Page 231 of A Queen's Game
“They’re desperate to get her back and will do anything to do so,” he said. “And that includes meeting with me.”
For a moment, Valeriya could see how Wyltam’s plan could work out, how they could leverage Marietta against the Exisotis. The documents she received from them proved how close to the top she stood, but there was one problem. “I let Marietta escape,” she whispered, eyes wide.
“She didn’t escape,” he continued. “Wynn sent a message moments ago that Keyain apprehended her.” Wyltam paused, shifting forward to rest his forearms on his knees, staring at Valeriya. “But she leads to our main problem. The ministers know one of you is leaking information. Keyain will do anything to save her. He knows we captured you, Valeriya. He even sent word that you coerced Marietta to commit treason on your behalf.”
Valeriya scoffed at the ridiculous notion. “The girl wanted to help the Exisotis. I had not coerced her into working with me.”
“I know,” Wyltam said, “but your word means nothing against his. Most of the ministers are looking for any reason to rid the court of Marietta. This would give them their reason. Keyain was already desperate to help her and now that she’s carrying his child—”
“She’s not pregnant,” Valeriya said, cutting him off.
Wyltam’s eyes fluttered closed as he took a breath before regaining his emotionless expression. She had just thought the rumors surrounding him and Marietta were baseless at best. Given his reaction, what had she missed? “Regardless, Keyain will make sure the ministers find you guilty of treason. I’ll agree with him.
Katya jumped from her seat. “Wyltam, you promised—”
“Hush,” he demanded. Katya silenced herself with a look of fury. “Marietta needs to remain innocent—thus alive—in order to work with Enomenos. Charging her with treason, which would lead to her death, would only worsen our relations. They must find Valeriya guilty of it.”
“Valeriya has lost enough,” Katya yelled. “Let the half-elf die.” Beneath the anger was something sharper. Fear.
Wyltam’s features hardened on Katya. “Marietta’s survival means we could aid those in Satiros—”
“Let them all die! I don’t care.” Katya’s chest heaved as she met her stare. “Valeriya’s life isn’t worth that sacrifice. Not to me.”
Valeriya shook her head, remembering Wyltam’s words from months ago. “The life of one isn’t worth the life of many.”
Katya approached her. “Your life meanseverythingto me.” She leaned over Valeriya, bracing her hands on the back of the couch.
“But I can change everything forthem.” Valeriya raised her hand to cup Katya’s cheek, but she jerked away.
“Seven years and you’re altruistic as ever,” she spat, shaking her head. “Fuck them, fuck this city, and fuck anyone who thinks this is a good idea.” Her glare cut to Wyltam.
“Don’t be selfish,” Valeriya said, exasperated.
“Oh, I’m selfish?”
“Yes,” Valeriya snapped, “this isn’t about you or me. This is about changing—”
“There you go again about change! Just like before, back in Reyila.” Katya stared from eye to eye, her breathing heavy. “You want your fucking legacy! Change is more than a person.”
“But one person can bring about change.”
Katya laughed, shaking her head as she stepped back. Valeriya grabbed for her hand, folding it into her own. Tears streaked down Katya’s face as she glowered at the wall, her jaw set. “Your life is too much to give,” Katya said, her glare finding Wyltam again. “You promised you wouldn’t execute her.”
“I won’t,” he replied, his face remaining passive.
“But if she’s tried for treason—”
“Valeriya won’t be.” Wyltam stood, clasping his hands behind his back as he paced. “You two are to leave Satiros together. By fleeing, Valeriya will implicate her guilt. Both Valeriya and Marietta will live.”
Valeriya nodded her head. “That could work.” She looked up into Katya’s face. After all this time, they could finally be together.
“What’s so special about Marietta that the Exisotis want her?” Katya hissed. “Why must Valeriya give everything she worked hard to achieve?”
Wyltam remained with his back to them, then glanced over his shoulder at them. “She is more important than anyone realizes. She is our hope.”
And then Wyltam shared the truth about Marietta.
Chapter Ninety
