that Marietta had seen and reached above the wall’s height.
Beyond it rose the white stone of the palace. Columns were carved into the side of the soaring walls. In between were trees that spanned five stories chiseled to look like old, gnarled wood. Marietta squinted as they made their way up the steps, seeing a face etched in with the bark texture. Enamored by the details, she nearly ran into Keyain’s back, Amryth pulling her back at the last second. Reaching behind, Keyain grabbed for her wrist and dragged her to his side.
Marietta struggled from his grip. “What are—” The words died in her throat as she saw him. Dressed in all black, King Wyltam stood at the entrance with hands tucked into his pockets. “About time you returned, Keyain,” he drawled.
“It would’ve been sooner if—”
“That’s enough. Wynn?” he asked.
Wynn approached the King, leaning to speak into his ear. King Wyltam nodded, his gaze landing on Marietta. Maybe it was the alcohol altering her perception, but a smile hinted at his lips. Her heart skipped a beat.
“Interesting,” the King said as Wynn stepped back. “Amryth, follow Wynn. He has a few questions for you.”
Without hesitation, Amryth clamped her fist over her heart and bowed her head. “Of course, my King.”
The guards didn’t make it past the grand foyer before Keyain snapped again. “I need to get her inside, Wyl.”
“You need to meet with your team. The Exisotis made a move while you were out.” The King walked towards them with an unhurried pace. “I suggest you take the rest of your guards and learn what happened.”
“After I get Marietta to our room.” Keyain jerked her forward, but she resisted.
The King tilted his head. “I’ll be more than happy to escort Marietta. You have a duty to our city-state to—”
“I have a duty to my wife.” Keyain’s grip tightened on her wrist. Marietta hissed, trying to pull out of his hold again.
The King’s expression darkened, anger slipping from his expressionless mask. “Go now, Keyain, or I will make an example of what happens when people challenge my authority.”
