Page 97 of Riftborne
As I approached the familiar reflective glass, the front door crept open, and I heard Laryk’s voice.
“Inside. Now,” he said sharply.
I sighed and stepped through, making my way over to the bench.
“What did you do, Fia?” he said, a cutting edge to his voice.
“I–erm–don’t know what you’re–”
“Bullshit.” He shook his head and paced to the other side of the room.
“You took control of Baelor Soleil’s mind,” he said quietly. I couldn’t help but notice the tiny sliver of pride in his voice.
“I didn’t mean to,” I mumbled.
“And you did it in front of a hundred members of the Guard,” he stated, facing me again. His eyes looked tired, worn. They didn’t glow with their usual emerald sheen.
“So, what does that mean?” I asked, swallowing my nerves.
“Clearly, there are going to be those who view you as a threat. Both within the Nobility and the Guard. That will want you dead.” His voice was harsh and low.
“I don’t even really know how I did it, I mean–”
“It doesn’t matter. We can’t let anyone believe the validity of the rumors.” He turned towards the wall, placing his forehead in his hand.
What?
“But as you already mentioned, one hundred people saw it with their own eyes,” I said slowly, bile rising in my throat.
“Baelor is denying it. He said it never happened. You’re incredibly lucky that he was your target that evening. People actually believe the words of a General’s son even if they don’t want to,” he murmured, facing me. “Rumors have a way of morphing as they move through the masses. We will take advantage of that.” He paced back toward me, crossing his arms. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“That I should lie?”
“Exactly. You had been drinking. You felt emboldened. You wanted to scare the shit out of the boy and told him to apologize, perhaps with a bit too much intimidation. He bolted. That’s all you know. Leave it at that.”
I paused. I still wasn’t processing everything he was saying.Why was he doing this?
“He attacked Osta. Will there be no repercussions for that?” I asked quietly.
“We have to choose our battles wisely now, Fia. He’s already been demoted. We just need to ride this out. I can’t push too far, not with who his family is.”
I turned my head and simply nodded.
“I’ve already spoken to the other Generals. Assured them what actually happened. What I told you. As long as they believe it, and your story matches Baelor’s, we shouldn’t have anything to worry about,” he said, taking a seat next to me.
“But why?” I asked, squinting.Why was he doing this?
“Because if the King finds out about this, I don’t think it will be pleasant for you. Sydian is a great man, but I don’t think he would turn a blind eye to the only person who could hold power over him.”
“But why are you protecting me? I’m sure you’re breaking an oath in order to do this. Why would you risk it?” I urged.
He glanced over at me, quickly locking eyes before diverting his attention to the other side of the room.
“You’re too important. It’s worth the risk.” He sighed, running his hand through his long copper locks. “I don’t particularly enjoy the situation you’ve put us in.”
“Buthow?” I asked, “How can you break a blood oath?”
“Don’t worry about that. There are so many things I can’t yet tell you, Fia. I just need you to trust me as you’ve done before. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. If you don’t believe anything else I’ve ever told you, at least believe that.”
