Page 135 of Of Spindles and Nightfall
A flash of relief and something softer lit her mother’s face. “Are you sure?”
“He chose me,” Aryana said quietly. “He gave up everything to protect me. He didn’t have to, but he did.”
Her mother stared at her for a long moment. “Then all the more reason you should go. That kind of loyalty is rare. Don’t let Fallor’s wrath cost you your life.”
Aryana let out a bitter laugh. She wasn’t sure why so much was pouring out now. Maybe because, despite the horrorsof the trials, she was finally free of her uncle’s grip, and this time, coming home, she wasn’t as broken. She was stronger. Zarathos had made her stronger.
“If Uncle is so ruthless,” she said, voice edged with steel, “how could you marry him so soon after Father’s death and give him the throne?”
Mother’s hand tightened on her arm, her expression earnest. “Your father was going to reunite with the demon kingdoms. He saw how the other demons from Kingdom Nocturne had been treated with no nation to back them, and he was in the middle of negotiations.”
Aryana stared at her. “Father was going to reunite with the demons?”
A fierce anger sparked in her mother’s crimson gaze. “But then your uncle happened.”
Aryana’s heart pounded in her ears. “What do you mean?
“It was your uncle who put Vallin in place to murder your father. After your father was killed, I suspected your uncle was behind it, and I was planning on acting against him, but then he came to me and demanded that I marry him and grant him access to the throne. Like hell I’d give it to him,” she snarled, her fingers curling inward as if she’d enjoy nothing better than to scratch out his eyes. “But then he threatened that if I didn’t he’d kill you. He’d taken you into his care after your father’s death, agreed to teach you how to fight. Had even taken you away to some training camp and I…I didn’t have a choice.” Her hands unfurled, and she looked at Aryana with despair. “There were so many times I yearned to rebel, to tell you everything, but every time I thought about it, you were there, under his wing. Then he showed me that doll. Thateffigyof you and it didn’t matter how far away you were, he could… could… I knew he hurt you and I wanted to kill him for that, but if I tried, he threatened to-to… I couldn’t let him take your life.”
“You married him to protect me?” All the years she had to put up with him knowing he’d killed her husband. Years Aryana had thought her mother was aloof and distant, that she didn’t care. She was really trying to shield Aryana from Uncle’s wrath.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” They had both suffered so much. Her mother’s love wasn’t perfect, but what love was?
“I know you, Aryana. If I told you, you’d come at him, and with the doll, with everything he held over you, I couldn’t risk that.” Her eyes pleaded with Aryana to understand. “It was silly and weak and—”
Aryana pulled her mother close. “Thank you.” The other woman had given up so much for her.
The queen stiffened in surprise, but then wrapped her arms around her daughter. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more.”
“You’ve done enough.” Aryana stepped back. “And you’re right, love isn’t always shown in ways we expect it to be. Perhaps Father loved me, in his own way.”
“He only ever wanted for you to be happy.” Mother wiped at her eyes. “You can’t face your uncle. His cruelty knows no bounds.”
“I must. I need to get the vampire piece of the scepter and return to the demon kingdoms.” She had to help Zarathos.
Fear and panic shone in her mother’s eyes, and she reached out, grasping Aryana’s arms. “You can’t. You can’t.”
She carefully pulled from her mother’s grasp. “I’m not leaving without the scepter piece. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it. Zarathos needs it, and I…” This had gone so far beyond bargains. Her voice softened when thoughts of her demon arch king came to her mind. “I need him.”
Her mother gazed at her in shock. “You’re in love with him.” Her jaw clenched and her shoulders squared and she nodded as if coming to a decision. “You’ve always been so damned determined. I was proud the day you recognized your uncle for the tyrant he was.”
“He never loved me or you.”
“I don’t think he did, but even if there is a part of him that does, that’s not what matters. The way he’s treated you and me is unforgivable.” Her gaze burned with fierceness. “Years I’ve spent in his shadow, and I suppose I’ve gotten used to hiding. But tonight we break free, you and I. Tonight we will destroy him.”
Chapter 45
Aryana
Aryana and her mother crept down the hall toward her father’s study. Guards no longer stood outside the door, but at the far end of the hallway. Her uncle had certainly moved the wards out farther. Her mother motioned for her to stay back and marched up to those standing watch.
“Queen,” they said, bowing.
“My husband would like to speak with you in the throne room immediately.”
The guards exchanged uncertain glances. “Your Majesty, our orders forbid us from leaving our post under anycircumstances.”
Her mother stood, her shoulders erect, showing her full height and regalness. “These are my husband’s orders and they are my orders. If you want to keep your position here in the palace, you will do as your queen commands.”
