Page 56 of Kingdom of Ashes & Bone
Zion blushed, and Zariah grinned. “They have to be extremely tight to shift with us; almost like a second skin.”
Huh. At least that would be a handy skill when they had to shift in front of others.
“The curse was broken on the Nobles when you defeated our mother, Mari,” Zion began. “The primas and the wives of the Nobles reported that all the afflicted who hadn’t yet completed the shift into demons shed all of their ashy skin and were completely cured. There will never be a reaping again, though I suggested every child be brought up to the Seat to learn if he or she wishes it. This is something our father will ensure is carried out.”
My throat tightened. “I … I see.”
The king would finally be able to make the changes he’d foreseen all those years ago when he’d married the queen. No longer a stud horse, he would work to ensure things were the way they should be. And the people would trust him, as a former mud boy.
My friends would recover, no longer having to deal with demons for husbands. It was a win-win.
“I … I just …”
“It’s ok. We understand this is your home.” Zion’s voice was steady, but his face twitched with emotion. Zariah flat out looked devastated.
Tears leaked down my face. When have I ever cried this much? It had started in the tunnels, and it felt like I hadn’t stopped since. “I won’t—”
“You do what she wants,” Zion grit over his brother, his eyes flashing gold for a brief moment.
And for the first time that I’d ever seen, Zariah backed down to his twin brother.
“Stop being ridiculous. Of course I’m coming with you. I think. I’m pretty sure.” I paused, my heart hurting. “Can I …? I need to talk to my mother first.”
The hope that flared in their eyes hurt almost as much as the thought of leaving my mother and my friends behind.
Zariah took my hand in his. “Of course you can visit your mother, flower. Let’s go.”
ChapterSixteen
My brother wasn’t standing guard outside my mother’s room this time, which I took as a positive sign. Zion pushed open the door without bothering to knock.
“Hey! Who—Oh. It’s you.” My brother stood from where he’d been clearly dozing on a chair, his robes askew and his voice already grating on my nerves. “She isn’t up for any visitors. Even the royal ones.”
Zion’s eyes narrowed, and Zariah’s grip on my hand tightened. “Mari has come to say goodbye.”
“She isn’t—”
Zion and Zariah pushed past my brother’s efforts and wrenched open the large oak doors that must have led to the main bedroom. A blonde head gasped and whirled around when we entered, and I dully registered it was Leilani. My eyes, however, were stuck on the emaciated figure lying in bed.
“Mom!”
I pushed Zariah’s arms away and ran to her side, uncaring as I nearly knocked Leilani over in the process.
“What’s wrong with her? What’s happened? Why didn’t you tell me?”
My hands fluttered uselessly over my mother, unsure where I could even touch her. Her hair had turned nearly white since I’d last seen her, and she’s gotten so much thinner. Hadn’t anyone been feeding her here?
“I wanted to tell you. I wanted to leave to find you, but I also didn’t want to leave her alone with him….” Leilani’s voice wobbled. Zariah helped her off the ground, and she brushed her dress off with efficient strokes.
I took a few deep breaths. I wasn’t angry at Leilani. In fact, I wasn’t angry at all. I was terrified.
“Freesia told me you had taken charge of her!” I stomped over to Ess and put a finger in his chest. He winced in pain, and jerked away.
“There wasn’t much left to take care of!” he protested. “She was like this when I got here! This girl took over anyway and made me stay out here. It isn’t my fault!”
Leilani stood, radiating indignation. “You weren’t changing her! She was getting bedsores! Haven’t you ever cared for anyone sick before?”
I blinked at the change that had come over my friend. I’d never seen her this impassioned about anything before in my entire life.
