Page 56 of Godsbane
“Yes, well, I was hoping that we could discuss this little trip of yours. I hardly think the Ascension Vote is any place for a woman.” Rollins doesn’t even try to hide his condescending chuckle as he speaks.
“Regardless of my sex, sir, I am the heir to the Emerald Region and I speak on behalf of our governor, as demanded by the Corinthian constitution. The very constitution that you are sworn to uphold.”
“Well, that may be, but—” Rollins starts, but I don’t let him finish.
“Surely you don’t suggest that one of our jeweled regions should not have a vote in determining the next monarch?”
“That’s not—” Rollins presses on, but I have to squash this now.
“To do so would be to position oneself as a king. Are you claiming the throne for yourself without the proper vote, Governor? Because that would be treason. Would it not, Captain?” I snap my head to Cal indicating the necessity of his response.
“It would,” Cal replies.
Men like Rollins will only ever recognize the authority of another man, and as much as I hate to play that card, I know how to use all the weapons in my arsenal.
“Leave it to a woman to always jump straight to hysterics.” Rollins gives an exasperated shake of his head at Kieran who nods in return. “Here I am, preparing to extend an invitation to be a guest in my home and she wants to accuse me of treason,” he scoffs loudly. “If it wasn’t the Lord General’s request, I would see you out on your ungrateful ass.”
“What did you say?” Surely I misheard his words. I cut my eyes to Cal, but if he’s surprised, his face doesn’t give it away.
“You’re familiar with Lord General Marks, aren’t you?” Kieran adds with a devious grin. “Who am I kidding? Of course you are, Poison Ivy.”
“The Lord General has honored us with a visit to Gathe. I am hosting a ball tonight to celebrate his illustriousness and, for some gods-unknown reason, he’s demanded thatyouattend. I’ve had my staff prepare rooms since he’s so eager to see both you and Captain Murphy. We can’t risk you being late again.”
Marks is here.
My stomach bottoms out, my vision tunneling as I fight to stay upright. Chilled air nips at my skin but does little to cool thesweat that beads at the nape of my neck. But I will not show fear in the presence of men who already think me weak.
“Miriam can show you the way, Ivy,” Kieran’s voice snaps me back to attention. “Captain Murphy, I have something I need to discuss with you in private.”
No one misses the sharp glare the governor gives his son. As if it’s a meeting of usurpers plotting to overthrow their oppressive masters rather than Kieran trying to schmooze his way into the Lord General’s good graces through his trusted captain.
“Lord General Marks has instructed me to ensure Lady Ivy’s safety at all times. I will need to inspect her room first before our meeting, Lord Rollins.” The casual lie, spoken with commanding authority, falls from Cal’s lips.
“Do you question my trustworthiness in my own home, Captain?” Governor Rollins’ voice booms through the chamber as he rises to his feet at the insult.
“It’s not a matter of trust, Governor. It’s a matter of following orders.” Cal responds quickly, never missing a step in the dance.
Rollins sits again in a loud huff before dismissing us with a wave of his hand.
“Oh, Ivy,” Kieran calls out before we cross the threshold. “I’ve had the staff place suitable attire for tonight in your wardrobe. I am so looking forward to seeing you in red.”
My stomach lurches again at the thought of wearing his color. A noble woman wearing the color of another region indicates only one thing: her intention to take a seat within that house.
As the named heir, Kieran is his father’s successor and the governor has made no secret about his search for a suitable bride for his son. Wearing red would be tantamount to accepting a proposal.
Intentional or not, Kieran has just revealed the true meaning behind his father’s summons. The governor and Marks are planning to force me into an alliance I would rather die than agree to.
But if it’s a symbol they want tonight, it’s a symbol they’ll get.
Leave it to Rollins to ensure we have to walk four flights of stairs before we’re permitted to enjoy any level of comfort within his home.
“Shall I wait for you out here, Captain?” The servant asks sweetly once we finally arrive at my room.
“No, that won’t be necessary. I can find my way back.”
“Anna will be by this evening to help you dress, my lady.” She bobs into a curtsy and scurries away before I can ask her not to call me that.
I turn to find Cal finishing a military-level sweep of the palatial room before I can even get the door closed.
