Page 19 of Antiletum
“Don’t think for a moment,” I say, “that I didn’t notice that the flare of our joined necromancy at our wedding brought theNoctuaHeartstone back to life.” I scarcely believe I allowed myself to finally admit it out loud. Far too frightened of what might come from such an act, I didn’t even tell Tabitha.
Afraid of how good, howright, it felt when it happened. When my husband learned exactly what I can do. Whatwecan do together. Afraid of Parliament finally learning the secret that my family held so dear.
With a scowl, he replies, “I would never dream of insulting your intelligence or awareness in such a grievous way.”Valsounds insulted. Completely incensed that I thought he would underestimate me so.
“And you think Parliament won’t have something to say about this?”
“Oh, they absolutely will. But we are only to be blamed so much. They sanctioned our union.” Val gives me a smug grin. “Your parents were the ones who lied about you being a grower at your showing and made your magic a secret.”
“But I knew what I am. What you are. Necromancers.” My stomach would probably heave its contents on the floor if I tried to add anything more to it right now.
Though I hadn’t met Val before that night in theStrigiForest, I’d certainly heard of him. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued by another necromancer, and one using it so openly. Being admired despite his gift that calls to death. Or maybe because of it.
“You are not accustomed to the intricate true inner workings of court or Parliament. Everyone knows you were kept separate from that life despite what Rainah’s fate was to be as future Lady. You were also blindsided with an unexpected marriage in the midst of losing your home and your family. In the midst of your grief. You will be blamed for nothing, Delaney.” Val’s stare is so serious it makes my heart hurl into my throat. “You are entirely innocent, and as I have already told you, I will do anything and everything to ensure that is never, ever questioned. Not by Parliament. Not by anyone.”
Trembles begin to wrack through my body. I think I’m on the verge of a breakdown. One he would undoubtedly comfort me through.
In an attempt to gain some semblance of control in the situation, in myself, I say, “How very strange that two necromancers who were never meant to be in our position have ended up here regardless.”
“Is it strange?” Val asks before taking a small sip of his coffee, giving me a questioning stare. “Some might call it destiny.”
A cold, trickling sensation works its way down my back.
“Is all of this supposed to be helping me to trust you more?” I ask, having a hard time swallowing everything he’s saying.
A brief glimmer of what could possibly be insecurity flashes over his face. Before I can pickthatapart, Val stands, his chair legs screeching across the floor. He rounds the table, bends down with his cheek against mine and whispers darkly against the three diamonds he reverently placed in my ear, “Oh, Delaney, I never argued that you should.”
He then places the gentlest of kisses against my cheek, his lips full, soft, and warm.
Before I can react or respond, he’s leaving my room, calling to me without turning back, “We are going to the city tomorrow.”
Val stops at the door, that hand lost in his pocket. The outline of his fist clearly grips whatever is inside, that gesture again not failing to pique my curiosity. Really, I very much want to know what he grasps for with such desperation.
Turning fully to me, he says, “I will warn you only once, Delaney. I am a persistent man with no qualms about doing what’s necessary to make what I want happen. We will resume our daily breakfasts when we reach The Citadel.”
And then he’s gone, leaving me reeling.
5
Read it yourself, your excellency
Val
“They’re pissed,my Lord.”
Mallin tosses an opened letter with a distinct wax seal on my desk with an offensiveplop. Doubled with his statement, I’m certain the letter is the beginning of my reprimand from Parliament.
Wonderful. Perhaps I will start correlating bad news with the appearance of my dearest friend.
Fingers pressed into my temples, I respond, “As we knew they would be.”
Beyond the rasp of my voice, footsteps and stern orders echo outside of my office. The ever-present happy sounds of summer birds chirping on the manor grounds doesn’t fit the overall energy today.
The manor has been a flurry of motion and straight pandemonium since I announced our early departure back to Omnitas. What’s the point in staying? Especially when there is no honeymoon period as I had assumed there would be.
No slow days lazing on the grounds, dropping fruit into Delaney’s smart little mouth, talking for hours while we bask in the sun. No stolen moments amongst the trees with my wife’s skirts hiked aroundher waist, whispering words of adoration and pure filth in her ear while I’m pushed deep inside her. Not caring if anyone happens upon us, too needy for one another to make it back to our marriage bed.
Our cold, lonely marriage bed.
